Canadian Heritage committee  Section 108(2) is general in nature and covers all activities undertaken by the Department of Canadian Heritage. According to this section, the committee is authorized to examine any question pertaining to this department. This is a general power, not a specific one.

Canadian Heritage committee  If the House were to prorogue before the trip, we cannot leave Ottawa, but if the House were to prorogue after the trip, the trip would then take place in September. It depends on the date the House prorogues. If the House does not prorogue before then, we'd go as planned.

Canadian Heritage committee  This is a request that the committee is making to the House. The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage is making a request to the task force. It's an expression of the committee's wish.

Canadian Heritage committee  Right.

Canadian Heritage committee  Do you want to change the title?

Canadian Heritage committee  If the committee wanted to hear more witnesses, that could be added during the process.

Canadian Heritage committee  For the operational budget, any budget under $40,000, there's a new rule. In the past, every budget, even it was $6,000, had to go to liaison to get the funds. But all committees request budgets under $40,000 all the time so as to minimize the red tape. The money's there, so it's automatically agreed—if it's under $40,000.

Canadian Heritage committee  For public hearings we need interpretation, console operators, me, the researcher. For public hearings, that's the minimum. It's standard for each committee.

Canadian Heritage committee  I did check, before coming this afternoon, about Wednesday's meeting, but that was at two o'clock. I don't know if in the meantime there were other notices posted, but at two o'clock there was one committee televising on Wednesday. The House facilities allow for two committees to be televised at the same time, so if there are no other notices for televising, we would have a chance on Wednesday.

Canadian Heritage committee  In this case the plaintiffs are as follows: the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, la Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones, la Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law, la Commission nationale des parents francophones and the Quebec Community Groups Network.

Canadian Heritage committee  The amount would cover the expenses of a number of witnesses. However, we still do not know how many witnesses might appear. For example, the cost of sending for two witnesses from Western Canada would be approximately $3,000 for each witness. Concerning the other issues under review, the committee will need a minimum amount to cover the costs of witnesses who will appear.

Canadian Heritage committee  That is to say that the budget will allow the committee to operate until it decides to undertake a broader study, which will require additional funds. The budget will allow us to hold a number of meetings and cover witnesses 'expenses.

Canadian Heritage committee  I see a quorum. We can now proceed to the election of chair. I'm ready to receive motions to that effect. Mr. Simms.

Canadian Heritage committee  Are there any other nominations? It is moved by Mr. Simms that Mr. Schellenberger be elected chair of this committee. Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion? (Motion agreed to)

Canadian Heritage committee  I declare Mr. Schellenberger duly elected chair of this committee. I will now proceed to the election of the first vice-chair of this committee. I am ready to receive motions for the vice-chair of this committee.