Proceedings of the Standing Committee on
Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Issue 2 - Minutes of Proceedings - June 12, 2014
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 12, 2014
(19)
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met this day, at 9:02 a.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Campbell, Cordy, Doyle, Fraser, Furey, Jaffer, Johnson, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, P.C., Marshall, Munson, Seth, Smith (Saurel), Tkachuk and White (16)
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Charette-Poulin and Moore (2).
Also in attendance: Mr. Gary W. O'Brien, Clerk of the Senate, and other senior Senate officials.
CIBA/2014-06-12/100(P) — Adoption of Minutes of Proceedings
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk that the minutes of proceedings of May 29 and June 5, 2014, be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
CIBA/2014-06-12/101(P) — Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel
The Chair informed the committee that the selection process to staff the position of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel was completed. A notice of vacancy in the Canada Gazette was posted. A short list of three candidates was developed and the steering committee carried out interviews.
The Chair announced that it was the steering committee's unanimous recommendation that Michel Patrice be appointed Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel. A report would be presented in the Senate recommending Mr. Patrice's appointment.
CIBA/2014-06-12/102(P) — Update on Additional Funding Requirements
Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF)
After debate, it was agreed that approval be granted to host the 24th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Vancouver in January of 2016; that approval be granted for the use projected surplus from the committee's budget to fund the estimated cost of $72,816 for the Senate (based on the usual formula 30 per cent Senate, 70 per cent House of Commons) where the total estimated requirement for fiscal year 2014-2015 if $242,720.
The funding required for the Senate share, estimated at $327,220.50 for fiscal year 2015-2016 will be discussed during the main estimates process.
Modernization of the Joint Parliamentary Network (PPNU)
After debate, it was agreed that the Senate Administration be authorized to establish a procurement contract valued at over $100,000 for the modernization of the Joint Parliamentary Network, including the purchase of equipment over the next 3 fiscal years and the 3-year maintenance and ongoing maintenance. It was also agreed that the Senate Administration be allowed to use projected surplus from their overall budget to fund purchases in fiscal year 2014-2015.
CIBA/2014-06-12/103(P) — Membership to the Advisory Working Group on the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP)
It was agreed that the membership of the Advisory Working Group on the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) be composed of the Honourable Senators Downe and Batters.
CIBA/2014-06-12/104(P) — Follow-Up to the Proposed Diversity and Accessibility Action Plan — 2014-2016
Following up on comments made by several senators at the April 3, 2014 meeting, Darshan Singh, Director, Human Resources Directorate, responded to questions and explained the changes made to the Proposed Diversity and Accessibility Action Plan — 2014-2016.
Angela Vanikiotis, Manager, HR Operations, Diversity & Official Languages and Darcy MacPherson, Managing Editor, Debates, explained the model which will be followed and answered questions.
After debate, it was agreed that the Diversity and Accessibility Action Plan 2014-2016 be adopted.
CIBA/2014-06-12/105(P) — Management Procedures for Employees with Disabilities — Senators' Staff
After debate, it was agreed that the proposed Management Procedures for Employees with Disabilities which will allow for the release of employees for medical incapacity after two years or more of leave without pay if there is a medical prognosis of no return to work for the foreseeable future, be approved for application to employees retained to work in Senators' Offices in the same manner as they apply to employees of the Senate Administration.
CIBA/2014-06-12/106(P) — Third Report to the Clerk on Occupational Health and Safety
Diane Boucher, Director, Legislative Systems and Broadcasting gave an overview of the Third Report to the Clerk of the Senate on Occupational Health and Safety and answered questions.
After debate, it was agreed that the 2013-2014 Annual Report on Occupational Health and Safety by published on the IntraSen website.
CIBA/2014-06-12/107(P) — Other Matters
Visitors from the Alberta Legislature
The chair recognized three senior officials from the Alberta Legislative Assembly in attendance: Scott Ellis, Director and Senior Financial Officer; Jacqueline Breault, Manager, Corporate Services; and Vera Beck, Information/Records Manager and thanked them for coming.
Senate Staff Recognition Program
Senator Cordy thanked Reina Bernier and the organizers of the Senate Staff Recognition Program for the wonderful ceremony held on Friday, June 6, 2014 and congratulated all those who were given awards.
At 10 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Gary W. O'Brien
Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Lucie Lavoie
Recording Secretary