Proceedings of the Special Senate Committee
on Senate Modernization

Issue No. 1 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 9, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 9, 2016
(2)

[English]

The Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization met this day at 11:02 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Thomas Johnson McInnis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bellemare, Cools, Eggleton, P.C., Greene, Joyal, P.C., McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Seidman, Stewart Olsen, Tannas and Wells (12).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Beyak and Fraser (2).

In attendance: Sebastian Spano, 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 Friday, December 11, 2015, the committee began its consideration of methods to make the Senate more effective within the current constitutional framework.

WITNESS:

As an individual:

David E. Smith, Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Ryerson University.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Smith made a statement and answered questions.

The Honourable Senator McCoy moved:

That the document entitled "Senate Modernization Committee formed, chairman Sen. McInnis chosen without election'' from the Hill Times date February 22, 2016 be filed as an exhibit. (Exhibit 1120-04-04-1.42/ MDRN-SS-1, 1 "1'').

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

At 12:49 p.m., the committee suspended.

At, 1:03 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee considered a draft agenda.

The committee considered a draft agenda.

It was agreed that the committee meet on Monday, April 18, 2016.

At 1:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee