Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 1 of 117
Table of Contents
Weekly Forecast Weekly Calendar Legislation Summary Legislation Status Parliamentary Committee Weekly Status Reports Parliamentary Committee Schedule Press Release Summary - Federal Press Release Summary - Non-Governmental Recent Lobbyist Registration Activity Recent Lobbyist Communications Reports
Weekly Forecast Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top)
HARPER HEADS TO COPENHAGEN Prime Minister Stephen Harper has caved to internal and international pressure. He has backtracked on a previous decision and will head to Copenhagen, Denmark this week to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference from December 7 to 18. Harper had previously announced he would not be attending the conference, but did an about face after the participation of United States President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was confirmed.
Canada's Governor General will also be out of the country. She remains abroad this week after conducting a state visit to Mexico last week. Michaëlle Jean will visit Guatemala and Costa Rica from December 9 to 12 and 12 to 15, respectively. She will be accompanied by a small delegation of Canadians representing a variety of sectors including governance, arts and culture as well as civic and youth engagement. Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) Peter Kent will also travel with Jean to Guatemala.
Back on Parliament Hill, MPs may continue to deal with Government Order Number 8. The motion sets out a timetable for debate for the newly introduced Bill C-62, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act. A Ways and Means Motion regarding the bill was passed last week. Tuesday, December 8 will also be the final allotted day of the current supply period.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 2 of 117
Weekly Calendar Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) Note: New items are marked in blue.
THIS WEEK December 7 - Ottawa, ON - Join guest speaker Nancy Anthony Hughes, Canadian Bankers Association, for a talk on "Canada’s Banks - Turning Global Respect Today into Long-Term Success Tomorrow." Presented by the Economic Club of Canada (11:45 a.m., Chateau Laurier). Call 1-877-306- 0899. Ottawa, ON: "Lessons from the past, directions for the future. Looking back on the last six years, looking ahead for next six." Four speakers reflect on the past, present and future of the conservative movement in Canada (6 p.m., Parliament Pub). Ottawa, ON: Widows on a Warpath, a group of Military/Civilian widows, based in Oromocto, New Brunswick, will appear before the Standing Committee on Veteran's Affairs. Seven widows will be present, four will do short presentations on problems we have with VAC concerning the tragedy of the spraying of Agent Orange and other chemicals at and near Base Gagetown. The group will meet with the media folllowing its apperance before the committee (10:30 a.m., Room 130-S, Centre Block). Call 506-446-5195. Ottawa, ON: Nancy Hughes Anthony, President and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association, will address the Economic Club Of Canada (11:45 a.m., Chateau Laurier). Call 416-362-6093 ext. 220. Ottawa, ON: Liberal MP Scott Brison will hold a non-partisan international trade conference. Joe Clark and Lucien Bradet, President of the Canadian Council on Africa will give keynote addresses (12 p.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995-8231. • A Roundtable on Canada-U.S. Relations will be held (10:05 a.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995-8231. • A Canada-China Roundtable will be held (1:30 p.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995- 8231. • A Canada-India Roundtable will be held (2:45 p.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995- 8231. • A Canada-E.U. Free Trade Negotiations Roundtable will be held (4:15 p.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995-8231 Ottawa, ON: Three prominent Canadians from organizations supporting the KYOTOplus petition campaign will speak at a press conference on behalf of the 152,843 Canadians that have signed the Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 3 of 117
petition and 120 organizations calling for a sustainable Canada. The press conference will take place on the same day as the presentation of the KYOTOplus petitions in Copenhagen as part of the over 10 million petition signatures from the Tck Tck Tck campaign being delivered to United Nations representatives (11 a.m., Room 130-S, Centre Block). Call 613-241-4413. Ottawa, ON: Shawn A-in-chut Atleo (National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations), Mary Simon (President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Clément Chartier, (President of the Métis National Council) and Betty Ann Lavallée (National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) will be on hand to celebrate the release of the Canadian Council on Learning ground-breaking new report that features the first-ever comprehensive look at the state of Aboriginal learning in Canada (10 a.m., Chateau Laurier). Call 1-866-212-4491. Ottawa, ON: British Columbia NDP Leader Carole James and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will join federal New Democrat Leader Jack Layton for a press conference to express strong opposition to the HST being imposed on families in their respective provinces (9:30 a.m., National Press Theatre). Call 613-720-6463. December 7-18 - Copenhagen, Denmark: The United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held until December 18. Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be in attendance. Call 613-957-5555. December 8 - Ottawa, ON: Industry Minister Tony Clement will speak to members of the Canadian Club (12 p.m., Chateau Laurier). Visit www.canadianclubottawa.ca. Ottawa, ON: Liberal Deputy House Leader Marlene Jennings will hold a news conference to discuss her recent motion calling on the Conservative government to hold a full public inquiry for the victims of Agent Orange (11 a.m., National Press Theatre). Call 613-995-0596. Ottawa, ON: The Bank of Canada will announced its decision on the target for the overnight rate. A media lockup will be held (8 a.m., 245 Sparks St.). Call 613-782-8782. Ottawa, ON: Environment Minister Jim Prentice will make an announcement concerning the long- term protections of Lancaster Sound, the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage (12:15 p.m., 240 McLeod St.). Call 819-994-3023. December 8-10: Ottawa, ON: The Assembly of First Nations, the national political organization representing First Nations in Canada, will convene a Special Chiefs Assembly. The theme for this year’s Assembly will be First Nations Crown Relations. Call 613-241-6789 ext. 210. December 9-12 - Guatemala: Governor General Michaëlle Jean will conduct a state visit. Call 613- 998-7280. December 10 - Halifax, NS: Condoleeza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State is scheduled for a speaking engagement that will focus on world affairs, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, international trade, and Canada-U.S. relations (3:30 p.m., Cunard Centre). Call 1-888-311-9090. December 11-18 - New Zealand: The Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 4 of 117
Association travels to New Zealand. December 12-15 - Costa Rica: Governor General Michaëlle Jean will conduct a state visit. Call 613- 998-7280.
