RNNR Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Natural Resources met in camera at 11:06 a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Leon Benoit, presiding.

It was agreed, — That for the next twomeetings, the Committee conclude the study on nuclear safety issues, including safety issues at the Chalk River nuclear reactor by inviting witnesses including, three from the Government, three from the Official Opposition, two from the Bloc Québécois and one from the NDP.

It was agreed, — That when the two meetings on nuclear safety issues, including safety issues at the Chalk River nuclear reactor are concluded, the Committee proceed to the study on the forestry sector and that the list of potential witnesses be sent to the Clerk by end of the day on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in public.

At 11:56 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:03 p.m., the sitting resumed.

On motion of Claude DeBellefeuille, it was agreed on division, — That given the seriousness of the crisis rocking the forestry sector, the committee recommend that the government introduce, as soon as possible, an improved aid package for the forestry sector to diversify forestry economies, which is to be administered by Quebec, the other provinces and the territories and that a recommendation be reported to the House at the earliest opportunity following the study of the forestry industry.

On motion of Lloyd St. Amand, it was agreed, — That the proposed operational budget in the amount of $ 26, 550, for the period of 2007 to 2008, in relation to the Committee's study on nuclear safety, be adopted.

At 1:02 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.