PACP Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met in camera at 3:35 p.m. this day, in Room 209 West Block, the Chair, John Williams, presiding.

Robert Miller made a statement and answered questions.

Sheila Fraser made a statement and answered questions.

The Chair presented the First Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which reads as follows:

The Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts has the honour to present its

FIRST REPORT

Your Subcommittee met on Thursday, October 21, 2004 and agreed to make the following recommendations:

That the Standing Committee on Public Accounts host a luncheon for the French Secretary of State for Government Reform, Mr. Eric Woerth, and accompanying delegation on Thursday, October 28, 2004.

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 a member of the opposition.

That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization; provided that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives may be authorized by the Chair.

That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents only when they exist in both official languages and that no document from a witness be distributed without the Clerk's approval.

That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements for working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

That, forty-eight (48) hours' notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; and that the notice of motion be tabled in both official languages, filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members before consideration is given.

That the Committee meet on Tuesday, October 26 to discuss future business and as soon as conveniently possible for the purpose of studying the Public Accounts of Canada 2004 and the Main Estimates, Vote 20, under Finance.

That the evidence and documentation presented to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts during the 3rd Session of the 37th Parliament in relation to its study of Chapter 3, the Sponsorship Program, Chapter 4, Advertising Activities and Chapter 5, Management of Public Opinion Research of the November 2003 Report of the Auditor General of Canada be deemed received by this Commmittee in this session.

That the Fourth Report (Report of the Auditor General of Canada of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada) of the Standing Committee of Public Accounts in the 3rd session of the 37th Parliament be concurred in in this session of Parliament, and that the Chair present this as a Report to the House.

That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee requests a global response to this Report from the Government.

That, the Fifth Report (Legal Fees of Public servants who have been called to testify) of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in the 3rd session of the 37th Parliament be concurred in in this session of Parliament, and that the Chair present this as a Report to the House.

That, notwithstanding Standing Order 109, the Committee requests a global response to this Report from the Government as soon as possible.

It was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the witnesses be given five (5) minutes to make their opening statements and if they have additional information, it should be deposited with the Clerk of the Committee and;

That during the questioning of witnesses the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: On the first round of questioning, eight (8) minutes to a representative of each party in the following order: Progressive Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Liberal, NDP, Progressive Conservative and Liberal; on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Progressive Conservative, Liberal, Bloc Québécois, Liberal, Progressive Conservative and Liberal and;

That this order be re-examined at the earliest opportunity in January 2005.

At 4:42 p.m., the Committee proceeded to sit in public.

Rob Walsh made a statement.

At 5:25 p.m., the Committee proceeded to sit in camera.

At 5:36 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.