Proceedings of the Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Issue 17 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, June 17, 2003
(40)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met in camera at 9:04 a.m. this day, in room 256-S Centre Block, the Honourable Lorna Milne, Chair, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cordy, Di Nino, Grafstein, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Robertson, Rompkey, P.C., Smith, P.C., Stratton, and Wiebe (13).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Jamie Robertson and Margaret Young; Charles Robert, Principal Clerk of Procedure; Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.
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.)
It was agreed — That, this item stand.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee proceeded in camera for consideration of a draft agenda.
Pursuant to rule 86(1)(f), the committee proceeded to the consideration of aspects related to Parliamentary Privilege.
It was agreed that staff remain.
Mr. Charles Robert, Principal Clerk of Procedure, reviewed the findings of his research into the history and jurisprudence of parliamentary privilege in order to assist the committee in developing its work plan.
It was agreed, — That the document entitled "Vaid: The need to Consider the Parliamentary Authorities", presented by Charles Robert, be filed as an exhibit with the Clerk of the Committee (Exhibit 5900-2.37 / R1-SS-6 "1") and to print it as an appendix, while emphasizing that the paper does not necessarily represent the opinions of the members of the committee. Complete text can be found as an appendix to issue 17.
Mr. Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, advised the committee of the timeline involved in the appeal process.
It was agreed — That the Steering Committee direct the drafting of a general working paper outlining the issues and options with respect to the appeal process.
It was agreed — That, the Chair ask permission of the Senate to meet during the summer adjournment, by teleconference, at a date to be determined by the Steering Committee.
At 11:16 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 18, 2003
(41)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met in camera at 12:05 p.m. this day, in room 160-S Centre Block, the Honourable Lorna Milne, Chair, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cordy, Fraser, Grafstein, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Murray, P.C., Robertson, Rompkey, P.C., Smith, P.C., and Stratton (12).
In attendance: From the Committees Directorate: Heather Lank; Charles Robert, Principal Clerk of Procedure; Mark Audcent, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel; from the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Margaret Young.
Pursuant to rule 86(1)(f), the committee proceeded to the consideration of aspects related to Parliamentary Privilege.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee proceeded in camera for consideration of a draft agenda.
It was agreed that staff remain
Mr. Audcent, with the assistance of Henry Brown, Q.C., and Maureen Murphy, of Gowlings, discussed issues related to Parliamentary Privilege in order to assist the committee with its draft agenda.
It was agreed — That any further questions be submitted in writing for a written response.
It was agreed — That Mark Audcent, Charles Robert and Mr. Brown produce a paper reconciling the positions.
At 1:29 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Blair Armitage
Clerk of the Committee