Experience has shown that smaller and
more flexible committees, when entrusted with interesting matters, can have a
very positive impact on the development of our parliamentary system, upgrade the
role of Members of Parliament, sharpen their interest and ultimately enable this
institution to produce much more enlightened measures that better meet the
wishes of the Canadian people.
Yvon Pinard, President of the Privy Council
(Debates, November 29, 1982, p. 21071)
A
s with other large deliberative
assemblies, the House of Commons has taken advantage of the greater flexibility
available in committees to carry out functions which can be better performed in
smaller groups. These include the examination of witnesses and the detailed
consideration of legislation, estimates and technical matters. Committee work
provides detailed information to parliamentarians on issues of concern to the
electorate and often provokes important public debate. In addition, because
committees interact directly with the public, they provide an immediate and
visible conduit between elected representatives and Canadians. With respect to
their formal proceedings, committees are microcosms and extensions of the House,
limited in their powers by the authority delegated to them. This chapter will
examine the history, the rules of procedure and the business conducted by
committees of the House of Commons.