Proceedings of the Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Issue 4 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, March 23, 2004
(9)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met at 9:39 a.m., this day, in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Lorna Milne, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuck, Austin, Carstairs P.C., Di Nino, Fairbairn, P.C., Grafstein, Harb, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Losier-Cool, Milne, Mercer, Oliver, Robertson, Smith, P.C., Stratton (16).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Gauthier (1).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament:Jamie Robertson and Margaret Young.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 26, 2004, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-4, to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Ethics Commissioner and Senate Ethics Officer) and other Acts in consequence, to which they desire the concurrence of the Senate. (For complete text of the Order of Reference, see Issue No.2, Wednesday, March 10, 2004.)
WITNESSES:
From the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada:
Honourable John Reid, P.C., Information Commissioner of Canada;
Mr. J. Alan Leadbeater, Deputy Information Commissioner of Canada.
From the Privy Council of Canada:
Mr. Yves Côté, Q.C., Counsel to the Clerk of the Privy Council, and Assistant Secretary to the cabinet;
Mr. Ron Wall, Director, Parliamentary Operations, Legislation and House Planning/Counsel.
The Honourable John Reid, P.C., made a brief presentation.
Mr. Yves Côté made a brief presentation.
Together, with the assistance of Mr. Ron Wall and Mr. Leadbeater, Mr. John Reid and Mr. Yves Côté answered questions.
It was agreed, that the Committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-4 on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
It was agreed, that the Title carry.
It was agreed, that clause 1, carry on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
It was agreed, that clause 2, carry on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
It was agreed, that clauses 3 to 42, carry on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
It was agreed, that this Bill be adopted without amendment, on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
It was agreed, that the Chair report this Bill, at the next sitting of the Senate, on the following division:
YEAS: Carstairs, Fairbairn, Harb, Hubley, Losier-Cool, Milne, Smith, Mercer.
NAYS: Andreychuck, Di Nino, Robertson, Stratton, Oliver.
ABSTENTIONS: Grafstein, Joyal.
At 10:55 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 24, 2004
(10)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met in camera at 12:28 p.m., this day, in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Lorna Milne, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuck, Di Nino, Downe, Fraser, Grafstein, Harb, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Losier-Cool, Milne, Oliver, Ringuette, Robertson, Smith P.C., Stratton (15).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Corbin, Murray, P.C., Sparrow (3).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Jamie Robertson and Margaret Young.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 13, 2004, the committee continued its examination on the consideration of a code of conduct for senators. (See Issue No.1, Tuesday, February 17, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
The committee proceeded in camera, pursuant to rule 92(2)(f) in order to discuss a draft report.
After discussion, it was agreed that individual members of the committee will inform the Chair or Clerk of the committee of their particular substantive input on a draft of conflict of interest code in order to assist the drafting committee.
At 1:29 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Blair Armitage
Clerk of the Committee