CIMM Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met at 3:34 p.m. this day, in Room 209 West Block, the Chair, Andrew Telegdi, presiding.

On motion of Inky Mark, 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.

On motion of Lui Temelkovski, 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 three (3) members are present, including a member of the opposition.

On motion of Bill Siksay, it was agreed, — That, as established by the Board of Internal Economy and if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization.

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

On motion of Helena Guergis, 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.

On motion of Nina Grewal, 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.

On motion of Inky Mark, 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.

On motion of Roger Clavet, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

On motion of Nina Grewal, 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.

Lui Temelkovski moved, — That when the Chair is unable to act in that capacity at or during a meeting of the Committee, the Chair shall designate a member of the Committee to act as Chair at or during the said meeting and such an acting Chair shall be vested with all the powers of the Chair at or during the said meeting.

Debate arose thereon.

Inky Mark moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the word “is” with the words “and Vice-Chairs are”.

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

Bill Siksay moved, — That whenever an Order in Council appointment is refererd to the Committee, the Clerk obtain and circulate to each member of the Committee a copy of the said appointment with the appointee's curriculum vitae.

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

Diane Ablonczy moved, — That witnesses from an organization be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; and 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 and that thereafter five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner (alternating between Government and Opposition parties) until all Members have had a chance to participate, after which, if time permits a new round will commence.

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

On motion of Lui Temelkovski, it was agreed, — That, whenever the Main Estimates or the Supplementary Estimates are tabled in the House, the Committee invite the Minister and appropriate senior officials of a department to appear at a televised meeting, if possible, of the Committee.

On motion of Inky Mark, it was agreed, — That whenever a chapter of a Report of the Auditor General refers to a subject under the mandate of the Committee, the Committee invite the Office of the Auditor General of Canada and any appropriate senior officials of a department to appear at a televised meeting of the Committee, if possible.

On motion of Bill Siksay, it was agreed, — That the Committee hear the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada on the Main Estimates 2004-2005 on Tuesday, November 2, 2004.

On motion of Bill Siksay, it was agreed, — That the Committee hear the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada on Supplementary Estimates (A) on Tuesday, November 16, 2004.

On motion of Lui Temelkovski, it was agreed, — That the Committee invite officials from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to give a briefing on departmental overview on Tuesday, October 26, 2004.

On motion of Lui Temelkovski, it was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in camera.

At 4:40 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:52 p.m., the Committee resumed sitting in camera.

At 5:52 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.