Proceedings of the Standing Committee on
Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 1, 2006
(1)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera at 8:35 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, Cook, Day, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Kenny, Massicotte, Prud'homme, P.C., Robichaud, P.C., St. Germain, P.C., Stratton and Tkachuk (14).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Phalen and Smith, P.C. (3).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
At 11 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 8, 2006
(2)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera at 8:35 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators, Comeau, Cook, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Hays, Jaffer, Kenny, Massicotte, Nolin, Poulin, Prud'homme, P.C., Smith, P.C., Robichaud, P.C., Stratton and Tkachuk (16).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Biron, Fox, P.C., Hervieux-Payette, P.C. and Lavigne (4).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
WITNESSES:
Quebec Bar:
Mr. Pierre Sébastien, Q.C., President.
Sébastien Downs Astell Lachance, Attorneys:
Mr. Luc Lachance.
At 11:30 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, June 13, 2006
(3)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met at 8:05 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Biron, Cook, Furey, Jaffer, Nolin, Poulin, Prud'homme, P.C., Robichaud, P.C., Stollery and Stratton (10).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
IE/2006-06-13/008 (P) — Election of Chair
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Nolin that the Honourable Senator Furey be elected chair of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/009 (P) — Election of Deputy Chair
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Cook that the Honourable Senator Nolin be elected deputy chair of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/010 (P) — Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee)
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, seconded by Senator Nolin —
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the Deputy Chair and one other member of the committee, to be designated after the usual consultation; and that the quorum be three (3) members; and
That if the full committee is unable to meet, the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee) be authorized to deal with and resolve immediate administrative problems; and that it report its decisions at the first meeting thereafter.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/011 (P) — Membership: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee)
It was agreed that the membership on the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee) be composed of the Honourable Senators Furey (Chair), Nolin (Deputy Chair), and Cook.
IE/2006-06-13/012 (P) — Motion to Print Committee Proceedings
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Poulin that the committee print 200 copies of its proceedings.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/013 (P) — Subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Robichaud that a subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets be established and composed of three (3) members, to be designated be the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee) after the usual consultations.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
At 8:11 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera.
At 8:25 a.m., the committee proceeded in public.
IE/2006-06-13/015 (P) — Artwork Advisory Working Group
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Robichaud that the Artwork Advisory Working Group (AAWG) be re-established and that the following Senators be named as members: Senators Moore, Joyal, Mahovlich, Meighen and Johnson.
The mandate of the Artwork Advisory Working Group (AAWG) will be to provide advice and oversight on matters related to the acquisition of heritage assets and works of art for the Senate; the display of works of art and the development of supporting policies and guidelines; and other matters referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/016 (P) — Joint Inter-parliamentary Council
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Poulin that the Honourable Senator Furey, Nolin and Cook be named to represent the Senate on the Joint Interparliamentary Council.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
IE/2006-06-13/017 (P) — Adoption of Minutes of Proceedings
It was moved, that the Minutes of Proceedings of November 24 and 29, 2005 be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was resolved in the affirmative.
At 8:40 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 15, 2006
(4)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera at 8:30 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cook, Downe, Furey, Jaffer, Massicotte, Nolin, Poulin, Prud'homme, P.C., Robichaud, P.C., Stollery and Stratton (11).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
At 10 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, June 20, 2006
(5)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera at 6:11 p.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, Cook, Downe, Fraser, Furey, Kenny, Kinsella, Nolin, Phalen, Poulin, Robichaud, P.C., Stollery and Stratton (14).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
At 8:16 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Paul C. Bélisle
Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Standing
Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Gary O'Brien
Recording Secretary
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 22, 2006
(6)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met at 9:35 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Comeau, Cook, Downe, Furey, Kenny, Kinsella, Massicotte, Nolin, Phalen, Poulin, Prud'homme, P.C., Robichaud, P.C., Stollery and Stratton (15).
Also in attendance: Mr. Paul C. Bélisle, Clerk of the Senate, other senior Senate officials.
IE/2006-06-22/027(P) — Report of the Subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets
Senator Stratton made a presentation regarding the allocation of Committee Budgets for 2006-2007. He indicated that $3,750,000 was available for committees in 2006-2007 and that $400,000 was set aside for witness expenses, leaving $3,350,000 for distribution. The Subcommittee received 28 budget submissions totalling $3,086,069. The Subcommittee was committed to using a principled, consistent approach in its review of committee budgets. Its mandate was not to judge the workplans which have been developed in each committee but to ensure that funds were allocated in a responsible and fair manner. The Subcommittee divided the budgets into those that included public hearings and/or fact-finding missions and those that did not.
After review, the Subcommittee decided to approve all budgets that were under $75,000 without hearing from those Committee Chairs, since they were fairly standard. The total of these budgets amounted to $421,775. With respect to the seven larger budgets, the Subcommittee called each of the Chairs to appear to explain their submissions and, in particular, to explain the timing of their activities. The Subcommittee decided to use a phased approach, recommending the allocation of funds for all travel which is scheduled to take place through the end of 2006, in addition to the regular operating expenses for the entire fiscal year. Given that several new budget requests would be coming in the fall, it was important that funds remain for distribution.
Senator Stratton noted that while these funds were being recommended for release, it would be up to each Chair to defend their budgets for special studies in the Senate Chamber.
