AGRI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 9:05 this day, in Room 701, La Promenade Building, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(2).

On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed, — That Gerry Ritz be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Larry Miller, it was agreed, — That Paul Steckle be elected First Vice-Chair (Official Opposition).

On motion of Claude DeBellefeuille, it was agreed, — That André Bellavance be elected Second Vice-Chair (opposition).

At 9:11 , the sitting was suspended.

At 9:22 , the sitting resumed.

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of James Bezan, 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 five members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed, — That except for amendments to bills, 48 hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members in both official languages; and that, upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee's next meeting.

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee; and that, unless otherwise ordered, each Commitee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

On motion of Ken Boshcoff, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

On motion of Paul Steckle, 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.

Ken Boshcoff moved, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees, if necessary.

Debate arose thereon.

On motion of Larry Miller, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “if necessary” the following: “at the discretion of the Chair”.

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

On motion of André Bellavance, it was agreed, — That the motion adopted earlier by the Committee concerning in camera meetings be rescinded; and substituted by the following motion: “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; and that, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings”.

On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given 10 minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated 7 minutes for the first questioner of each party; that before the second round of questioning, other members who have not spoken and who wish to speak may do so for 5 minutes; and that thereafter, 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and opposition parties.

On motion of Gerry Ritz, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure meet on May 8th 2006, at 4:00 p.m..

On motion of Gerry Ritz, it was agreed, — That the Committee meet on Monday, May 9th 2006, at 9:00 a.m..

At 10:02 , the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.