SECU Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security met at 3:41 p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Laurie Hawn, it was agreed, — That Garry Breitkreuz be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Judy Sgro, it was agreed, — That Susan Kadis be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee in absentia.

On motion of Serge Ménard, it was agreed, — That Joe Comartin be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Garry Breitkreuz took the Chair.

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed with the study of Routine Motions.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, 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 Judy Sgro, 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 Judy Sgro, 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 three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Joe Comartin, 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.

On motion of Judy Sgro, 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.

Dave MacKenzie moved, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes for the first questioner of each party; starting with the Opposition parties; and that thereafter five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner, until every member has spoken once.

Debate arose thereon.

It was agreed, — The Committee would deal with this motion at its following meeting.

On motion of Rick Norlock, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding one representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

Jean-Yves Roy moved, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

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

On motion of Rick Norlock, it was agreed, — That, when a Private Members’ Business Bill is referred to the Committee, it be placed on the Agenda and that its sponsor be invited to appear before the Committee.

On motion of Jean-Yves Roy, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

On motion of Jean-Yves Roy, 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 the Committee meet in camera with members of a delegation from the Czech Republic on Wednesday, May 3, 2006¸ from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

It was agreed, — That the Committee meet Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 4:30 pm to discuss Committee Business.

It was agreed, — That the Sub-committee on Agenda and Procedure meet before the end of the week if at all possible to discuss future business.

On motion of Dave MacKenzie, it was agreed, — That the Committee meet in camera with members of a delegation from Finnish Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee on Monday, May 8, 2006, at 3:30 p.m.

At 4:17 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.