PACP Committee Report

Wednesday, June 8, 2005
(Meeting No. 42)

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met in camera at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 371 West Block, the Chair, John Williams, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dean Allison, Gary Carr, David Christopherson, Brian Fitzpatrick, Sébastien Gagnon, Mark Holland, Daryl Kramp, Hon. Shawn Murphy, John Williams and Borys Wrzesnewskyj.

Acting Members present: Bernard Cleary for Benoît Sauvageau and Hon. Robert Thibault for Hon. Walt Lastewka.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Brian O'Neal, Analyst; Marc-André Pigeon, Analyst.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Monday, March 21, 2005, the Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-277, An Act to amend the Auditor General Act (audit of accounts).

The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, — That the Committee adopt the draft report as the Report to the House.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair present the Report to the House at the earliest opportunity.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the Committee resumed consideration of Chapter 5, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada - Education Program and Post-Secondary Student Support of the November 2004 Report of the Auditor General of Canada referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 23, 2004.

It was agreed, — That the Committee adopt the draft report as the Report to the House.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee request that the Government table a comprehensive response to the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, Clerk and analysts be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair present the Report to the House at the earliest opportunity following the expiry of the forty-eight (48) hour revision period.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk and the analysts, in consultation with the Chair, issue a news release.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Committee request that the Auditor General revisit the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs within one year to ensure that the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts are adopted and being implemented, and that the department is moving towards addressing all other outstanding issues.

At 4:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Elizabeth B. Kingston
Clerk of the Committee