Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:08
BQ (QC)
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Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll keep this quick.
From 2003 to 2007, when I was an MNA in Quebec, sometimes citizens would speak before a committee, and they could ask the witnesses questions. Occasionally, the angle of their questions would be completely different from the angle of the MNAs' questions.
I would be open to both options. I understand the Conservative Party's concerns. The work of elected officials in a committee such as this one shouldn't be diminished. We have been duly elected. In the public sphere, the impression is sometimes given that people are disaffected with democratic institutions, and that everything unrelated to Parliament is more legitimate.
I'll set that perspective aside. As long as we don't use public participation for partisan purposes, I support the motion. I also don't see any problem with the subcommittee looking into the issue, especially since we're talking about selecting the most relevant questions. Hopefully, the angle of the questions will be different from the angle of the questions asked by members.
That's what I wanted to say.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:10
Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:31
BQ (QC)
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Thank you, Mr. Chair.
In fairness to the people who prepared the document, I want to say that I realize the motions were models and were not meant to purposely exclude the Bloc Québécois and Green Party members, as my colleague indicated. I want that on the record.
I appreciate the fact we're discussing how much time could be given to the Bloc Québécois and Green Party. I hope we can work quickly and refer the issue to the steering committee.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:32
Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:34
BQ (QC)
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I submitted a motion earlier. I'm not sure when.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:35
BQ (QC)
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We are involved in a tough process that will require a great deal of work. For example, the person with me today takes care of all the parliamentary business and questions from the Bloc Québécois whip, in addition to conducting research for various members.
My motion reads as follows:
That the Bloc Québécois and Green Party be allocated additional resources so they can each retain a resource person (for research, writing, and communication) to help the member work on democratic reform until the Committee's report is tabled in the House.
Regarding my Quebec experience, I know that, at the time, ADQ MNAs were allocated additional resources for research and communication. To have resources available on the Hill, Bloc Québécois members must now cut their budget by 20%.
It would be a lot to ask us to make further cuts to the operating budgets in our constituencies. If we want to reform democratic institutions, perhaps we should show openness to the idea starting now. I think what I've submitted today is a reasonable accommodation to help do the work.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:37
Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:38
BQ (QC)
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Since people seem receptive to the motion, it may be worthwhile for the committee to speak as one to the people concerned to find out whether it's possible. It would be an indication that committee members can vote in favour of the motion or refer it to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. That wouldn't be a problem for me.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:39
BQ (QC)
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I can rectify that.
I have spoken with the parliamentary secretary many times about our intention to put forward such a motion. I was told that I could do so as part of our work this afternoon. I am putting forward the motion because the committee is adopting routine motions. It's thus clear that I am addressing this committee.
It's a routine motion issue. An operating budget must be allocated to the committee now or in the future.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:40
BQ (QC)
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Mr. Chair, you are giving me an opportunity to say two things.
Since we have not discussed this, I don't know whether my colleagues will consider this request as legitimate. We can look into the form of the motion, but we will not have a debate both on the form and on the substance. Do the committee members agree with the substance of the motion? As for the form of the motion, we can adapt it. We have been adapting other motions for a while.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:41
BQ (QC)
Francis Scarpaleggia - 14:41
Francis Scarpaleggia - 15:09
BQ (QC)
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Mr. Chair, I have a series of questions to ask, and I am not sure whether I have to submit them to the steering committee.
One of those questions has to do with the overall budget provided for the committee. I assume a budget will be provided and, in the interest of transparency, it would be a good idea for everyone to know what it is.
There was talk about holding consultations in ridings. The government's motion provides a timeframe for that. When will we discuss the way we will proceed? We are talking about what we will do, but if 338 members have to hold consultations, we will have to ensure that the process is fair and serious.
What will be the budget allocated to the members for that purpose? Will a single consultation session be considered sufficient? Will the steering committee be making that decision? If so, the information will have to be sent to the members quickly to give them an opportunity to get organized. Time is going by pretty quickly. August will bring a new school year and other considerations.
I have many questions to ask, but I guess I can keep them for the steering committee's meeting.
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 15:11
BQ (QC)
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We need to know how many Canadian cities will—
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Francis Scarpaleggia - 15:11