THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL ECONOMY, BUDGETS AND ADMINISTRATION
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, April 28, 2022
(7)
[English]
Pursuant to the order of the Senate of March 31, 2022, the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration met in camera and then proceed in public, this day in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, and with videoconference at 11:30 a.m., the Chair, the Honourable Sabi Marwah, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bovey, Campbell, Dean, Duncan, Marshall, Marwah, Saint-Germain and Smith (8).
Members of the committee present by videoconference: The Honourable Senators Dawson, Forest, Gagné, Moncion, Seidman, Tannas and Yussuff (7).
Other senators present by videoconference: The Honourable Senator Downe (1).
Participating in the meeting: Pascale Legault, Chief Corporate Services Officer and Clerk of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration; Gérald Lafrenière, Interim Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments and Chief Legislative Services Officer; Philippe Hallée, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel; senior Senate officials and other support staff.
WITNESSES:
Marie-Ève Belzile, Principal Clerk, Parliamentary Exchanges and Protocol, International and Interparliamentary Affairs;
Lucie Séguin, Chief Executive Officer, Translation Bureau (by videoconference);
Matthew Ball, Vice President, Service to Parliament and Interpretation, Translation Bureau (by videoconference).
Pursuant to rule 12-7(1) of the Rules of the Senate, the committee continued its consideration of financial and administrative matters concerning the Senate’s internal administration.
At 12:26 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 12:27 p.m., the committee resumed in public.
The Chair made a statement.
The Chair introduced all senators that were present.
CIBA/2022-04-28/082(P) – Adoption of Minutes of Proceedings from April 7, 2022 (public)
The committee considered the Minutes of Proceedings from April 7, 2022 (public).
The Honourable Senator Bovey moved that the Minutes of Proceedings of Thursday, April 7, 2022 (public), be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
CIBA/2022-04-28/083(P) — Presentation from the Translation Bureau - Annual Update related to Translation Services
Lucie Séguin made a statement and, together with Matthew Ball, answered questions on parliamentary translation services.
CIBA/2022-04-28/084(P) — Renewal of the Partnership Agreement
Marie-Ève Belzile made a statement.
After debate, the Honourable Senator Dean moved that the revision of the Partnership Agreement with the Translation bureau for the provision of linguistics services be approved.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
CIBA/2022-04-28/085(P) – Creation of the Advisory Working Group on Environment and Sustainability
The chair made a statement and answered questions regarding the creation of the Advisory Working Group on Environment and Sustainability.
After debate, the Honourable Senator Bovey that the Advisory Working Group on Environment and Sustainability be established and authorized to examine the feasibility of implementing programs to establish:
(a) an accountability framework and annual reporting cycle;
(b) the promotion of climate-friendly transportation policies and reduced travel;
(c) enhanced recycling and minimizing waste;
(d) a digital-first approach and reduction in printing;
(e) support from central agencies to allow the Senate to charge carbon offsets as part of operating a sustainable Senate; and
(f) a process for senators and their offices to propose environmental and sustainability recommendations;
That the advisory working group oversee the request for proposals process to secure external expertise in accordance with recommendation 9 of the Advisory Working Group on Environment and Sustainability report, dated November 2021;
That the advisory working group be composed of 5 senators working collectively;
That the following senators be named as members of the advisory working group:
- The Honourable Senator Anderson;
- The Honourable Senator Black;
- The Honourable Senator Deacon;
- The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson; and
- The Honourable Senator Smith;
That the advisory working group be empowered to elect a chair;
That the advisory working group provide a report on progress as required; and
That the advisory working group present its final report to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration no later than December 31, 2022.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 1:12 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Pascale Legault
Chief Corporate Services Officer and Clerk of the Standing Committee on
Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Keli Hogan
Recording Secretary