Proceedings of the Subcommittee on
Veterans Affairs
Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 5, 2004
(1)
[English]
The Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met at 12:10 p.m., this day, in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Michael A. Meighen, presiding.
Members of the subcommittee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, and Meighen (3).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Forrestall (1).
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson and Liam Price.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Orders of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 26, 2004, and the motions of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence on Wednesday, February 4, Monday, February 16 and on Monday, March 29, 2004, the subcommittee commenced its study on veterans services and benefits, commemorative activities and Veterans Charter. (For a complete text of the order of Reference see proceedings of the Main committee, Issue No. 2.)
WITNESS:
From Veterans Affairs Canada — Canadian Forces Advisory Council:
Peter Neary, Chair.
The Honourable Senator Atkins moved:
That the subcommittee print its proceedings and;
That the Chair be authorized to set the number to meet demand.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That pursuant to rule 89, the Chair be authorized to hold meetings, to receive and authorize the printing of the evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that a member of the subcommittee from both the government and the opposition be present.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Atkins moved:
That the subcommittee ask the Library of Parliament to assign research staff to the subcommittee and;
That the Chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of the subcommittee's examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills, and estimates as are referred to it; and
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to retain the services of such experts as may be required by the work of the subcommittee; and
That the Chair, on behalf of the subcommittee, direct the research staff in the preparation of studies, analyses, summaries, and draft reports.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the subcommittee empower the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure to designate, as required, one or more members of the Subcommittee and/or such staff as may be necessary to travel on assignment on behalf of the subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Atkins moved: That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to:
1) determine whether any member of the Subcommittee is on "official business'' for the purposes of paragraph 8(3)(a) of the Senators Attendance Policy, published in the Journals of the Senate on Wednesday, June 3, 1998; and
2) consider any member of the Subcommittee to be on "official business'' if that member is: (a) attending a function, event or meeting related to the work of the Subcommittee; or (b) making a presentation related to the work of the Subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That, pursuant to the Senate guidelines for witness expenses, the Subcommittee may reimburse reasonable travelling and living expenses for one witness from any one organization and payment will take place upon application, but that the Chair be authorized to approve expenses for a second witness should there be exceptional circumstances.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Chair made an opening statement.
Mr. Neary made a presentation and answered questions.
The Chair made a closing statement.
At 1:20 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Keli Hogan
Clerk of the Committee