TRAN Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met at 3:37 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Joseph Volpe, it was agreed, — That Merv Tweed be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Jeff Watson, it was agreed, — That Joseph Volpe be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Joseph Volpe, it was agreed, — That Mario Laframboise be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Merv Tweed took the Chair.

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

On motion of Mario Laframboise, 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 five (5) members are present, including two (2) members of the opposition.

On motion of Mario Laframboise, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes for their opening statement; that for the questioning of witnesses, seven (7) minutes be allocated to the first questioner of each party for the first round, and that, for all subsequent rounds, five (5) minutes be allocated to each party for their members that have not yet spoken, starting with the official Opposition, and that any further time allowed be allocated equally between each opposition party at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Mario Laframboise, it was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute documents to members of the Committee and only when such documents exist in both official languages.

On motion of Mario Laframboise, 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 Mario Laframboise, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses, not exceeding one (1) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

Mario Laframboise moved, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person and that one member of the House Officers’ staff from each party be allowed to attend in camera meetings.

Joseph Volpe moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “Officers’ staff ” the following: “and one member of the Whips' staff”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Joseph Volpe and it was agreed to.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person and that one member of the House Officers’ staff and one member of the Whips’ staff from each party be allowed to attend in camera meetings.

On motion of Mario Laframboise, 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 Mario Laframboise, it was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive 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 and that it be put on the agenda of the next meeting of Committee.

It was agreed, — That there be no Committee meeting on Thursday, February 5, 2009 and that a meeting of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be held on Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. instead of a meeting of the Standing Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Analysts prepare, for the members of the Committee, a briefing paper on the re-evaluation of services NAV CANADA provides to communities.

At 3:55 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.