Pursuant to notice of November 4, 2020, moved:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practices, and taking into account the exceptional circumstances of the current pandemic of COVID-19, the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration have the power to meet by videoconference or teleconference;

That senators be allowed to participate in meetings of the committee by videoconference or teleconference from a designated office or designated residence within Canada, that they be considered, for all purposes, to be meetings of the committee in question, and senators taking part in such meetings be considered, for all purposes, to be present at the meeting;

That, for greater certainty, and without limiting the general authority granted by this order, when the committee meet by videoconference or teleconference:

1. members of the committee participating count towards quorum;

2. such meetings be considered to be occurring in the parliamentary precinct, irrespective of where participants may be; and

3.the committee be directed to approach in camera meetings with all necessary precaution, taking account of the risks to confidentiality inherent in such technologies;

That, subject to variations that may be required by the circumstances, to participate by videoconference senators must:

1.use a desktop or laptop computer and headphones with integrated microphone provided by the Senate for videoconferences; and

2. not use other devices such as personal tablets or smartphones;

That, when the committee meet by videoconference or teleconference, the provisions of rule 14-7(2) be applied so as to allow recording or broadcasting through any facilities arranged by the Clerk of the Senate, and, if a meeting being broadcast or recorded cannot be broadcast live, the committee be considered to have fulfilled the requirement that a meeting be public by making any available recording publicly available as soon as possible thereafter; and

That, pursuant to rule 12-18(2), the committee have the power to meet on any day the Senate does not sit, whether the Senate is then adjourned for a period of more or less than a week.

He said: Honourable senators, earlier today the Senate adopted the first report of Senate Committee of Selection. This has had the effect of ending CIBA’s intersessional authority under which it has functioned since the prorogation of Parliament this summer.

The purpose of this motion is to reinstate this authority and permit CIBA to meet by video conference or teleconference and to allow such meeting to proceed even though the Senate will adjourn for the week.

This will allow the committee to hold its organization meeting and appoint members to the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. That subcommittee would be empowered to make decisions in case of emergency, thus mitigating any institutional risk for the Senate.

In support of the motion, I would make three points.

First, the motion does not request any new authority for CIBA. It just reinstates the authority it had before the Selection Committee report was adopted.

Second, I fully understand that discussions are taking place among leaders to have hybrid sittings for CIBA meetings. If and when that is approved, it will supersede this motion.

Last, yes, I know we can wait to get this approval, but we cannot predict the future. If there is any — and I mean any — emergency that arises, we have no ability to deal with it. From my perspective, it is bad risk management practice to be in that position and it puts the Senate at risk. CIBA was given the authority to sit between sessions for a reason and ignoring that would be a mistake. Thank you.

Are senators ready for the question?

It is moved by the Honourable Senator Martin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett, that further debate be adjourned until the next sitting of the Senate.

If any senators are opposed, please say “nay.”

Honourable senators, those in favour of the motion and who are present in the chamber will please say “yea.”

Those opposed to the motion and who are present in the chamber will please say “nay.”

In my opinion the “nays” have it.

Do we have agreement on a bell? One-hour bell. The vote will take place at 8:51.

Call in the senators.

Honourable senators, before I proceed to the vote, I wish to make a couple of points.

If you are participating via video conference, you should have three voting cards in hand: one to indicate that you are in favour of the motion, one to indicate that you are opposed to the motion, and one to indicate that you wish to abstain. If you do not have voting cards, you may reproduce them on paper using a black pen or marker so they are visible. Please hold up the appropriate card at the appropriate time. Once your name has been called, you may lower your card.

After reading the question, I will call those in favour of the motion who are in the chamber to rise, after which those participating by video conference will hold up the “yea” cards. I will then ask those opposed who are in the chamber to stand, followed by those on video conference who are opposed. Finally, those who wish to abstain will be asked to stand if they are in the chamber, followed by those participating in the video conference.

Honourable senators, the question is as follows: It was moved by the Honourable Senator Martin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett, that further debate be adjourned until the next sitting of the Senate.