Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Finance

Issue No. 60 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 13, 2018

OTTAWA, Tuesday, February 13, 2018
(143)

[Translation]

The Senate Standing Committee on National Finance met this day at 9:30 a.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Percy Mockler, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Bellemare, Cools, Eaton, Forest, Marshall, Mockler, Neufeld and Pratte (9).

In attendance: Alex Smith and Sylvain Fleury, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, the committee continued its study on such issues as may arise from time to time relating to federal estimates generally, including the public accounts, reports of the auditor general and public finances. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)

WITNESSES:

Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer:

Jean-Denis Fréchette, Parliamentary Budget Officer;

Mostafa Askari, Deputy Parliamentary Budget Officer;

Trevor Shaw, Economic Advisor-Analyst;

Tim Scholz, Economic Advisor-Analyst.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Fréchette made a statement and, together with Mr. Shaw, Mr. Askari and Mr. Scholz, answered questions.

At 10:20 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:23 a.m., the committee resumed.

WITNESSES:

Canada Revenue Agency:

Bob Hamilton, Commissioner;

Frank Vermaeten, Assistant Commissioner, Assessment, Benefit, and Service Branch;

Gillian Pranke, Director General, Call Centre Services Directorate, Assessment, Benefit, and Service Branch.

Mr. Hamilton made a statement and, together with Mr. Vermaeten, answered questions.

At 11:20 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:22 a.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that the senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting.

At 11:37 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Gaëtane Lemay
Clerk of the Committee