Proceedings of the Committee on 
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

Issue 6 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, February 18, 2003
(15)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met at 1:02 p.m. this day, in room 160- S Center Block, the Honourable Lorna Milne, Chair, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Lynch-Staunton, Milne, Oliver, Pépin, Ringuette-Maltais, Rompkey, P.C., Smith, P.C., Statton and Wiebe (12).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Gauthier (1).

In attendance: Charles Robert, Principal Clerk of Procedure; From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament, Jamie Robertson; Margie Young; From the Committees Directorate, Krista Durrell.

Also in attendance: 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. (For complete text of Order of Reference see Proceedings of the committee.)

WITNESSES:

From Industry Canada:

Howard Wilson, Ethics Counsellor.

From the Privy Council Office:

Linda Gobeil, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet;

Kathy O'Hara, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet;

Mitch Bloom, Privy Council Officer, Machinery of Government;

Ron Wall, Director, Parliamentary Operations.

From the Senate of Canada:

Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.

Mr. Wilson made a presentation and answered questions

At 2:07 p.m., the committee suspended

At 2:09 p.m., the committee resumed its hearings

Ms. O'Hara made a presentation and answered questions

At 3:00 p.m., the committee suspended

At 3:05 p.m., the committee resumed its hearings

Mr. Audcent made a brief statement and answered questions

At 3:58 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Blair Armitage

Clerk of the Committee