Proceedings of the Subcommittee on
Communications
Issue 1 - Evidence
OTTAWA, Thursday, October 30, 1997
The Subcommittee on Communications of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications met this day at 11:40 a.m. to organize the committee's work.
[English]
Mr. Michel Patrice, Clerk of the committee: Honourable senators, I see a quorum. As clerk of your subcommittee, it is my duty to preside over the election of the Chairman. I am ready to receive motions to that effect.
Senator Spivak: I move that Senator Poulin be Chairman of the committee.
Mr. Patrice: Are there any other nominations?
There being no other nominations, is it agreed that Senator Poulin be Chairman of this subcommittee?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
Senator Marie-P. Poulin (Chairman) in the Chair.
The Chairman: Thank you for your confidence, colleagues. I would first like to thank the previous committee for the work it did.
I am prepared to receive nominations for the election of the Deputy Chairman.
Senator Rompkey: I move that Senator Spivak be the Deputy Chairman.
The Chairman: Are there any other nominations?
Is it agreed that Senator Spivak be the Deputy Chairman?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: Senator Spivak, congratulations. It is marvellous to have you on board again.
We need a motion with regard to the work of the subcommittee.
Senator Perrault: I move:
That the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Subcommittee be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the Subcommittee with respect to its agenda, to invite witnesses and schedule hearings.
The Chairman: Is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: We need a motion to print the subcommittee's proceedings.
Senator Spivak: I move:
That the subcommittee print 200 copies of its proceedings and that the Chairman be authorized to adjust this number to meet demand.
The Chairman: Is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: We need a motion with regard to authorization to hold meetings and print evidence when a quorum is not present.
Senator Rompkey: I move:
That pursuant to Rule 89, the Chairman be authorized to hold meetings, to receive and authorize the printing of the evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that a representative of each party is present.
The Chairman: Is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: We need a motion with regard to research staff.
Senator Spivak: I move:
That the subcommittee ask the Library of Parliament to assign research officers to the subcommittee; and
That the Chairman, on behalf of the subcommittee, direct the research staff in the preparation of studies, analyses, summaries and draft reports.
The Chairman: Is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: We need a motion with regard to travelling and living expenses of witnesses.
Senator Rompkey: I move:
That, pursuant to the Senate guidelines for witnesses expenses, the subcommittee may reimburse reasonable travelling and living expenses for no more than two witnesses from any one organization and payment will take place upon application.
The Chairman: Is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: Honourable senators, we will now move in camera.
The committee proceeded in camera.