CC2 Committee Meeting

The Legislative Committee on Bill C-2 met at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Tilson, presiding.

Pat Martin moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair and one member from each party.

Marlene Jennings moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “party” the following: “and that all decisions that are not unanimous be approved by the main committee”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Marlene Jennings and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 4.

On motion of Alan Tonks, 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.

Alan Tonks moved, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; That, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes to the first questioner of each party, starting with the Opposition parties; and that thereafter, five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner, alternating between Opposition parties and Government.

James Moore moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “Government” the following: “and that the testimony of each witness or group of witnesses be limited to forty (40) minutes unless there is unanimous consent to extend the sitting.”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of James Moore and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 4.

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

On motion of Brian Murphy, 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 Alan Tonks, 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.

Tom Lukiwski moved, — 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.

Pat Martin moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the word “48” with the word “24” and by deleting the words “unless the substantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration”.

The question was put on the amendment of Pat Martin and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 5.

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

On motion of Alan Tonks, 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 Benoît Sauvageau, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

On motion of Benoît Sauvageau, it was agreed, — That amendments to Bill C-2 be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee 48 hours prior to clause by clause consideration.

Marlene Jennings moved, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings and to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed only when a quorum is present, that is seven (7) members, including four (4) members from at least two (2) opposition parties.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 9; NAYS: 1.

Benoît Sauvageau moved, — That the Committee establish the following meeting schedule: Tuesdays - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesdays - 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m..

Pierre Poilievre moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after “Tuesdays - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.” the following: “6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.” and after “Wednesdays - 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.” add “and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Pierre Poilievre and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 7.

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

On motion of Pierre Poilievre, it was agreed, — That the President of the Treasury Board be invited to appear on Thursday, May 4, at 9:00 a.m..

At 5:00 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.