Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Issue 5 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, October 18, 2005
(39)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met, at 9:34 a.m. this day, in room 356- S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Johnson, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Robichaud, P.C., Rompkey, P.C. and Smith, P.C. (6).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: James Robertson.
Pursuant to its mandate under rule 86(1)(f), the committee considered the revised and updated Rules of the Senate dated October 2005, as authorized by the Senate.
WITNESS:
Senate of Canada:
Gary O'Brien, Deputy Clerk and Principal Clerk, Legislative Services.
Mr. O'Brien made a brief presentation and answered questions.
The Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., moved that the Chair table in the Senate the revised and updated Rules of the Senate.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 9:37 a.m., the committee proceeded in camera, to consider its draft agenda, pursuant to rule 92(2)(c).
The Chair reported on progress on outstanding items.
It was agreed that the Chair consult with the Leader of the Opposition prior to writing a final reply to Mr. Yazbeck.
It was agreed that the Chair address a letter to Senator Carney inquiring about her intentions with respect to her request to allow attendance by videoconference.
At 10:09 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 26, 2005
(40)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met, at 12:24 p.m. this day, in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cools, Di Nino, Fraser, Joyal, P.C., LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Milne, Robichaud, P.C. and Smith, P.C. (10).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: James Robertson.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, the committee began its consideration of the motion, that the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be authorized to examine and report on the participation of senators by telephone or videoconference during public and in camera meetings of select committees.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(d), the committee agreed to proceed in camera.
Senator Fraser summarized the issues related to the Order of Reference before the committee.
After debate, Senator Milne moved that this committee has reviewed the matter and decided that no action is required.
It was agreed that staff be instructed to draft a report reflecting the substance of Senator Milne's motion.
It was further agreed that staff bear in mind Senator Cools' observations with respect to wording that involves “inaction.”
It was agreed that staff draft a report for consideration at the next sitting of the committee.
At 1:28 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 1, 2005
(41)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met, at 9:37 a.m. this day, in room 356- S, Centre Block, the Acting Chair, the Honourable Serge Joyal, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cools, Di Nino, Joyal, P.C., LeBreton, Losier-Cool and Robichaud, P.C. (7).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: James Robertson.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, the committee continued its consideration of the motion, that the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be authorized to examine and report on the participation of senators by telephone or videoconference during public and in camera meetings of select committees.
The Clerk informed the committee, pursuant to rule 11, of the unavoidable absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair and presided over the election of an Acting Chair.
It was moved by Senator Robichaud, P.C., that the Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., take the Chair.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), it was agreed to proceed in camera and to allow committee support staff and the staff of the members of the committee, whether or not they are present, to remain.
The committee considered a draft report.
The Honourable Senator LeBreton moved that the report be adopted as amended, that the report be circulated for comment and that the Chair incorporate comments before tabling.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 10:29 a.m., the committee resumed in public.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 26, 2005, the committee began its consideration of the motion that the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament study and make the necessary recommendations on the advisability of amending Senate practice so that bills tabled during a parliamentary session can be reintroduced at the same procedural stage in the following parliamentary session, with a view to including in the Rules of the Senate, a procedure that already exists in the House of Commons and would increase the efficiency of our parliamentary process.
The Clerk was directed to circulate relevant Speaker's Rulings among members.
It was agreed that Senator Hervieux-Payette be invited to address the committee, that the Deputy Clerk address Senate practice and precedence and that other jurisdictions be canvassed.
At 10:50 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 15, 2005
(42)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met, at 9:35 a.m. this day, in room 356- S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Joyal, P.C., Losier-Cool, Milne and Smith, P.C. (5).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: James Robertson and Michel Patrice, Law Clerk's Office.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 9, 2005, the committee continued its consideration of senators taking an oath of allegiance to Canada. (See Issue No. 4, Wednesday, June 22, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
WITNESS:
As an individual:
Father Jacques Monet, SJ.
Father Monet made a brief statement and answered questions.
At 11:00 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 22, 2005
(43)
[English]
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met, at 9:32 a.m. this day, in room 356- S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Di Nino, Furey, Joyal, P.C., LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Maheu, Milne, Robichaud, P.C. and Smith, P.C. (10).
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: James Robertson and Michel Patrice, Law Clerk's Office.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, the committee continued its consideration of the motion, that the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be authorized to examine and report on the participation of senators by telephone or videoconference during public and in camera meetings of select committees.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee proceeded in camera to discuss the draft report, leave granted for staff and Professor Smith to remain.
The Honourable Senator Di Nino moved that the Chair table the report in the Senate today.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 9:40 a.m., the committee resumed in public.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 9, 2005, the committee continued its consideration of senators taking an oath of allegiance to Canada. (See Issue No. 4, Wednesday, June 22, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
WITNESS:
As an individual:
David E. Smith, Professor, Political Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Saskatchewan.
Professor Smith made a brief statement and answered questions.
At 10:55 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Blair Armitage
Clerk of the Committee