SNAS Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on National Security of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness met at 9:07 a.m. this day, in Room 536 Wellington Building, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That Tom Wappel be elected Chair of the Subcommittee.

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

On motion of Derek Lee, 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 three (3) members are present, including a member of the opposition.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter three (3) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses, one (1) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Subcommittee documents only when they exist in both official languages.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Subcommittee.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise authorized by the Subcommittee, no other person than the members of the Subcommittee and its staff be allowed to be present at in camera meetings.

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Subcommittee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Subcommittee.

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That, when a Private Members' Business Bill is referred to the Subcommittee, it be placed on the Agenda and that its sponsor be invited to appear before the Subcommittee.

On motion of Vic Toews, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Subcommittee ; and That the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Subcommittee and circulated to members in both official languages.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That M. Elcock Ward, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service be invited to appear before the Subcommittee next week, in relation to the Main Estimates of the institution.

On motion of Vic Toews, it was agreed, — That Rob Anders be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

At 9:22 a.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.