ENVI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 3:29 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Paul Szabo, seconded by Diane Marleau, it was agreed, — That Charles Caccia be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Roy Bailey, it was agreed, — That Bob Mills be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Bob Mills, it was agreed, — That Paul Szabo be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analyst[s] from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

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 (5) members are present including one (1) member of the opposition.

It was agreed, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement.

It was agreed, — That the time allocated for the questioning of witnesses be limited to five (5) minutes, starting with the Opposition, then the Government and thereafter at the discretion of the Chair.

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 Chair.

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.

It was agreed, — That the Committee be authorized to purchase documents for the use of the Committee.

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 Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee be authorized to purchase gifts to be presented to foreign hosts and visiting delegations.

Diane Marleau moved, — That, except for amendments to bills, twenty four (24) 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.

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

Julian Reed moved, — That the Committee create a Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure composed of the Chair, both Vice-Chairs, the Parliamentary Secretary, and a representative of each other party.

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

At 4:01 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.