NDVA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs met at 3:35 p.m. this day, in Room 362 East Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Lawrence O'Brien, it was agreed, — That Pat O'Brien be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Rick Casson, it was agreed, — That Jay Hill be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Karen Redman, it was agreed, — That Janko Peric be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of John O'Reilly, it was agreed, — That the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, the Parliamentary Secretary and a representative of the Conservative Party, the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party, do compose the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

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

On motion of Bob Wood, 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 (5) members are present including two (2) members of the opposition and that after fifteen (15) minutes the number be reduced to three (3) members including one (1) member of the Opposition.

On motion of Lawrence O'Brien, it was agreed, — That, at the discretion of the Chair, reasonable travelling expenses, as per the regulations established by the Board of Internal Economy, be paid to witnesses invited to appear before the Committee, and that payment of these expenses be limited to two (2) representatives per organization.

Bob Wood moved, — 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.

Debate arose thereon.

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

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

On motion of Jay Hill, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(1), given the events of September 11, 2001, the resulting increased workload upon the main Committee and the intense focus on defence issues in the foreseeable future, a Sub-Committee on Veterans Affairs be established to inquire into matters relating to Veterans Affairs; that the Sub-Committee be composed of nine (9) members or associate members of which five (5) shall be government members and four (4) shall be opposition members with all parties represented; and that the Sub-Committee be empowered to send for persons, papers and records, to receive evidence, to sit no more than once a week, unless otherwise authorized by the Committee, during a time when the main Committee is not sitting.

On motion of Rick Casson, it was agreed, — 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.

Lawrence O'Brien moved, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 3.

David Price moved, — That, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee, when witnesses appear before the Committee, substantive motions, for which a 24 hours’ notice has to be given to the members of the Committee, be considered at the end of the meeting and that, if a vote is called, it be deferred to the beginning of the next Committee meeting.

Debate arose thereon.

David Price moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “be considered at” the following: “the beginning or”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of David Price and it was agreed to.

The question was put on the main motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

On motion of Bill Blaikie, it was agreed, — That the government whip be asked to remove the parliamentary secretary from this Committee.

At 4:34 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.