Pursuant to notice of December 1, 2021, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, when and if the committee is formed; and

That, for the purpose of this study, the committee have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, with rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) being suspended in relation thereto.

She said: Honourable senators, I rise to speak briefly to government Motion No. 4, which proposes that the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance examine the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Colleagues, as you know, there has been a long-standing practice in which our National Finance Committee, once it is formed, will undertake a review of the estimates prior to this chamber receiving the accompanying appropriation act from the other place.

The government must seek parliamentary authority to allocate funds through a comprehensive review of proposed budgetary expenditures and following the approval of appropriation bills.

To support Parliament in its consideration of these spending plans and to ensure transparency and accountability, the government prepares and presents main and supplementary estimates, as well as departmental reports on its plans and priorities.

The motion also enables the committee to meet either while the Senate is sitting or adjourned to ensure that maximum flexibility is given to the committee to carry out its important work. This is an important step in ensuring the Senate exercises due diligence and reviews the estimates accordingly.

I want to thank the committee in advance for the work that will be before them. I urge all colleagues to support this motion.