ETHI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics met at 9:05 a.m. this day, in Room 308 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That David Chatters be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of David Chatters, it was agreed, — That Derek Lee be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Mario Laframboise, it was agreed, — That Ed Broadbent be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

David Chatters took the Chair.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a representative of the Bloc Québécois do compose the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

On motion of Derek Lee, 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 Derek Lee, 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 government member and a member of the opposition.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, —That after the first round of questioning of witnesses, three (3) minutes be allocated to each member, on each round, alternating between Government and Opposition members and ensuring that all members have the opportunity to ask questions.

On motion of Ed Broadbent, it was agreed, —That during the first round of questioning of witnesses, seven (7) minutes be allocated to each party in the following order: Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Liberal and New Democratic Party.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given no more than ten (10) minutes for their opening statement and if they have additional information, it should be deposited with the Clerk of Committee.

On motion of Derek Lee, 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 invited to appear before the Committee up to a maximum of two (2) representatives for any organization.

Marlene Jennings moved, — That no document will be considered to be officially tabled until the document is available in both official languages and ready for distribution solely by the Clerk.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

On motion of Marlene Jennings, it was agreed, — That the Committee authorize the Clerk of the Committee, from time to time, as the need arises, to take the appropriate measures to provide for meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees, for workings purposes, and that the cost of these meals be charged to the budget of the Committee.

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

On motion of Derek Lee, 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.

It was agreed, — That unless there is unanimous consent, forty-eight (48) hours' notice must be given to the members of the Committee before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee.

At 9:59 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.