Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Internal Economy,
Budgets and Administration
Issue 1 - First Report of the Committee
WEDNESDAY, October 1, 1997
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 Chairs 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 committees 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 ommittee 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.
Respectfully submitted,
COLIN KENNY
Chairman