PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met in camera at 11:00 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Joe Preston, presiding.

It was agreed, — That a revised budget in the amount of $ 38,700, for the study of Bill C-23, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $ 9,900, for the study of M-489, Election of Speaker, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $ 7,500, for the study of M-431, Election of Committee Chairs, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $ 1,500, for the study of use of House of Commons resources by the Official Opposition, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the Third Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, which read as follows, be concurred in as amended:

That, at its meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2014, the Committee consider the draft report on its study of the Question of Privilege related to Elections Canada and the Member for Selkirk-Interlake.

That, at its meeting of Tuesday, September 23, 2014, the Committee undertake its review of the Standing Orders.

That the Committee continue, as its first priority, the study of Motion M-489, Election of Speaker, and that the meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2014, be held in part to hear from witnesses on this motion.

That the Committee undertake as its second priority the study of Bill C-518, An Act to amend the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act (withdrawal allowance); that the Committee schedule a meeting to hear from the sponsor of the Bill; and that additional meetings be scheduled, if needed, to hear from other witnesses and undertake the clause-by-clause study of the Bill.

That, once the studies of M-489 and C-518 are completed, the Committee undertake studies of other Private Members’ Business referred to it.

That, during the fall of 2014, if Bill C-586, Reform Act 2014, is referred to the Committee, meetings be devoted to this study; and that the Committee also devote meetings to the study of motion M-428, Electronic Petitions.

That the Committee modify its schedule, if needed, to accommodate the appearance of witnesses who have been invited to appear before the Committee.

That, in relation to the study of use of House of Commons resources by the Official Opposition, the Committee draft a letter in response to the request from the Board of Internal Economy dated May 14, 2014.

The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, — That, notwithstanding normal in camera practices, Members of the Committee be allowed to share the confidential document prepared by the Library of Parliament, and dated September 18, 2014, with their caucus.

At 12:22 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.