TRAN Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Transport met in camera at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 371 West Block, the Chair, Roger Gallaway, presiding.

It was agreed, — That in light of Mr. James Walsh's, at worst, breach of the ethics guidelines and, at best, obvious political ties, and with the understanding that the time allowed for a Committee review of his appointment has passed, the Committee should discuss presenting a letter to the Prime Minister asking for him to remove Mr. Walsh from the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board.

It was agreed, — That the government of Canada develop skills and competence-related criteria for all government appointments, including Board Members and senior Officers of Crown Corporations and other government agencies, for which a Standing Committee has reviewing responsibility; and that this criteria specifically address the non-partisan nature of these appointments.

That the government then submit this criteria to each relevant Standing Committee of the House of Commons for consideration, and approval with amendment if necessary.

That the Government of Canada then publicly release, including publishing in the Canada Gazette, the committee-approved criteria for each appointment.

That the names and qualifications of each nominee for an appointed position be referred to the appropriate Standing Committee prior to the date of their appointment, with an explanation of how each nominee’s qualification has met the established criteria.

That each committee (which oversees appointments), unless it unanimously decides otherwise, shall have at least one full meeting every two months to review government nominees for appointment.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the following witness: The Minister of Finance be invited to appear to brief the Committee in relation to the Canadian Airport Rents Policy.

It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee on Transport review any agreements to dispose of Hopper Cars and table a report it in the House of Commons before the agreement is finalized.

It was agreed, — That, given the need for the maintenance and restoration of the Pont de Québec, the Standing Committee on Transport undertake a study to establish who is responsible for carrying out the work and, for that purpose, invite the Coalition pour la sauvegarde et la mise en valeur du Pont de Québec, Canadian National and the Minister of Transport, among others, to appear as witnesses.

At 3:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.