AANO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development met at 3:36 p.m. this day, in Room 536, Wellington Building, the Chair, Maurice Vellacott, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, or in the Chair's absence, one of the Vice-Chairs, be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

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

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

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

It was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That an organization be given up to ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair for their opening statement; and that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes for the questioner of the official opposition, seven (7) minutes for the questioner of the other parties, starting with the Bloc Québécois, the New Democratic Party and the Conservative Party, and that thereafter five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner until each member had the chance to question the witness (alternating between the Opposition Parties and the Government) , and leaving at the discretion of the Chair the possibility to reduce the time limits of the second round of questions if time is running out..

It was agreed, — That the Committee meet on Monday, May 8, 2006 to discuss its future business.

At 5:01 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.