OGGO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met in a televised session at 3:29 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Yasmin Ratansi, presiding.

It was agreed, — That Derrick Snowdy be permitted to be assisted by councel when he appears today.

Derrick Snowdy was called, duly sworn in and examined.

It was agreed, — That the documents, entitled “ISI Deal Memo”, “Schedule A” et “Statement of Claim” be filed as exhibits.

It was agreed, — That the written statement from Fasken Martineau be filed as an exhibit.

At 5:14 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:15 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Rod Bruinooge moved, — That the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates undertake a study of the claim that the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River was actively lobbying the Government of Canada, including "acting for foreign and offshore organizations in obtaining operating licenses, securing regulatory and governmental approvals for mergers and acquisitions ... advising government bodies on international issues regarding cross-border tax collection, anti-dumping issues, and lobbying government on policy issues as well as facilitating inter-governmental relationships" while sitting as a current Member of Parliament; and that the Committee invite to appear the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River and representatives of Sun & Partners law firm; and that, pursuant to the House of Commons Standing Order 108(1)(a), the Government be ordered to provide all forms of communications received, including correspondence, from the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River, and that Sun & Partners be ordered to provide a copy of the contractual agreement and any related documents of employment between Sun & Partners and the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River; and that all documents be provided to the Committee within 5 business days.

Debate arose thereon.

On motion of Alexandra Mendes, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “Sun & Partners law firm” the following: “and the Conflict of Interest and Ethic Commissioner”.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates undertake a study of the claim that the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River was actively lobbying the Government of Canada, including "acting for foreign and offshore organizations in obtaining operating licenses, securing regulatory and governmental approvals for mergers and acquisitions ... advising government bodies on international issues regarding cross-border tax collection, anti-dumping issues, and lobbying government on policy issues as well as facilitating inter-governmental relationships" while sitting as a current Member of Parliament; and that the Committee invite to appear the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River, representatives of Sun & Partners law firm and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner; and that, pursuant to the House of Commons Standing Order 108(1)(a), the Government be ordered to provide all forms of communications received, including correspondence, from the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River, and that Sun & Partners be ordered to provide a copy of the contractual agreement and any related documents of employment between Sun & Partners and the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River; and that all documents be provided to the Committee within 5 business days.

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

It was agreed, — That a supplementary meeting be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010, for the beginning of the hearings on the study of the lobbying activities of the Member for Scarborough—Rouge River, and that the time of the said meeting be established after consultation of the Committee members by the Clerk.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(1)(a) and in relation to the Committee’s study of renewable energy project funding by the government, Derrick Snowdy be ordered to provide the Committee with all papers and records, both electronic and hard copy, from 2008 until today, as they relate to the business of International Strategic Investments, Nazim Gillani, Green Power Generation Corp. and its partners, Patrick Glémaud and Rahim Jaffer, Helena Guergis and any elected officials, and that the said material be delivered to the Committee within five (5) business days.

At 5:26 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.