PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:05 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, the Hon. Don Boudria, presiding.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

Dale Johnston moved, — That the Committee refer the issue of security to the Board of Internal Economy.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 6.

By unanimous consent, on motion of John Reynolds, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to the Order of Reference of Thursday, November 25, 2004:

a) The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs prepare a work plan designed to develop a process to conduct an examination of our electoral system with a review of all options;

b) That, as part of this examination, the Committee facilitate a range of comprehensive methods to receive the views of Canadians in every province and territory and engage a broad cross-section of the public to understand their values and preferences with respect to this issue;

c) That the Committee table a report summarising its findings by April 22, 2005.

It was agreed, — That, in relation to the question of privilege relating to the free movement of Members within the parliamentary precinct during the visit of President George W. Bush, the researcher be instructed to prepare a draft report indicating that there has been a breach of privilege.

It was agreed, — That C/Supt Line Charbonneau and MGen G. Cloutier be invited to appear before the Committee on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 in relation to the question of privilege relating to the free movement of Members within the parliamentary precinct during the visit of President George W. Bush.

On motion of John Reynolds, it was agreed, — That the work plan for the Committee's study of electoral reform prepared by the researcher be adopted.

It was agreed, — That, when the Committee is divided into two groups to travel, a Member of the New Democratic Party be allowed to accompany each group.

It was agreed, — That, when the Committee begins its study on electoral reform, meetings relating to this topic be held on Tuesdays.

It was agreed, — That the following witnesses be invited to appear on the consultative process at the first meeting following the Christmas break: Judith Maxwell, President, Canadian Policy Research Network; Jodi White or Jan Elliot, Public Policy Forum; David Zussman, Ekos Research Associates Inc.; Anne Dale, Royal Roads University, Victoria; Hugh Segal, President, Institute for Research on Public Policy; Ken Carty, Citizens' Assembly, British Columbia.

It was agreed, — That, whenever possible, meetings in relation to electoral reform be televised.

Judi Longfield moved, — That this Committee recommend to the Ethics Commissioner that all public disclosure summaries be made available to the public, on request, by fax after February 7, 2005.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 3.

At 1:03 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.