AGRI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 209 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That Paul Steckle be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of David L. Anderson, it was agreed, — That Gerry Ritz be elected as Official Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Roger Gaudet, it was agreed, — That Denise Poirier-Rivard be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Paul Steckle took the Chair.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That all Members of the Committee may participate in the discussion of Agenda and Procedure.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present provided that at least five members are present, including a member of the opposition.

By unanimous consent, 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; that before the second round of questionning, other members who wish to speak may do so; and that thereafter, 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner [alternating between Government and Opposition parties].

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; and That the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members in both official languages. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee’s next meeting.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents only when they exist in both official languages.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

The Members made statements.

At 4:02 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:05 p.m., the Committee resumed sitting in camera for the purpose of examining its future business.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the evidence and documentation presented to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food during the 3rd Session of the 37th Parliament in relations to its study of Canadian livestock and beef pricing in the aftermath of the BSE crisis (Meetings Nos. 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21 and 22) be deemed received by the Committee during this session.

At 4:40 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.