HUMA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met at 3:35 p.m. this day, in Room 209 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Mario Silva, it was agreed, — That Raymonde Folco be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Barry Devolin, it was agreed, — That Paul Forseth be elected as Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Yves Lessard, it was agreed, — That Christiane Gagnon be elected as Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analyst(s) from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable childcare expenses of witnesses be reimbursed.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and one member of the New Democratic Party .

Yves Lessard moved, — That the consideration of the motion on reduced quorum be suspended until the next meeting.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 2; NAYS: 6.

Christiane Gagnon moved, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that one member of the opposition is present.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 1.

Paul Forseth moved, — That the Chair be authorized to call the meeting to order no sooner than 15 minutes after the time indicated on the notice as long as four (4) members are present.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 2.

It was agreed, — That the Committee authorize the Chair, in consultation with the Clerk, to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals, from time to time and that the cost of these meals be charged to the Committee's budget.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk circulate to all Members of the Committee Order in Council appointments referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources.

Eleni Bakopanos 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.

Christiane Gagnon moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “languages;” the following: “and that no documents be distributed without the authority of the Clerk”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 6.

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

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.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

It was agreed, — That unless there is unanimous consent, two days written notice must be given before any new item of business be considered by the Committee.

Paul Forseth moved, — That in hearing evidence, the witnesses be allowed a maximum of ten (10) minutes for their presentation and that the rounds of questioning be as follows:

First Round (time includes question and answer)

A. Conservative Party - 7 minutes

B. Block Quebecois - 7 minutes

C. NDP Party - 7 minutes

D. Liberal Party - 7 minutes

Second Round (times includes question and answer)

A. Conservative Party - 5 minutes

B. Liberal Party - 5 minutes

C. Back and forth between the Opposition and the Liberals, at the discretion of the Chair - 5 minutes.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

At 4:42 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.