JUST Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness met at 3:37 p.m. this day, in Room 371 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

Anita Neville moved, — That Paul DeVillers be elected Chair of the Committee.

Anita Neville also moved, — That John Maloney be elected Chair of the Committee.

Pursuant to Standing Order 106(3), the election was conducted by secret ballot.

The ballots having been counted, Paul DeVillers was declared duly elected Chair.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of Myron Thompson, it was agreed, — That Garry Breitkreuz be elected as Official Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That Richard Marceau be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Paul DeVillers took the Chair.

On motion of Roy Cullen, 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.

Paul Forseth moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two (2) Vice-Chairs, and a member of the other opposition party .

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 10; NAYS: 2.

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.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding one (1) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Richard Marceau, 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 and that no document from a witness be distributed without the Clerk's approval.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee.

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 otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

Richard Marceau 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, three (3) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner, alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

Debate arose thereon.

Paul Forseth moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words “alternating between Government and Opposition parties”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 4.

It was agreed, — That, when a Private Members' Business Bill is referred to the Committee, it be placed on the Agenda and that its sponsor be invited to appear before the Committee.

Paul Forseth moved, — That witnesses be advised that, when they appear before the Committee, they will be sworn-in by the Clerk.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

It was agreed, — That the swearing-in issue be considered, case by case, when a witness is invited to appear before the Committee.

On motion of John Maloney, 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.

At 4:17 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.