Public Accounts committee  For information, if I could first refer to page 1,051 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice, second edition, this is a section that has to do with the decision-making process in committee: The Standing Orders do not require that notice be given before moving a motion in committee.

Public Accounts committee  There have been cases where committees, faced with the refusal of a witness to appear following the serving of a summons, have reported to the House thereon. In the current circumstances, although the committee has made a number of efforts to reach the witness, all have been unsuccessful.

Public Accounts committee  It's in the hands of the committee if the members feel that, notwithstanding the fact that no effort to reach the witness has been successful, this constitutes somehow an avoidance of the invitation or summons of the committee, or a disinclination to agree to the committee's invitation to appear.

Public Accounts committee  The committee adopted the motion of Mr. Bains on October 21. On October 28, material provided by the Department of Public Works and Government Services was distributed to the committee. I have copies here if members do not have their copies with them. The material distributed consisted of an e-mail and an attachment, including details of all contracts relating to the work on the West Block.

Public Accounts committee  Yes.

Public Accounts committee  Honourable members, good morning. I see a quorum. We can now proceed to the election of the chair. In accordance with Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the official opposition. I'm ready to receive a motion to that effect. Mr. Saxton.

Public Accounts committee  It has been moved by Mr. Saxton that Mr. Volpe be elected chair of the committee. Are there any further motions? D'autres motions? No? There being no further motions, I declare Mr. Volpe duly elected chair of the committee. Before inviting him to take the chair, if the committee wishes, we will now proceed to the election of the two vice-chairs.

Public Accounts committee  It's been moved by Mr. Volpe that Mr. Kramp be elected as first vice-chair of the committee. There being no further motions, I declare Mr. Kramp duly elected first vice-chair of the committee. I'm now prepared to receive motions for second vice-chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the second vice-chair must be an opposition member from a party other than the official opposition.

Public Accounts committee  There being no further motions, I declare Mr. Christopherson duly elected second vice-chair. I now invite Mr. Volpe to take the chair.

Public Accounts committee  I was provided one copy of the opening remarks, which I was told was to be given to the interpreters, and I followed those instructions.

Public Accounts committee  When the steering committee adjourns, I return to my office and I begin to draft the steering committee report, and I seek an approval from the chair. Once all the necessary approvals, translations, and whatnot are in, I can finalize the report. So far this session, I have not managed to beat the clock, but I will try to do better.

Public Accounts committee  It has been moved by Mr. Lee that Mr. Murphy be elected as chair. Are there any further motions?

Public Accounts committee  Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion? (Motion agreed to) I declare the motion carried and Mr. Murphy duly elected chair of the committee.

Public Accounts committee  Honourable members, good morning. I see a quorum. We can now proceed to the election of the chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the official opposition. I'm ready to receive motions.

Public Accounts committee  I'm now prepared to receive motions for first vice-chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the first vice-chair must be a member of the government party. Ms. Faille, do you have a motion?