SMFJ Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on the process for appointment to the Federal Judiciary of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness met in camera at 3:40 p.m. this day, in Room 208 West Block, the Chair, Richard Marceau, presiding.

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

It was agreed, — That David McGuinty be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That Vic Toews be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Subcommittee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Subcommittee 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 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 witnesses be given ten (10) minutes for their opening statement and that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes to the questioner of each party, starting with the opposition parties.

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.

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

It was agreed, — That one (1) copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Subcommittee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Subcommittee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

It was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, a forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Subcommittee and that the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Subcommittee and circulated to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee meet every Monday and Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

At 4:05 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.