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

Issue 4 - Minutes of Proceedings - May 26, 2015

OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 26, 2015
(18)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met this day at 9:30 a.m., in room 356- S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Vernon White, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Cools, Doyle, Fraser, Frum, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., Martin, McIntyre, Neufeld, Smith, P.C. (Cobourg), Wells and White (13).

In attendance: Dara Lithwick, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, May 14, 2015, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-586, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (candidacy and caucus reforms).

WITNESSES:

As an individuals:

The Honourable Michael Chong, P.C., M.P., sponsor of the bill;

The Honourable Bob Rae, P.C., O.C., Q.C. (by video conference);

William Cross, Professor, Department of Political Science, Carleton University.

Mr. Chong made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:35 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:44 a.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Rae and Mr. Cross each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:22 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Till Heyde

Acting Clerk of the Committee