SECD - Standing Committee

National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs

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39-1 39th Parliament, 1st Session (April 3, 2006 - September 14, 2007)
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Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 11 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, February 26, 2007
(22)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera at 9:41 a.m. in room 7, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Baker, Banks, Day, Kenny, Meighen, Mitchell, Moore, Stratton and Tkachuk (10).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Di Nino and St. Germain, P.C (2).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Steven James, Melissa Radford and Jason Yung, Analysts; Barry Denofsky, National Security Advisor; Major-General (ret) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Captain (N) John Gardam, DND Liaison Officer; and Inspector Richard Haye, RCMP Liaison Officer.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 27, 2006, the committee continued its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada. (See Issue No. 1, Tuesday, April 25, 2006, of the committee's proceedings for the full text of the Order of Reference.)

WITNESSES:

National Defence

Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff;

Chief Warrant Officer Greg Lacroix, Army Regimental Sergeant Major;

Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff;

Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson, Chief of the Maritime Staff;

Commodore Andy Smith, Director General, Maritime Personnel and Readiness;

Captain (N) Ron Lloyd, Director General, Maritime Force Development.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered its draft agenda.

At 10 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:05 a.m., the committee resumed in public in room 2.

Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie made a presentation and answered questions.

At 11:51 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:02 a.m., the committee resumed.

Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas made a presentation and answered questions.

At 1:05 p.m., Senator Meighen assumed the chair.

At 1:06 p.m., Senator Kenny returned to the chair.

At 1:30 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 1:32 p.m., the committee resumed in camera in room 7.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered its draft agenda.

At 2:05 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:07 p.m., the committee resumed in public in room 2.

Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson made a presentation and answered questions.

At 4 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:06 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Chair informed honourable senators of the resignation of the Honourable Michael Meighen as deputy chair of the committee and read a letter advising of this matter.

Debate.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Day that the Honourable Senator Meighen be deputy chair of the committee.

After debate, the Honourable Senator Meighen declined the nomination.

The Chair called for further nominations for the position of deputy chair.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Stratton that the Honourable Senator Tkachuk be deputy chair of the committee.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Banks that the Honourable Senator Atkins be deputy chair of the committee.

After debate, it was moved by the Honourable Senator Moore that nominations be closed.

The question being put on the motion of Senator Moore, it was adopted.

After debate, the Honourable Senator Tkachuk declined the nomination.

After debate, the question being put on the motion by the Honourable Senator Banks that the Honourable Senator Atkins be deputy chair of the committee, it was adopted on division.

Debate.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Moore that only committee staff be allowed in the room for in camera meetings.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on division.

At 5:10 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:20 p.m., the committee resumed in camera in room 705.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered its draft agenda.

At 6:25 p.m., the committee resumed in public.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Moore that the following budget application for the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 be concurred in; and

That the Chair of the Subcommittee submit same to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

Professional and Other Services —
Transportation and Communications  $ 72,840
All Other Expenses     $ 2,000
TOTAL $ 74,840

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Day that, subject to the steering committee making minor editorial adjustments, the following budget application for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 be concurred in; and

That the Chair submit same to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

Professional and Other Services $ 283,000
Transportation and Communications  $ 648,410
All Other Expenses     $ 25,950
TOTAL $ 957,360

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 6:35 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Jodi Turner

Clerk of the Committee