Proceedings of the Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Issue 5 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, February 11, 2003
(13)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met at 9:02 a.m., this day, in room 257, East Block, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Milne, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Di Nino, Joyal, P.C., Kinsella, Kroft, Milne, Murray, P.C., Rompkey, P.C., Smith, P.C., Stratton, Wiebe (10).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Carstairs, P.C., Gauthier, Sparrow (3).
Also in attendance: From the Committees Directorate, Krista Durrell; From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament, Jamie Robertson, Margie Young; from the Office of the Honourable Senator Milne, Jeff Paul; from the Office of the Honourable Senator Carstairs, Vincent MacNeil; Charles Robert, Principal Clerk of Procedure; Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 4, 2003, the Committee proceeded to study the motion of the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., that the documents entitled: ``Proposals to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Ethics Commissioner) and other Acts as a consequence'' and ``Proposals to amend the Rules of the Senate and the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to implement the 1997 Milliken-Oliver Report,'' tabled in the Senate on October 23, 2002.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Sharon Carstairs, P.C., Leader of the Government in the Senate.
The Honourable Senator Milne moved, — That no votes be held before all witnesses are heard.
The question being put on the motion, it was agreed.
The Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., made a presentation and answered questions.
At 10:30 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera to discuss a draft agenda.
At 10:45 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 12, 2003
(14)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met at 12:07 p.m., this day, in room 356-S Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Milne, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Di Nino, Fraser, Grafstein, Joyal, P.C., Kinsella, Kroft, Milne, Murray, P.C., Ringuette-Maltais, Rompkey, P.C., Smith, P.C., Stratton, Wiebe (13).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Austin, Gauthier, Phalen, Sparrow (4).
Also in attendance: From the Committees Directorate, Krista Durrell; From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament, Jamie Robertson, Margie Young.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 4, 2003, the committee proceeded to study the motion of the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., that the documents entitled: ``Proposals to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Ethics Commissioner) and other Acts as a consequence'' and ``Proposals to amend the Rules of the Senate and the Standing Orders of the House of Commons to implement the 1997 Milliken-Oliver Report,'' tabled in the Senate on October 23, 2002.
WITNESS:
From the Senate of Canada:
Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.
Mr. Audcent made a presentation and answered questions.
It was agreed that Mr. Audcent provide further information, either by way of testimony at a later date, or in writing, on the privileges of the Senate and how they relate to this issue.
It was agreed that Mr. Audcent continue the discussion of issues raised by his initial presentation at the next sitting of the committee.
At 1:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Blair Armitage
Clerk of the Committee