OGGO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met at 9:05 a.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Raymond Bonin, it was agreed, — That Hon. Diane Marleau be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That Daryl Kramp be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Louise Thibault, it was agreed, — That Peggy Nash be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Hon. Diane Marleau took the Chair.

On motion of Raymond Bonin, 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.

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

On motion of Raymond Bonin, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition and one member of the government party.

On motion of Chris Warkentin, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

On motion of Raymond Bonin, 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 Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given five (5) to ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) to eight (8) minutes for the first questioner of each party, including the response of the witness, as follows: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party, Liberal Party and Conservative Party; and that thereafter, five (5) minutes, including the response of the witness, be allocated to each party as follows: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Conservative Party.

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

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

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

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the substantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed on division, — That on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the Committee hold a briefing session pertaining to the mandate of the Committee and that on Thursday, May 11, 2006, the Committee invite Mr. Gwyn Morgan to appear before the Committee, and that the meeting be televised, if possible.

At 10:04 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.