FINA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 10:31 a.m. this day, in Room C-110, 1 Wellington Street, the Chair, James Rajotte, presiding.

It was agreed, — That in relation to the study of Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (interprovincial importation of wine for personal use), the proposed supplementary budget in the amount of $2,350 be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee.

It was agreed, — That in relation to the study of Bill C-38, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and other measures, the proposed budget in the amount of $88,500 be adopted, and that the Chair present the said budget to the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee.

It was agreed, — That the proposed operational budget for the Subcommittee in the amount of $25,500 in relation to the study of Part 3 (responsible Resource Development) of Bill C-38, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and other measures, be adopted, and that the Chair present the said budget to the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee.

It was agreed, — That the following five survey questions for Pre-budget Consultations 2012 be adopted:

1. Given the current climate of federal and global fiscal restraint, what specific federal measures do you feel are needed for a sustained economic recovery and enhanced economic growth in Canada?

2. As Canadian companies face pressures resulting from such factors as uncertainty about the U.S. economic recovery, a sovereign debt crisis in Europe, and competition from a number of developed and developing countries, what specific federal actions do you believe should be taken to promote job creation in Canada, including that which occurs as a result of enhanced internal and international trade?

3. What specific federal measures do you think should be implemented to help the country address the consequences of, and challenges associated with, the aging of the Canadian population and of skills shortages?

4. With labour market challenges arising in part as a result of the aging of Canada’s population and an ongoing focus on the actions needed for competitiveness, what specific federal initiatives are needed in order to increase productivity in Canada?

5. With some Canadian individuals, businesses and communities facing particular challenges at this time, in your view, who is facing the most challenges, what are the challenges that are being faced and what specific federal actions are needed to address these challenges?.

At 10:36 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 115(5), the sitting was suspended.

At 11:45 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Claude Poirier, Tyler Sommers, Terrance Oakey and Bob Linton made statements and answered questions.

At 1:06 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.