DECEMBER 2009 December 17-18 - Whitehorse, YT: Provincial and territorial finance ministers meet to receive the report of the Research Working Group on Retirement Income Adequacy. The first meeting of this group was held on July 22, 2009, in Calgary and participants agreed to a work plan, which will culminate in a report to ministers. Call 613-996-7861.
JANUARY 2010 January 13 - Ottawa, ON: The Canadian Study of Parliament Group (CSPG) hosts a Parliamentary Business Seminar "Follow the Money: Understanding the Federal Budgetary Cycle." (8:30 a.m., Room 200, West Block). Call 613-995-2937. January 14-16 - Montreal, QC: The Liberal Party of Canada will convene a policy renewal gathering in the form of a "Thinkers" conference. January 15-18 - Ukraine: The Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly will travel to the Ukraine for an Election Observation Mission. January 25-29 - Washington, D.C. and Florida: The Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association travels to Washington, D.C. and Florida for a meeting of the Defence and Security Committee.
FEBRUARY 2010 February 9 - The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 2010 Lucky Loonie in advance of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Ottawa, ON: Shawn Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations, will speak to members of the Canadian Club at a luncheon (12 p.m., Chateau Laurier). Visit www.canadianclubottawa.ca. February 12 - Vancouver, BC: Governor General Michaëlle Jean will officially open the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Call 613-957-5555. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 5 of 117
February 12-28- Vancouver and Whistler, BC: The Winter Olympic Games are held in the region.
MARCH 2010 March 6-13 - Grande Prairie, AB: The 2010 Arctic Winter Games are held. Close to 2,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and cultural performers are expected to participate. Call 819-997-6408. March 12 - Vancouver, BC: Governor General Michaëlle Jean will officially open the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games. Call 613-957-5555. March 12-21 - Vancouver and Whistler, BC: The Winter Paralympic Games take place in the region. March 18 - The Royal Canadian Mint unveils the 25-cent sledge hockey coin in honour of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. March 29-30 - Gatineau, QC: Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon will host the foreign ministers of the G8 countries at a meeting at the Château Cartier. Call 613-995-1851.
MAY 2010 May 4: The Canadian Navy celebrates its centennial.
JUNE 2010 June 25-27 - Huntsville, ON: The 2010 G8 Summit is held at the Deerhurst Resort. Call 613-293-3259. Muskoka, ON: Canada will host the G20 Summit. More details to come.
June 28-July 6 - Her Majesty The Queen of Canada and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh tour Canada, stopping in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and the National Capital Region for Canada Day. Call 613-957-5555. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 6 of 117
SEPTEMBER 2010 September - Quebec City, QC: The 2010 Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference will be held. September 12-16 - Montreal, QC: The World Energy Council holds the World Energy Congress at the Palais des congres. More details to follow.
NOVEMBER 2010 November - Seoul, Korea: A G20 Summit will be held. More details to come.
COMING UP IN 2011 Calgary, AB: Calgary will host the 2011 meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank. It is the first time since 1990 that a Canadian city has been chosen to host the international forum. Spring 2011 - Quebec City, QC: The Canadian Group of the PIU seeks to host a statutory assembly of the IPU in the spring of 2011.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 7 of 117
Legislation Summary Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) Summary of legislative developments for the most recent week in Parliament November 30-December 4, 2009
IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS • Government Business No. 7, proceedings on a bill entitled an Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations, was debated on November 30. The motion calls for the bill to be debated at all three stages during a single sitting of the House, with no adjournment unless a motion is made by a Minister. • Bill C-61, An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations, was introduced and read a first time on November 30. • Bill C-27, Electronic Commerce Protection Act, was debated and read a third time on November 30.
• Bill C-44, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, continued to be debated at second reading on November 30.
• The following NDP opposition day motion was debated and agreed to on December 1: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should, in accordance with Part 1 of the Inquiries Act, call a Public Inquiry into the transfer of detainees in Canadian custody to Afghan authorities from 2001 to 2009.
• Bill C-56, Fairness for the Self-Employed Act, was concurred in at report stage and debated at third reading on December 2. It continued to be debated at third reading on December 4.
