PACP Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts met at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 306, La Promenade Building, the Chair, David Christopherson, presiding.

Andrew Saxton moved, — That the Committee proceed to sit in camera.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 4.

At 3:33 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 3:33 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That, given that for at least eight (8) years this Committee has provided publication waivers for the printing of public accounts consistent with the following statement, the Committee hereby endorses the Comptroller General of Canada's request for publication waivers for the purposes of printing the Public Accounts of Canada, for payments of Claims against the Crown, Ex Gratia payments, and Court Awards related to:

Merchant Navy Veterans and Agent Orange;

Indian Residential School System;

Damages and losses in Afghanistan;

Payments made to inmates;

Instances where non disclosure is supported by confidentiality agreements;

Confidentiality issues which will be briefed to the Committee by officials of the Office of the Comptroller General of Canada; and

That this motion is agreed to with the understanding that the Committee may, at any time, request additional information related to these payments, including but not limited to holding hearings with officials, but by doing so while in camera so as to protect the privacy of the individuals named or involved.

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.

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.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one (1) staff person at an in camera meeting and that, in addition, each party may have in attendance one (1) representative.

It was agreed, — That one (1) copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That forty-eight (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 before consideration is given.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the Committee undertake a study of the Spring 2011 Report of the Auditor General of Canada, referred to the Committee on June 9, 2011; that the Interim Auditor General of Canada be invited to appear in connection with this study; and that the meeting be televised, if possible.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the Committee undertake a study of the 2011 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada, referred to the Committee on June 9, 2011; that the Interim Auditor General of Canada be invited to appear in connection with this study; and that the meeting be televised, if possible.

It was agreed, — That witnesses be given five (5) minutes to make their opening statement and if they have additional information, it should be deposited with the Clerk of the Committee and;

That during the questioning of witnesses, five (5) minutes be allocated to each questioner as follows: Conservatives, NDP, Conservatives, NDP, Conservatives, Liberal, Conservatives, NDP, Conservatives, Liberal, Conservatives, NDP, Conservatives.

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 four (4) members are present, including one (1) member of the opposition.

At 5:29 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.