CHPC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:39 p.m. this day, in Room 269 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Scott Simms, it was agreed, — That Marlene Catterall be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of Deepak Obhrai, it was agreed, — That Gary Schellenberger be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Marc Lemay, it was agreed, — That Maka Kotto be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

The Committee proceeded to consider matters relating to its procedures and organization.

On motion of Gary Schellenberger, it was agreed, - That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Deepak Obhrai, it was agreed, - That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Deepak Obhrai, it was agreed, - That witnesses be given up to ten (10) minutes for their opening statement; that at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of the witnesses, there be allocated five (5) minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that in the second round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Conservative Party, the Bloc Quebecois and the Liberal; and that in the third round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Conservative Party, the Liberal and the New Democratic Party; and if time permits, in the fourth round five (5)minutes be allocated to the Conservative Party and the Liberal.

It was agreed, - That except for amendments to bills, 48 hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; and That the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members in both official languages. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee’s next meeting.

It was agreed, - That, pursuant to Standing Order lll(4), whenever an Order in Council appointment or a certificate of nomination for appointment is referred to the Committee, the Clerk shall obtain and circulate to any member of the Committee who makes a request a copy of the resume of each appointee.

It was agreed, - That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee. That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

It was agreed, - That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, - That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents only when they exist in both official languages.

It was agreed, - That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its subcommittees.

At 4:22 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.