Proceedings of the Special Senate Committee
on Senate Modernization

Issue No. 9 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 8, 2017

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 8, 2017
(27)

[English]

The Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization met this day at 12:02 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Thomas Johnson McInnis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bellemare, Dean, Dupuis, Eggleton, P.C., Forest, Gagné, Greene, Joyal, P.C., Lankin, P.C., McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Oh, Smith, Stewart Olsen and Wells (16).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Day, Mercer, Pratte and Sinclair (4).

In attendance: Sebastian Spano and David Groves, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Sonia Noreau, Communications Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 6, 2016, the committee continued its examination of Bill S-213, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Parliament of Canada Act (Speakership of the Senate). (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 8.)

WITNESS:

As an individual:

The Honourable Dan Hays, P.C., former Speaker of the Senate.

The chair made a statement.

The Honourable Dan Hays, P.C., made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:37 p.m., pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, December 11, 2015, the committee continued its consideration of methods to make the Senate more effective within the current constitutional framework. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1.)

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed:

That senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting.

At 1:51 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Blair Armitage

Clerk of the Committee