PACP Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met at 9:10 a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of John Williams, it was agreed, — That Shawn Murphy be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Charles Hubbard, it was agreed, — That David Sweet be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Marcel Lussier, it was agreed, — That Jean-Yves Laforest be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Shawn Murphy took the Chair.

At 9:45 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:47 a.m., the sitting resumed.

On motion of David Christopherson, 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.

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

Charles Hubbard moved, — 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.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, the motion was allowed to stand.

On motion of John Williams, 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.

On motion of John Williams, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

On motion of Jean-Yves Laforest, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of David Christopherson, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

On motion of David Christopherson, 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.

Charles Hubbard moved, — That 48 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 before consideration is given.

Debate arose thereon.

David Sweet moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “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 before consideration is given” with the words “and that the period of notice be calculated from the time the motion has been distributed to the members of the committee by the Clerk of the Committee; and that the motion shall be distributed to members in both official languages; and that all motions received by the Clerk shall be placed upon the agenda of the first committee meeting following the period of notice…”.

The question was put on the amendment of David Sweet and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 5.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 4.

On motion of David Christopherson, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given five (5) minutes to make their opening statement and if they have additional information, it should be deposited with the Clerk of the Committee and; that during the questioning of witnesses the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: on the first round of questioning, eight (8) minutes to a representative of each party in the following order: Liberal, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, NDP, Liberal and Conservative, on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, NDP, Liberal and Conservative.

On motion of Charles Hubbard, it was agreed, — That the committee hear imediately from the Auditor General of Canada.

Sheila Fraser made a statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.

At 10:49 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.