CHPC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:37 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Gary Schellenberger, presiding.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the First Vice-Chair.

On motion of Denis Coderre, it was agreed, — That Andy Scott be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, notwithstanding the motion adopted on November 15, 2007, the Clerk be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee a compact disc submitted by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council containing examples of decisions made by the Council in English, French and Chinese.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the motion by Bill Siksay, moved on February 7, 2008, be withdrawn.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That CBC/Radio-Canada be invited to appear before the Committee on May 1, 2008 in relation to their plans and priorities.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Jim Abbott, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage examine Canada’s policy on half-masting of the Canadian flag in relation to provincial, territorial, and international practices.

Bill Siksay moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “examines Canada’s policy on half-masting of the Canadian flag in relation to provincial, territorial, and international practices” with the words “That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage affirm the position taken by the House of Commons on April 2, 2008 when it passed the following motion. M-310- That, in the opinion of the House, in order to show respect and to honour Canadian Forces and other Canadian government personnel who are killed while serving in overseas peacekeeping, peacemaking or humanitarian missions, the government should lower the flag on the Peace Tower to half-staff for the day following their demise as a remembrance of their important service to Canada and Canadians and that a moment of silence to be observed in the House, if the House is sitting on that same day. And that the Chair reports this motion to the House ”.

Debate arose thereon.

RULING BY THE CHAIR

The Chair ruled the proposed amendment inadmissible as it exceeded the scope of the motion, as provided on page 453 of House of Commons Procedure and Practice.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Jim Abbott, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage examine Canada’s policy on half-masting of the Canadian flag in relation to provincial, territorial, and international practices.

The debate continued.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 7.

At 4:56 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.