The Legislative Committee on Bill C-2 met in a televised session at 9:01 a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Tilson, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Paul Dewar, Monique Guay, Hon. Marlene Jennings, Tom Lukiwski, Pat Martin, James Moore, Rob Moore, Brian Murphy, Hon. Stephen Owen, Daniel Petit, Pierre Poilievre, Benoît Sauvageau, David Tilson and Alan Tonks.
In attendance: Library of Parliament: Katherine Kirkwood, Analyst; Kristen Douglas, Analyst.
Witnesses: Hon. John Baird, President of the Treasury Board. Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat: Susan M.W. Cartwright, Assistant Secretary, Accountability in Government. Department of Justice: Joe Wild, Senior Counsel, Legal Services, Treasury Board Portfolio.
Pursuant to Standing Order 75(1), consideration of Clause 1 was postponed.
The Chair called Clause 2.
The Minister made a statement and answered questions.
By unanimous consent, the Committee agreed to extend the time permitted for questioning of the Minister.
The Committee proceeded to hear from the Departmental Officials.
Joe Wild and Susan Cartwright answered questions.
By unanimous consent, the Committee agreed to extend the time permitted for questioning.
RULING BY THE CHAIR
The Chair ruled that members must use caution when questioning department officials that their questions seek information of a technical nature. Questions regarding policy matters may be put to the Minister however it is not within our practice to compel officials to answer questions of a political nature
Mr. Sauvageau gave notice of the following motion: —That this committee calls on the Government to immediately proclaim Bill C-11, An Act providing for conflict of interest rules, restrictions on election financing and measures respecting administrative transparency, oversight and accountability.
At 11:15 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Miriam BurkeClerk of the Committee