RNNR Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Natural Resources met at 11:09 a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(2).

On motion of Alan Tonks, it was agreed, — That Lee Richardson be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Lee Richardson, it was agreed, — That David McGuinty be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Serge Cardin, it was agreed, — That Catherine Bell be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Bradley R. Trost, 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.

On motion of Catherine Bell, 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 4 members are present, including 2 members of the opposition.

On motion of Bradley R. Trost, 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.

On motion of Lloyd St. Amand, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized, at the discretion of the Chair, to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

On motion of Richard Harris, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding 2 representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Richard Harris, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

On motion of Catherine Bell, 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.

On motion of Roy Cullen, it was agreed, — That 24 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the substantive 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.

Richard Harris moved, — That witnesses be given 10 minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated as follows:

Round 1 (5 minutes): Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party, Conservative Party

Round 2 (5 minutes): Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party

Round 3 (5 minutes): Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Conservative Party

Round 4 (5 minutes): Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party, Conservative Party.

Debate arose thereon.

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

It was agreed, — That, at the next meeting of the Committee, the Committee receive a briefing from Department of Natural Resources officials and that the final 30 minutes of the meeting be set aside for consideration, in camera, of future Committee business.

At 12:52 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.