Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Finance

Issue 15 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 14, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 14, 2012
(34)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance met this day, at 6:45 p.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Joseph A. Day, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Buth, Callbeck, Day, Gerstein, Hervieux-Payette, P.C., Maltais, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Peterson, Ringuette and Runciman (11).

In attendance: Édison Roy-César and Sylvain Fleury, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 6, 2011, the committee continued its study on the potential reasons for price discrepancies in respect of certain goods between Canada and the United States, given the value of the Canadian dollar and the effect of cross border shopping on the Canadian economy. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 5.)

The committee considered a budget for its study on the potential reason for price discrepancies in respect of certain goods between Canada and the United States, given the value of the Canadian dollar and the effect of cross border shopping on the Canadian economy.

It was agreed that the following special study budget application in the amount of $ 49,704 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, be approved for submission, by the chair or designate to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration:

Summary of Expenditures

Professional and Other Services	$ 16,000
Transportation and Communications	$ 32,354
All Other Expenditures	$ 1,250
TOTAL	$ 49,704

At 7:10 p.m., it was agreed that the committee continue in camera.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the committee continued its examination of the expenditures set out in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 13.)

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee considered a draft report.

It was agreed that the draft report be adopted as amended and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to make minor editorial revisions.

It was agreed that the report be tabled in the chamber at the earliest opportunity.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the committee continued its examination of the expenditures set out in the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 13.)

Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee considered a draft report.

At 8:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jodi Turner

Clerk of the Committee