Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Privileges, Standing Rules and Orders

Issue 4 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, December 17, 1997

(5)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Privileges, Standing Rules and Orders met at 11:00 a.m. this day, the Chairman, the Honourable Senator Maheu, presiding.

Members of the committee present: Atkins, Corbin, DeWare, Grimard, Kelly, Lewis, Maheu, Milne, Pearson, Petten, Robertson and Rossiter (12).

In attendance: Mr. Gary O'Brien, Clerk of the committee, and other Senate officials.

The committee reviewed the First Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (Steering Committee), concurred in by the committee on November 4, 1997, regarding future agenda items, and the Chairman reported on progress.

It was agreed that Mr. Joseph Maingot, Q.C. be requested to be on stand by as an advisor to the committee, if it was given an order of reference by the Senate concerning the attendance of Senator Thompson. It was also agreed that staff prepare background material on the proposed order of reference including the attendance rules at Westminster and in particular in the House of Lords.

It was agreed that the Chairman continue to direct staff concerning the proposed new rules for Joint committees and that a draft of the proposed new rules be presented at a future meeting.

It was agreed that the committee consider at its next meeting the possibility of examining proposals to amend the Senate rules to provide for better services to handicapped senators.

At 11: 55 am, the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Gary O'Brien

Clerk of the Committee