CHPC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Gary Schellenberger, presiding.

On motion of Jean-Claude D'Amours, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

It was agreed, — That all matters related to the Committee's business agenda and procedure be taken up in the committee of the whole.

On motion of Chris Warkentin, 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 one member of the opposition.

On motion of Maka Kotto, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given up to 10 minutes for their opening statement; that at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated five (5) minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that in the second round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal, the Bloc Quebecois and the Conservative Party; and that in the third round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal, the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party; and if time permits, in the fourth round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal and the Conservative Party.

On motion of Sylvie Boucher, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization ; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Charlie Angus, it was agreed, — 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.

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

On motion of Maka Kotto, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

On motion of Maka Kotto, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; that the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to the members in both official languages. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee's next meeting.

On motion of Maka Kotto, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meetings.

It was agreed, — That Mr. Robert Sirman, Director of the Canada Council for the Arts be invited to appear before the Committee on Tuesday, May 16, 2006, for and hour and half, on the Certificate of his nomination, and that the last thirty (30) minutes of the sitting be used for the consideration of motions on Notice from the members of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee will not meet on Thursday, May 18, 2006, because of the visit of the Prime Minister of Australia.

It was agreed, — That the Parliamentary Secretary does provide the Committee with a list of vacancies (appointment positions) in and under the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Mauril Bélanger moved, — That in view of the fact that the government is intending to initiate a review of Canadian Television and Broadcasting policy as well as the mandate of CBC/Société Radio-Canada, that the Heritage committee travel to the Banff Television and Film Festival in order to meet with the participants of the festival in preparation of those reviews. That the Clerk of the Committee, with the analysts, prepare a proposal and a budget for the Committee to travel to Banff, in June 2006, to meet with the stakeholders of the Television, Broadcasting and Films Industry during Banff Television and Film Festival.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 4.

At 5:02 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.