CHPC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:51 p.m. this day, in Room 8-53, 131 Queen St., the Chair, the Hon. Michael D. Chong, presiding.

Stephen Wallace made a statement and, with Jean-Pierre Blais and Tom Scrimger, answered questions.

By unanimous consent, the Chair called Votes 5b, 15b, 40b, 45b, 50b, 55b, 65b, 80b and 90b under CANADIAN HERITAGE.

Votes 5b, 15b, 40b, 45b, 50b, 55b, 65b, 80b and 90b under CANADIAN HERITAGE carried.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report Votes 5b, 15b, 40b, 45b, 50b, 55b, 65b, 80b and 90b under CANADIAN HERITAGE to the House.

At 4:53 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:55 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Carole Lavallée moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee invite the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Minister of International Trade or their representatives, the Coalition for Cultural Diversity and any other relevant witnesses to appear in order to:

1. Determine the status of negotiations on the free-trade agreement with the European Union and ensure that the agreement on cultural diversity promoted and signed by Canada is respected;

2. Find out the position of Canada’s negotiators in talks to sign the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA); and

That the Committee report its findings to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

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

Charlie Angus moved, — That given the fact that the deadline for the transition from analog to digital is approaching, the Committee hold hearings to study the implementation of Canada’s transition to digital television; the impacts of the transition on CBC/Radio-Canada; and the impacts of the transition on Canadians. Further, that one day be devoted to hearing from stakeholders and experts from outside of the broadcasting industry.

Debate arose thereon.

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

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the Committee undertake a study to aid in the commemoration of a defining chapter in Canada’s history, the War of 1812.

Recognizing its historic role in shaping our identity as Canadians, the war of 1812 laid the groundwork for the independent and free Canada that exists today marking the beginning of 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States.

In order to recommend ways in which the Government might move forward in honouring the historic partnership of English, French and Aboriginal peoples in defence of Canada, the Committee could conduct site visits to National Historic sites related to the War of 1812 as well as invite interested parties and historians to appear and provide their input.

The Committee will report their findings and recommendations to the House of Commons.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 9; NAYS: 2.

On motion of Royal Galipeau, it was agreed, — That in relation to the study of Impacts of Private Television Ownership Changes and the Move Towards New Viewing Platforms, the proposed budget in the amount of $ 10, 650 be adopted.

At 5:11 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.