Proceedings of the Standing Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

Issue 3 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, March 24, 2009
(4)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met this day, at 10:04 a.m., in room 356-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Donald H. Oliver, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Brown, Corbin, Duffy, Fraser, Furey, Joyal, P.C., Keon, Losier-Cool, McCoy, Nolin, Oliver, Robichaud, P.C., Smith, P.C. (14).

In attendance: Jean-Rodrigue Paré, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

The chair informed the committee that he has initiated discussions with the chair of the Internal Economy Committee on a working group on Senate operations, and will report on the progress as discussions continue.

Pursuant to rule 86(1)(f)(i), the committee considered procedural considerations arising from the amendments to the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators.

WITNESS:

Senate of Canada:

Charles Robert, Principal Clerk, Chamber Operations and Procedure Office.

At 10:10 a.m., Mr. Robert made a presentation and answered questions.

After debate, Senator Robichaud moved that Mr. Robert prepare draft options for the rules, but not on omnibus bills.

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

Senator Corbin moved that staff prepare a draft paper on evolution of omnibus bills in the Parliament of Canada.

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

Pursuant to rule 86(1)(f)(i), the committee considered a draft report on the notice requirements for questions of privilege.

At 11:19 a.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed in camera and that senators' staff be allowed to remain.

At 11:41 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Blair Armitage

Clerk of the Committee