FOPO Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 6

Monday, December 3, 2007

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met at 3:34 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block.

Members of the Committee present: Mike Allen, Hon. Gerry Byrne, Blaine Calkins, Randy Kamp, Yvon Lévesque, Hon. Lawrence MacAulay and Scott Simms.

Acting Members present: Serge Cardin for Raynald Blais, Hon. Geoff Regan for Bill Matthews, Mike Wallace for Gerald Keddy and John Williams for Fabian Manning.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: François Côté, Analyst . House of Commons: Julia Lockhart, Committee Clerk.

Witnesses: Department of Fisheries and Oceans: David Bevan, Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management; George Da Pont, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard; Michelle d'Auray, Deputy Minsiter; Cal Hegge, Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources and Corporate Services; Michaela Huard, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy Sector.

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chairs the Clerk presided over the election of an acting Chair.

On motion of Geoff Regan, it was agreed, — That Peter Stoffer be elected acting Chair for this meeting.

Pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), the Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (A) 2007-2008: Votes 1a, 5a and 10a under FISHERIES AND OCEANS referred to the Committee on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.

The Chair called Vote 1a under FISHERIES AND OCEANS.

Michelle d'Auray and Cal Hegge made statements and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.

At 4:49 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:53 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.

On motion of Gerry Byrne, it was agreed, — That the Committee Analyst be directed to prepare a background report, including information requested of officials of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans earlier in the present meeting, on the Larocque decision concerning the allocation of fish quotas as compensation for the provision of scientific research services.

Yvon Lévesque moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study on the condition of the eel grass (Zostera marina) beds in James Bay and that representatives of the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and other witnesses as appropriate be invited to appear.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and the result of the vote was announced: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 5.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the affirmative.

Accordingly, the motion was agreed to.

Scott Simms moved, — That the Committee present a Report to the House to request that the Government consider the advisability of referring, Bill C-32, An Act respecting the sustainable development of Canada's seacoast and inland fisheries to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans prior to Second Reading, pursuant to Standing Order 73(1).

Debate arose thereon.

Randy Kamp moved, — That consideration of the motion be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 6.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

ORDERED, — That the Chair present the report to the House.

At 5:27 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Stephen Knowles
Clerk of the Committee

2007-12-07 3:30 p.m.