Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Energy, the
Environment and Natural Resources
Issue 24 - Evidence - Evening meeting
OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 8, 1999
The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, to which was referred Bill C-32, respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development, met this day at 6:47 p.m. to give consideration to the bill.
Senator Ron Ghitter (Chairman) in the Chair.
The Chairman: Honourable senators, we have before us the motion of Senator Nolin. Essentially, it is an amendment to the motion presented by Senator Kenny.
Is there any honourable senator who wishes to debate further the amendment as presented by Senator Nolin?
Senator Hays: Mr. Chairman, the matter of order I raised is now hypothetical in that we are now sitting. Its only purpose was to assure that we did meet when the Senate rose. It being hypothetical, it is now moot and should be dropped.
The Chairman: Is it agreed, honourable senators?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: If there is no one who wishes to debate the amendment, then let us have a vote on it.
Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the amendment?
Some Hon. Senators: Agreed.
Some Hon. Senators: No.
The Chairman: The amendment is defeated.
We will now proceed to the motion of Senator Kenny, which honourable senators have before them.
Senator Hays: Before we proceed, Mr. Chairman, the motion that was drafted prior to the Senate meeting today would require, with leave of the committee, a variation, in that it does not reflect that the bill be reported tomorrow but, rather, that the bill be reported today, which is no longer possible.
With leave, Senator Kenny could move an amendment to correct that. I propose that that is the easiest way to do it. However, if you would prefer, Mr. Chairman, I could move an amendment to cover the point, which is that the motion of Senator Kenny be amended by deleting in paragraphs 1 and 2 the words "this day" and substituting therefore the words "tomorrow, September 9, 1999."
The Chairman: Senator Kenny, do you agree to incorporate that in your resolution? I think it is obvious that we have to do that to make it relevant. If you agree, senator, I do not think there is any necessity for an amendment.
Senator Kenny: I agree, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman: Is it agreed, honourable senators, that we proceed in that fashion?
Hon Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: Honourable senators, the motion that is before us is as you see it, other than the fact that the bill be reported tomorrow, September 9, 1999. That includes the report and the observations.
If there is no discussion relative to the motion, honourable senators, is it your pleasure to adopt the motion of Senator Kenny?
Some Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chairman: The motion is carried.
Is there any further business?
Senator Taylor: Mr. Chairman, I think we have to move that the committee meet again tomorrow when the Senate rises to clean up any unfinished business.
The Chairman: What do you have in mind, senator?
Senator Taylor: We have had any number of meetings after which we have ended up with unfinished business.
The Chairman: Is this known as a backstop motion? Would you like to word the motion again, Senator Taylor, for the clerk?
Senator Taylor: Mr. Chairman, I move:
That the committee meet again tomorrow when the Senate rises.
The Chairman: It is understood that, if there is no business, we will adjourn quickly.
If there is no discussion on Senator Taylor's motion, is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The committee adjourned.