ACVA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met at 11:08 a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Peter Stoffer, it was agreed, — That Rob Anders be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Roger Valley, it was agreed, — That Brent St. Denis be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Roger Gaudet, it was agreed, — That Peter Stoffer be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Rob Anders took the Chair.

On motion of Peter Stoffer, 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 Peter Stoffer, 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.

On motion of Peter Stoffer, 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 [3] members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Peter Stoffer, 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 the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals at every meeting of the Committee, until the Committee changes sitting times, and that the cost of these meals be charged to the Committee budget.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two [2] 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 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 during the questioning of witnesses the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: On the first round of questioning in the following order : Liberal, seven (7) minutes, Bloc Québécois, seven (7) minutes, NDP, five (5) minutes and Conservative, seven (7) minutes, on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Liberal, Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, Liberal and Conservative.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite the Veterans Ombudsman at his earliest convenience.

At 11:45 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.