ENVI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 3:42 p.m. this day, in Room 362, East Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(2).

On motion of Mark Warawa, seconded by Nathan Cullen, it was agreed, — That Bob Mills be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of John Godfrey, it was agreed, — That Mario Silva be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Marcel Lussier, it was agreed, — That Bernard Bigras be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed with the study of Routine Motions.

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.

Nathan Cullen moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, the Parliamentary Secretary and a member of the New Democratic Party.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived on division.

It was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least five members are present, including two members 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 representatives 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 24 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 on division, — That witnesses be given ten minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated ten minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter five minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

At 4:13 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.