Environment committee  That's right. It would basically allow for something different--in this case, something substantively different, such as Mr. Cullen's motion--to be brought on in a way that would get around that sort of principle of the notice requirement that the committee has given itself.

Environment committee  I would also add that the citation is absolutely right. I could explain it in a different way. If, for example, we didn't have a motion brought forward by Mr. McGuinty today, and we hadn't been on committee business, and the only thing on our agenda was the consideration of the

Environment committee  You're right; there are different deadlines involved. The main estimates have been tabled, and they were referred to standing committee on, I believe, February 27. In terms of what the committee would need to do a study of the main estimates, we would have until towards the end o

Environment committee  If the committee chooses not to undertake a full study of the supplementary estimates, they're deemed reported back to the House automatically on the last day of the supply period; therefore, on March 26.

Environment committee  Since the motion proposed by Mr. Cullen falls under the rubric of committee business, which is what we're on right now while we're dealing with Mr. McGuinty's motion, it doesn't require the usual 24 hours' notice that the committee requires for most motions. Committee business t

Environment committee  You're right; however, under that rubric of committee business, and the fact that most issues that come before the committee in one way or another can be considered as committee business--such as asking the committee to consider a motion--Mr. Cullen's motion would fall under that

Environment committee  The wording of the amendment proposed by Mr. Cullen is: “That the Government of Canada bring forth an action plan addressing the recommendations made in the 2006 climate change report by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.”

Environment committee  The timeline challenges involve the fact that the supply period for this year ends on March 26, one week after the House comes back. It also relates to the fact that the last allotted day for this supply period, otherwise known as an opposition day, has not yet been designated by

Environment committee  No, ten minutes has been allocated for each presentation.

Environment committee  Yes. All those that I contacted wanted to come. Unfortunately, they were unable to come because of scheduling conflicts.

Environment committee  At least six to eight other individuals were contacted. Unfortunately, they could not come last Thursday or today. It's really a scheduling issue.

Environment committee  We've tried to contact all the witnesses whose names were suggested to us. Unfortunately, the short notice given for the two meetings that we had didn't enable the other witnesses to appear before the committee.

Environment committee  I'm now prepared to receive motions for the election of the first vice-chair.

Environment committee  Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the first vice-chair must be a member of the official opposition. It has been moved by Mr. Rota that Mr. Regan be elected as the first vice-chair of the committee. Are there any further motions? Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the

Environment committee  I declare the motion carried and Mr. Regan duly elected first vice-chair of the committee.