PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:03 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Gary Goodyear, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the following witnesses be invited to appear on Bill C-54, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to loans) on June 7, 2007:

Equal Voice

Elections Ontario

Mr. Raymond Garneau

Rt. Hon. Antonio Lamer

Hon. Claire L’Heureux-Dubé.

It was agreed, — That the Committee commence clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-54 on Tuesday, June 12, 2007.

It was agreed, — That on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, Mr. Guimond shall move his motion regarding changes to the Standing Orders.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 14 350, for the period of June 5, 2007 to March 31, 2008 be adopted for the study of Bill C-54.

Michel Guimond moved, — That the House of Commons Standing Orders be amended by adding the following after Standing Order 31:

31.1(1) Once a week, pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker recognize an independent Members.

(2) For the purposes of Standing Order 31.1(1), members of political parties not officially recognized in the House are not considered independent Members.

That the House of Commons Standing Orders be amended by adding the following after Standing Order 37(1):

37(1.1)(a) Once a week, pursuant to Standing Order 37(1), the Speaker recognize an independent Members.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this Standing Order, members of political parties not officially recognized in the House are not considered independent Members.

Debate arose thereon.

The witnesses answered questions.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the House of Commons Standing Orders be amended by adding the following after Standing Order 31:

31.1(1) Only once a week, pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker may recognize one of the independent Members.

(2) For the purposes of Standing Order 31.1(1), members of political parties not officially recognized in the House are not considered independent Members.

That the House of Commons Standing Orders be amended by adding the following after Standing Order 37(1):

37(1.1)(a) Only once a week, pursuant to Standing Order 37(1), the Speaker may recognize one of the independent Members.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of this Standing Order, members of political parties not officially recognized in the House are not considered independent Members.

It was agreed, — That the motion, as amended, be reported to the House.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, Clerk and analyst be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the House.

At 11:47 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.