ETHI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics met in camera at 8:47 a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Nathan Cullen, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the clerk of the Committee makes the necessary arrangements and that the necessary funds be allocated from the Committee's hospitality budget for a luncheon with a delegation of international Information Commissioners on Thursday, October 6th, 2011 following the regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in public.

At 8:51 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 8:52 a.m., the sitting resumed in public.

At 9:10 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:16 a.m., the sitting resumed.

It was agreed, — That suggested witnesses from CBC / SRC, Judge Richard Boivin and the Information Commissioner's Office not be called to appear before October 18, 2011.

It was agreed, — That CBC/SRC be called to appear last in order to respond to previous testimony in the study.

It was agreed, — That the witness list as presented be adopted.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the Committee call Elections Canada and the Ethics Commissioner to appear before the Committee regarding the union sponsorship of the NDP spring convention and that their appearance be scheduled within the next three committee meetings.

The Chair ruled the proposed motion inadmissible, as he was of the opinion that it went beyond the mandate of Committee as outlined in Standing Order 108 (3) (h) (vi).

Whereupon, Dean Del Mastro appealed the decision of the Chair.

The question: "Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained?" was put and the decision was overturned, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 7.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Dean Del Mastro, — That the Committee call Elections Canada and the Ethics Commissioner to appear before the Committee regarding the union sponsorship of the NDP spring convention and that their appearance be scheduled within the next three committee meetings.

The debate continued.

Charlie Angus moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “committee meetings” the following: and that the Committee bring forward witnesses who can speak to the applicability of Elections Canada rules regarding funding for political conventions.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Charlie Angus and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 7.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 4.

It was agreed, — That the conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner appear before the Committee on Thursday, September 29, 2011 in the first (1) hour as originally scheduled and in the second (2) hour in relation to the study on the union sponsorship of the NDP spring 2011 convention.

At 10:33 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.