PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:09 a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(2).

On motion of Marcel Proulx, it was agreed, — That Joe Preston be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Marlene Jennings, it was agreed, — That Marcel Proulx be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Tom Lukiwski, it was agreed, — That Michel Guimond be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Joe Preston took the Chair.

The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report.

At 11:13 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:19 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Marlene Jennings moved, — That the draft report be amended by deleting the name “Mario Silva” from the list of Members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.

Debate arose thereon.

Rodger Cuzner moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “Technology”, the following: “; and that Mario Silva be added to the list of Associate Members of that Committee.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Rodger Cuzner and it was agreed to.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the draft report be amended by deleting the name “Mario Silva” from the list of Members of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology; and that Mario Silva be added to the list of Associate Members of that Committee.

It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the House.

On motion of Harold Albrecht, 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 Tom Lukiwski, it was agreed, — That the four (4) Whips be delegated the authority to act as the striking committee pursuant to Standing Orders 104, 113 and 114, and that they be authorized to present directly to the Chair, in a report signed by all four (4) Whips, or their representatives, their unanimous recommendations for presentation to the House, on behalf of the Committee.

Scott Reid moved, — That all other routine motions agreed to at the beginning of the First Session of the 40th Parliament be deemed moved and agreed to.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

The motions deemed moved and agreed to read as follows:

That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, a member of the other opposition party and one government member.

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.

That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding one (1) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents and only when they exist in both official languages and that witnesses be advised accordingly prior to appearing before the Committee.

That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

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.

Tom Lukiwski moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(viii) and Section 30(2) of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Committee report to the House, recommending that the draft disclosure forms, submitted by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner in the First Session of the 40th Parliament, be approved.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Michel Guimond moved, — That a Subcommittee on the Conflict of Interest Code for the Members of the House of Commons be created; that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(viii) and Section 30(2) of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Subcommitte study the issue of gifts; that the Subcommittee be composed of a member of each party, following the usual consultations with the Whips; and that the Subcommittee report to the Committee no later than June 1, 2009.

Debate arose thereon.

Scott Reid moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “member of each party” with the following: “one (1) member from each of the opposition parties and two (2) members from the government party”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Scott Reid and it was negatived.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Michel Guimond, — That a Subcommittee on the Conflict of Interest Code for the Members of the House of Commons be created; that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(viii) and Section 30(2) of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Subcommitte study the issue of gifts; that the Subcommittee be composed of a member of each party, following the usual consultations with the Whips; and that the Subcommittee report to the Committee no later than June 1, 2009.

The debate continued.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

On motion of Michel Guimond, it was agreed, — That the Committee do now adjourn.

At 11:50 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.