CC35 Committee Meeting

The Legislative Committee on Bill C-35 met at 3:34 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, Bernard Patry, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair and one member from each party.

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

It was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition and one member of the Government.

It was agreed, — 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, five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner, alternating between Opposition parties and Government.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two representatives 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 Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

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

It was agreed, — That 24 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting 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 be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

It was agreed, — That proposed amendments to Bill C-35 be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee 48 hours prior to clause by clause consideration without limiting the ability to introduce additional amendments at the meeting itself.

It was agreed, — That the Committee will meet every Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for Wednesday, April 18, 2007.

It was agreed, — That the Minister of Justice will appear first.

It was agreed, — That each of the political parties will send a list of witnesses to the clerk, as soon as possible.

At 4:03 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.