Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Banking, Trade and Commerce

Issue 43 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, December 8, 1998
(86)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce met this day, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 505, Victoria Building, the Chairman, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Austin, P.C., Hervieux-Payette, P.C., Kelleher, P.C., Kenny, Kirby, Kolber, Kroft, Meighen, Oliver, Stewart and Tkachuk (11).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Taylor (1).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Mr. Gerry Goldstein, Director, Economics Division.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Industry Canada:

Mr. Andrei Sulzenko, Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry and Science Policy;

Mr. Robert Dunlop, Director General, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Office;

Mr. Serge Croteau, Director General, Programs and Services Branch;

Mr. Peter Webber, Team Leader, Small Business Financing;

Ms Lenore Scanlon, Lawyer, Commercial Law.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, December 2, 1998, the committee proceeded to study Bill C-53, An Act to increase the availability of financing for the establishment, expansion, modernization and improvement of small businesses.

Mr. Sulzenko made an opening statement and then, along with the other other witnesses, answered questions.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Oliver, -- That Bill C-53 be adopted and reported to the Senate without amendment but with observations.

Motion agreed to.

The committee proceeded in camera session to discuss future business.

At 11:45 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Wednesday, December 16, 1998
(87)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce met this day, in camera, at 4:00 p.m., in Room 505, Victoria Building, the Chairman, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Austin, P.C., Kirby, Kenny, Meighen, Oliver and Stewart (6).

Other Senator present: The Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C. (1).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Mr. Gerry Goldstein, Director Economics Division and Daniel Shaw, Researcher.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Industry Canada:

Mr. Konrad von Finckenstein, Director of Investigation and Research, Competition Bureau;

Mr. Denis Corriveau, Analyst;

Mr. Richard Annan, Senior Commerce Officer;

Mr. Roy Pierce, Analyst.

The committee met to receive a briefing on the report of the Competition Bureau relating to the bank mergers.

At 5:45 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Gary Levy

Clerk of the Committee