Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 6 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, May 25, 2009
(10)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day at 2:02 p.m., in room 7, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Kenny, Manning, Meighen, Mitchell, Moore, Munson, Tkachuk, Wallin and Zimmer (10).

In attendance: Allison Goody and Martin Auger, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; Barry Denofsky and Major General (Ret'd) Keith MacDonald as individuals; Lieutenant- Colonel Chris Kilford, DND liaison.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 5, 2009, the committee continued its study on the national security policy of Canada. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)

WITNESSES:

National Defence:

Robert Fonberg, Deputy Minister;

William Pentney, Associate Deputy Minister;

Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau, J.A.D., OMM, MSM, CD, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff;

Dan Ross, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel);

Rear-Admiral Bryn Weadon, Assistant Deputy Minister — Finance and Corporate Services.

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee commenced in camera to consider its draft agenda.

It was agreed that staff be permitted to remain in the room for the in camera portions of today's meeting.

It was agreed that the following material be filed as exhibits with the clerk of the committee:

• Response from National Defence to a question taken on notice at the March 9, 2009 meeting, regarding soldiers on light duty. (Exhibit 5900-2.40/N2-SS-1-7, 5, "1'')
• Response from National Defence to a question taken on notice at the March 9, 2009 meeting, regarding aircraft inventory. (Exhibit 5900-2.40/N2-SS-1-7, 5, "3'')
• Response from National Defence to a question taken on notice at the March 9, 2009 meeting, regarding the Air Force Recapitalization Program.
  (Exhibit 5900-2.40/N2-SS-1-7, 5, "4'')
• Response from National Defence to a question taken on notice at the March 9, 2009 meeting, regarding the full complement of the navy.
  (Exhibit 5900-2.40/N2-SS-1-7, 5, "5'')

At 2:21 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:28 p.m., the committee resumed, in public, in room 2, Victoria Building.

The chair made opening remarks.

Mr. Fonberg made a statement and, together with Mr. Pentney, Vice-Admiral Rouleau, Rear-Admiral Weadon and Mr. Ross, answered questions.

At 3:59 p.m., the Honourable Senator Moore replaced the Honourable Senator Munson as a member of the committee.

At 3:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:08 p.m., the committee resumed.

The witnesses continued to answer questions.

At 5:43 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:52 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee resumed in camera to consider its draft agenda.

It was agreed that one copy of the in camera transcript be kept in the office of the clerk of the committee, for consultation by committee members and that the copy be destroyed at the end of this parliamentary session.

It was agreed that the chair be instructed to submit a supplementary budget application, for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2010, to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, in the amount of $42, 840, subject to the verification and certification of the budget application by the Principal Clerk, Committees and the Director of Finance, once the current budget report that is before the Senate is adopted by the Senate; and

That the eventual allocation of funds be divided equally between committee members from both parties; and

That all committee members will use their best efforts to ensure that the budget report moves forward in the Senate.

At 6:52 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Monday, June 1, 2009
(11)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, at 4:03 p.m., in room 7, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Lang, Moore, Nolin, Tkachuk, Wallin and Zimmer (9).

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

In attendance: Allison Goody and Martin Auger, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; Major General (Ret'd) Keith MacDonald, as an individual; Inspector Larry Brookson, RCMP liaison officer.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 5, 2009, the committee continued its study on the national security policy of Canada (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2).

WITNESSES:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

William J.S. Elliott, Commissioner

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee commenced in camera to consider its draft agenda.

It was agreed that staff be permitted to remain in the room for the in camera portions of today's meeting.

At 4:24 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:33 p.m., the committee resumed, in public, in room 2, Victoria Building.

The chair made opening remarks.

Mr. Elliott made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:14 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee