SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met at 1:14 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of David Sweet, it was agreed, — That Scott Reid be elected Chair of the Subcommittee.

On motion of Irwin Cotler, it was agreed, — That Wayne Marston be elected First Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

On motion of David Sweet, it was agreed, — That Irwin Cotler be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

Scott Reid took the Chair.

At 1:22 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:24 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

At 1:35 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:36 p.m., the sitting resumed in public.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee 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.

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.

It was agreed, — 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 7 minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

It was agreed, — That two working days notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Subcommittee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that notices of motion be filed with the Clerk of the subcommittee by 3:00 p.m. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Subcommittee’s next meeting and distribute it to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Subcommittee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at in camera meetings and that each party be allowed one additional staff person at such meetings.

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

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to distribute documents to members of the Subcommittee and only documents that are available in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Subcommittee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Subcommittee.

At 1:51 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.