Proceedings of the Standing Committee on
Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

Issue No. 4 - Minutes of Proceedings - June 2, 2016

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 2, 2016
(14)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met this day at 9:08 a.m., in room 160- S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Leo Housakos, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Campbell, Cordy, Downe, Doyle, Housakos, Jaffer, Lang, Marshall, Munson, Smith, Tannas, Tkachuk, Wells and White (15).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Lankin, P.C., McCoy and Mitchell (3).

Also in attendance: Nicole Proulx, Chief Corporate Services Officer and Clerk of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration; Charles Robert, Clerk of the Senate and Chief Legislative Officer; Michel Patrice, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel and Chief, Parliamentary Precinct Services; and other senior Senate officials.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

International and Interparliamentary Affairs:

Colette Labrecque-Riel, Acting Clerk Assistant and Director General.

CIBA/2016-06-02/118(P)|211| — Adoption of Minutes of Proceedings

The committee considered the minutes of proceedings of May 17, 2016.

It was moved by Senator Doyle that the minutes of proceedings of May 17, 2016, be adopted.

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

CIBA/2016-06-02/119(P)|338| — Establishment of an Advisory Working Group on the Review of Policies and Rules

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

CIBA/2016-06-02/120(P)|313| — Update of the Subcommittee on the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP/GCC)

Senator Tannas, chair of the Subcommittee on the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP / GCC), provided an update regarding the "Functional Program and Design Development" for the Government Conference Centre. He referenced floor plans illustrating the core Senate spaces in the building and, together with Michel Patrice, answered questions. It was agreed that a tour of the GCC for CIBA members be organized.

It was moved by Senator Munson that the "Functional Program and Design Development" for the GCC be approved.

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

CIBA/2016-06-02/121(P)|233| — Joint Interparliamentary Council (JIC) Funding

Colette Labrecque-Riel, Acting Clerk Assistant and Director General, International and Interparliamentary Affairs, provided information concerning the Joint Interparliamentary Council (JIC) budget allocation for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has submitted an additional request of $35,000 to the JIC in order to carry out its planned activities for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Accordingly, JIC is seeking to increase the over-allocation of its budget to fund parliamentary association activities by an amount of $35,000, for a total over-allocation of $156,310 ($109,417 or 70% for the House of Commons and $46,893 or 30% for the Senate). Ms. Labrecque-Riel responded to questions.

It was moved by Senator Munson:

That the JIC be authorized to allocate an additional $35,000 to the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association ($10,500 for the Senate and $24,500 for the House of Commons).

After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Batters, Cordy, Downe, Housakos, Jaffer, Munson, Smith, Tannas and Wells (9)

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

Campbell, Doyle, Lang, Marshall and Tkachuk (5)

Senator Jaffer spoke to the necessity of having a Senate co-chair on every Parliamentary Association. After discussion, it was agreed that the Senate members of the JIC discuss this issue with Senator Jaffer and communicate concerns back to the JIC.

CIBA/2016-06-02/122(P)|207| — Ramadan

Senator Jaffer informed the committee that the month of Ramadan begins next week. Ramadan is a time of self- examination and increased religious devotion for Muslims. Those observing Ramadan abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. Senator Jaffer asked that a communication be sent out to all senators and Senate employees reminding them that meditation rooms are available for use. She also asked that everyone be sensitive to the possible effects of extended fasting on Muslim employees.

At 10:01 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Nicole Proulx

Clerk of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

Jodi Turner

Recording Secretary