Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Internal Economy,
Budgets and Administration
Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Friday, June 13, 1997
(20)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera at 2:00 p.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Kenny presiding, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, s. 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators De Bané, Kenny, and Wood (3).
Members of the committee on teleconference: The Honourable Senators Carstairs, Cochrane, Milne, Rompkey and Stollery (5).
In attendance: Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate and other Senate officials.
At 2:25 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, August 12, 1997
(21)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met, in camera, at 10:00 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Kenny presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Corbin, De Bané, Forrestall, Kenny, LeBreton, Milne, Nolin, Poulin, Stollery, and Wood (10).
In attendance: Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate and other Senate officials.
It was agreed that the committee proceed in camera for this portion of the meeting.
At 3:15 p.m. the committee proceeded in public.
Approval of the Minutes of Proceedings of the April 24, 1997 meeting
97-08-12/145
It was agreed that the public minutes of the April 24, 1997 meeting be approved.
At 3:17 p.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, September 22, 1997
(22)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met, at 4:00 p.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Kenny presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Carstairs, Cohen, De Bané, Forrestall, Kenny, LeBreton, Milne, Poulin, Rompkey and Wood (10).
In attendance: Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate and other Senate officials.
Approval of the Minutes of Proceedings of the August 12, 1997 meeting
97-09-22/146
It was agreed that the minutes of August 12, 1997 be adopted.
CPAC
97-09-22/147
It was agreed that while respecting all rules regarding the televising of committee proceedings, the pilot project with CPAC for up to 32 hours a month of coverage continue until the end of the fiscal year; and that the committee authorize CPAC to produce a weekly show called "The Senate" to be televised on Friday nights at 9 p.m. and rebroadcast on Sundays at 7 p.m.
The Senate Today
97-09-22/148
It was agreed that the committee authorize the publication of "The Senate Today" subject to author's corrections and reasonable comments from senators received before Thanksgiving, 1997. It was also agreed that a less expensive version be printed for a wider distribution, and that the format be revisited before the next update.
Pins for Senators
97-09-22/149
It was agreed that a display of the options for senators pins be put in the Reading Room and that senators be given the opportunity to vote on the various options. The findings will be reported back tot he committee for final decision.
Accomplishments of Internal Economy
The Chairman tabled a letter which had been sent to all senators outlining the accomplishments of the committee, particularly over the summer months, and asking for comments and views on the work of the committee.
Report to the Senate on Decisions during Dissolution of Parliament
97-09-22/150
It was agreed that the following report be tabled in the Senate when the Senate resumes its sittings:
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration has the honour to present its
FIRST REPORT
Your committee, in accordance with the Parliament of Canada Act, met during the period of dissolution between the 35th and 36th Parliaments, and before the members of its successor committee were appointed. Your committee wishes to report to the Senate the decisions taken.
1. 97-05-01/126
That the following requests from committee Chairmen for funding during dissolution be adopted. All contracts and funds spent would be charged to the Committees Directorate.
i) Foreign Affairs -- Research contracts to complete papers concerning trade relations with the Asia-Pacific Region -- $20,000
ii) Banking, Trade and Commerce
a) Professional Services -- Small contract to assist in study of institutional investors -- $5,000
b) Participation by former committee members and/or staff in meetings or at conferences in Ottawa or at other locations -- $21,000
c) Expert Travel Expenses -- $ 4,000
iii) Transport and Communications (Transportation Safety) -- Expert Consultants -- $25,000
iv) Transport and Communications (Communications) -- Expert Consultants -- $30,000
v) Scrutiny of Regulations (Joint) (Senate Share) -- Legal Assistants Contracts -- $30,000
vi) Fisheries (Privatization in Canada's Fisheries) -- Contract for Communications -- $10,000
2. 97-05-01/127
That the additional expenses incurred by Senate Ccommittees in April 1997 prior to dissolution over and above the $10,000 already granted to all Senate Committees for fiscal year 1997-98, be approved. These additional expenses are as follows:
i) Legal and Constitutional Affairs -- $14,000 (witnesses expenses)
ii) Transport and Communications (Communications) -- $20,000 (professional services; working meals; witnesses expenses)
iii) Transport and Communications (Transportation Safety) -- $52,620 (professional services; Committee travel; working meals)
iv) Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Post Secondary Education) $8,000 (witnesses expenses)
3. 97-05-01-126
That during any prorogation or dissolution, there be no limitation on the existing travel policy of senators, as with previous practice.
4. 97-06-13/129
That the proposal regarding separation packages offered to senators' secretaries, be adopted, but that, based on advice received from outside Counsel, the implementation date be delayed until April 1, 1999. It was also agreed that the Senate Administration proceed to give appropriate notice to those affected.
5. 97-06-13/130
That the proposal regarding greater flexibility in the management of senators' office budgets, be adopted and come into effect immediately.
6. 97-08-12/138
That the budget for courier services, which was frozen in June, 1997, be reinstated on September 1, 1997, that the use of these services be monitored and that steps be taken to assist senators and their staff in the appropriate use of courier services.
7. 97-08-12/141
That the committee reaffirm the June 26 1990 policy regarding travel with Parliamentary associations.
8. 97-08-12/140
That the Internal Economy Committee endorse the position that more government bills be introduced first in the Senate.
9. 97-08-12/142
That the committee endorse that the proposals outlined in the document entitled "Reforming the Senate Sitting Schedule and Restructuring Committees" be circulated to all Senators for their views.
10. 97-08-12/137
That the Chairman of the committee be authorized to continue negotiations with PWGSC regarding space objectives of the Senate.
11. 97-09-22/150
That, while respecting all rules regarding the televising of committee proceedings, the pilot project with CPAC for up to 32 hours a month of coverage continue until the end of the fiscal year; and that the committee authorize CPAC to produce a weekly show called "The Senate" to be televised on Friday nights at 9 p.m. and rebroadcast on Sundays at 7 p.m.
12. 97-09-30/154
That the Senate travel policy be amended to allow the Internal Economy Committee to vary the daily rate for claims for accommodation, meals and incidental expenses, supported by receipts, for senators while on travel status based on high season and regionality.
13. 97-09-30/155
That a more flexible policy be implemented regarding guidelines for senators' office equipment and written justification for unusual demands.
14. 97-09-30/156
That an additional funding request of $5,000 to continue the work done during the period of dissolution regarding Transportation Safety in Canada (Transport and Communications Committee) be approved. All contracts and funds spent would be charged to the Committees Directorate.
As Chairman of the committee since December 1995, I would like to thank all the senators who served on Internal Economy for their contributions to the Committee. I would also like to thank Senate staff for their hard work and commitment to the Senate.
East Block 1910 Wing Security Protection
97-09-22/151
It was agreed that the security proposal outlined in the September 19, 1997 briefing note be approved and that the required funds be the subject of a supplementary estimate.
At 5:05 p.m. the committee proceeded in camera.
At 5:10 p.m., the committee proceed in camera, with senators only
At 5:55 p.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, September 23, 1997
(23)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met, at 9:10 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Kenny presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Carstairs, Cohen, Corbin, De Bané, Forrestall, Kenny, LeBreton, Milne, Nolin, Poulin, Rompkey, Stollery and Wood (13).
In attendance: Senate officials.
Accomplishments of Internal Economy
The Chairman thanked all members of the committee for their work during the past session.
At 9:15 a.m. the committee proceeded in camera.
At 9:16 a.m. the committee proceed in camera with senators only.
At 10:30 a.m. the committee proceed in camera with Senate officials.
At 10:50 a.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, September 30, 1997
(24)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met, in camera, at 9:10 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Kenny presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cochrane, Carstairs, Cohen, Corbin, De Bané, Forrestall, Kenny, LeBreton, Milne, Nolin, Poulin, Stollery and Wood (13).
In attendance: Senate officials.
At 11:15 a.m. the committee proceed in camera with senators only.
At 11:35 a.m. the committees adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Friday, October 10, 1997
(1)
In accordance with Rule 88, the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration held its organization meeting this day at 9:45 a.m.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Fairbairn, Hays, Hébert and Oliver (4).
In attendance: Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, and other Senate officials.
The Clerk of the committee presided over the election of the Chair.
97-10-10/001
The Honourable Senator Hays moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Oliver, that Senator Fairbairn be elected Acting Chairman for the purpose of this meeting only.
The question being put on the motion, it was -- resolved in the affirmative.
At 9:46 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera.
At 9:50 a.m., the committee adjourned.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, October 21, 1997
(2)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met this day at 9:30 a.m. In accordance with the decision of October 10, 1997, that Senator Fairbairn be Chairman for the purposes of that meeting only, the Clerk proceeded to the election of the Chairman.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Callbeck Carstairs, De Bané, Di Nino, LeBreton, Maheu, Nolin, Poulin, Robichaud (Saint-Louis-de-Kent), Rompkey, Stollery, Taylor and Wood (14).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Corbin and Hébert (2).
In attendance: Mr. Paul Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, and other Senate officials.
The Clerk of the committee presided over the election of the Chair.
97-10-21/003
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Carstairs moved that the Honourable Senator Rompkey be elected Chairman of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was -- Resolved in the affirmative.
97-10-21/004
It was moved by the Honourable Senator DeWare moved that the Honourable Senator Nolin be elected Deputy Chairman of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was -- resolved in the affirmative.
97-10-21/005
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Maheu that the Honourable Senators Rompkey, Nolin and Poulin, or another member designated by the Chairman after the usual consultations, be elected members of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure and that the Subcommittee be authorized to meet in camera.
The question being put on the motion, it was -- resolved in the affirmative.
97-10-21/006
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Taylor that the committee print 375 copies of its Proceedings.
The question being put on the motion, it was -- resolved in the affirmative.
At 10:00 a.m. the committee proceeded in camera.
10:03 a.m., the committee proceeded in public.
97-10-21/008
It was agreed that the committee thank the former Chairman of the committee, Senator Kenny, for all his work on behalf of the Internal Economy Committee and of the Senate, and that arrangements be made to thank him more formally in person at a future meeting.
At 10:10 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Paul C. Bélisle
Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Internal Economy Committee
Gary O'Brien
Recording Secretary of the Internal Economy Committee