The Chair of the Subcommittee, Senator Stratton, presented the First Report of the Subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets as follows:
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The Subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration has the honour to present its
FIRST REPORT
Your Subcommittee recommends the release of the following amounts for fiscal year 2006-2007:
Aboriginal Peoples (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 7,800 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 1,000 Total $ 8,800 Aboriginal Peoples (Involvement of Aboriginal Communities and Businesses in Economic Development)
Professional and Other Services $ 56,800 Transportation and Communications 198,030 All Other Expenditures 10,000 Total $ 264,830 Aboriginal Peoples (General Concerns of First Nations in Canada Related to the Federal Specific Claims Process)
Professional and Other Services $ 11,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 1,000 Total $ 12,000 Agriculture and Forestry (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 10,000 Transportation and Communications 1,000 All Other Expenditures 1,000 Total $ 12,000
Banking, Trade and Commerce (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 22,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 8,000 Total $ 30,000 Banking, Trade and Commerce (Interprovincial Barriers to Trade)
Professional and Other Services $ 7,500 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 1,500 Total $ 9,000 Banking, Trade and Commerce (Demographic Changes)
Professional and Other Services $ 9,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 1,500 Total $ 10,500 Banking, Trade and Commerce (Proceeds of Crime — Money Laundering)
Professional and Other Services $ 9,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 1,500 Total $ 10,500 Banking, Trade and Commerce (Consumer Issues Arising in the Financial Services Sector)
Professional and Other Services $ 26,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 28,000 Banking, Trade and Commerce (Domestic and International Financial System)
Professional and Other Services $ 27,300 Transportation and Communications 93,300 All Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 122,600 Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 8,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 10,000 Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Canadian Environmental Protection Act)
Professional and Other Services $ 24,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 26,000 Fisheries and Oceans (Policy Framework for Managing Canada's Fisheries and Oceans)
Professional and Other Services $ 67,500 Transportation and Communications 133,056 All Other Expenditures 9,500 Total $ 210,056 Foreign Affairs (Foreign Affairs in General)
Professional and Other Services $ 15,000 Transportation and Communications 46,500 All Other Expenditures 600 Total $ 62,100 Foreign Affairs (Development and Security Challenges facing Africa)
Professional and Other Services $ 58,500 Transportation and Communications 257,112 All Other Expenditures 30,000 Total $ 345,612 Human Rights (Federal Public Service)
Professional and Other Services $ 2,500 Transportation and Communications 500 All Other Expenditures 300 Total $ 3,300 Human Rights (Invitation of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs to appear before the committee)
Professional and Other Services $ 2,500 Transportation and Communications 500 All Other Expenditures 300 Total $ 3,300 Human Rights (Canada's International and National Human Rights Obligations)
Professional and Other Services $ 5,000 Transportation and Communications 0 All Other Expenditures 300 Total $ 5,300 Human Rights (Rights and Freedom of Children)
Professional and Other Services $ 98,010 Transportation and Communications 151,636 All Other Expenditures 12,700 Total $ 262,346 Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 42,500 Transportation and Communications 27,610 All Other Expenditures 4,000 Total $ 74,110
National Security and Defence (National Security Policy)
Professional and Other Services $ 179,400 Transportation and Communications 468,350 All Other Expenditures 27,350 Total $ 675,100 Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Professional and Other Services $ 18,375 Transportation and Communications — Other Expenditures — Total $ 18,375
Scrutiny of Regulations
Professional and Other Services $ 1,200 Transportation and Communications 1,650 Other Expenditures 2,640 Total $ 5,490 Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 6,000 Transportation and Communications 0 Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 8,000 Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Mental Health)
Professional and Other Services $ 2,500 Transportation and Communications 10,000 All Other Expenditures 42,000 Total $ 54,500 Transport and Communications (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 10,000 Transportation and Communications 0 Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 12,000 Transport and Communications (Canadian News Media)
Professional and Other Services $ 5,000 Transportation and Communications 1,000 All Other Expenditures 2,000 Total $ 8,000 Transport and Communications (Containerized Freight Traffic Handled by Canada's Ports)
Professional and Other Services $ 30,600 Transportation and Communications 126,771 All Other Expenditures 8,500 Total $ 165,871
Respectfully submitted,
TERRY STRATTON
Chair
Senator Stratton noted that if the Subcommittee's recommendations were accepted, the total release would amount to $2,457,690 and there would remain available for distribution $892,310. In addition, further funds will become available after trips are completed and surplus funds are clawed back, pursuant to Senate policy.
After debate, it was moved by Senator Poulin that the First Report of the Subcommittee on Finance and Budgets be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was — Agreed on division.
Senator Furey agreed to have the Steering Committee meet with the Subcommittee on the Review of Committee Budgets to discuss the process for approval of committee budgets.
IE/2006-06-22/028(P) — Emergency Funds — Special Committee on Senate Reform
Senator Stratton presented a request for emergency funding from the Special Committee on Senate Reform.
After debate, it was agreed that the Steering Committee be authorized to approve emergency funding for the Special Committee on Senate Reform up to $50,000, notwithstanding the current limit of $10,000. Further, any approval of funds in excess of $10,000 will require the Special Committee to adopt a provisional budget which will not exceed $50,000.
At 10:44 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera.
At 11:10 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera, senators only.
At 11:20 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera.
At 11:39 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Paul C. Bélisle
Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Catherine Pearl-Côté
Recording Secretary