• Government Business No. 8, Proceedings on a bill entitled An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act, was debated on December 3. • Ways and Means Motion No. 11, Consideration of a Ways and Means motion to amend the Excise Tax Act, was adopted following a recorded division on December 3. • A motion to concur in the 3rd Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, Review of the Findings and Recommendations of the Internal Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin (Iacobucci Inquiry) and the report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar (O'Connor Inquiry), was debated and carried on Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 8 of 117
division on December 3.
• Minister of State (Status of Women) Helena Guergis made a statement on ending violence against women and the 20th anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre on December 3. Her remarks were followed by comments by Liberal MP Anita Neville, Bloc Quebecois MP Nicole Demers and NDP MP Irene Mathyssen.
• Bill C-62, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act, was introduced and read a first time on December 4.
IN THE SENATE • Bill C-27, Electronic Commerce Protection Act, was introduced and read a first time on December 1.
• Bill C-51, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on January 27, 2009 and to implement other measures, was read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on National Finance on December 2. • Bill C-15, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, was reported back from committee with amendment on December 3.
• Bill C-6, Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, was reported back from committee with amendment on December 3.
• Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and another Act, was debated at second reading on December 3. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 9 of 117
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND DELEGATIONS (Commons) • A report by the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), regarding its participation at the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Arusha, Tanzania, from September 29 to October 10, 2009, was presented on November 30. • A report by the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), regarding its participation in an Election Observation Mission in Kyrgyzstan from July 21-24, 2009, was presented on December 2.
• The 14th Report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, regarding Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010, was presented on December 2.
• The 3rd Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, regarding a Study on Resolving the labour dispute at national museums, was presented on December 2.
• The 2nd Report of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, regarding the Impact of Approval and Payment Delays on Department of Canadian Heritage Recipient Organizations, was presented on December 2.
• The 4th Report of the Standing Committee on Finance, regarding Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions), was presented on December 2. The committee reported the bill back with one amendment.
• The 26th Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, regarding membership of the committees of the House, was presented and concurred in on December 2.
• The 6th Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Foods, regarding the Agriculture Flexibility Program, was presented on December 2. • The following reports by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts were presented on December 3 and a government response requested for each: • The 20th Report, Chapter 5, Financial Management and Control - National Defence of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada • The 21st Report, Chapter 3, Contracting for Professional Services - Public Works and Government Services Canada of the December 2008 Report of the Auditor General of Canada • The 22nd Report, Power of Committees to Order the Production of Documents
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 10 of 117
• The 15th Report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, regarding Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010, was presented on December 3.
• The 27 Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, regarding membership of the Standing Committee on Bill C-31, was presented and concurred in on December 3. • The 8th Report of the Standing Committee on Health, regarding Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010, was presented on December 4.
TABLED DOCUMENTS (Commons) • The government's responses to 22 petitions were tabled on December 1.
• The government's responses to 62 petitions were tabled on December 2.
• The Advisory Panel Report on the Creation of a Canadian Democracy Promotion Agency was tabled on December 3.
• The treaty entitled, Convention in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, done at New York December 13, 2006, was tabled on December 3. An explanatory note accompanied the document. • The government's responses to 10 petitions were tabled on December 4.
• The 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and Coordinating Committee was tabled on December 4. • Report of the Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, pursuant to the Status of the Artist Act, was deposited with the Clerk of the House and laid upon the table on December 1.
• Document entitled "Canada's Economic Action Plan — A Fourth Report to Canadians", was deposited with the Clerk of the House and laid upon the table on December 1.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 11 of 117
Legislation Status Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) Status of Legislation for the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session
House of Commons
Senate C-40 C-45 C-53 C-55 C-59 C-60 1st Reading C-61 C-62 S-205 S-208 S-216 S- 217 1st Reading C-27 S-5 S-6 Negatived C-279 C-306 C-307 C-392 Debate at 2nd Debate at 2nd C-8 C-13 C-19 C-23 C-30 C-31 C-36 C-268 S-7 Reading Reading C-35 C-44 C-57 C-395 C-26 C-51 S-203 S-209 C-20 C-34 C-37 C-42 C-43 C-46 Referred to S-211 S-212 S-215 S- Referred to C-47 C-52 C-58 C-201 C-290 C- Committee 220 S-223 S-224 S-226 Committee 300 C-302 C-304 C-308 C-309 C- S-227 S-232 310 C-311 C-391 C-393 S-210 Committee Committee C-232 C-241 C-273 C-280 C-288 C-6 C-15 Report Report C-291 Debate at 3rd C-56 Reading
Awaiting or Received Royal Assent
C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-7 C-9 C-10 C-11 C-12 C-14 C-16 C-17 C-18 C- Received Royal 21 C-22 C-24 C-25 C-28 C-29 C-32 C-33 C-38 C-39 C-41 C-48 C-49 Assent C-50 S-2 S-3 S-4
Bills 40th Parliament, 2nd Session
C-2 The Canada–EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act C-3 An Act to amend the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act C-4 Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 12 of 117
C-5 An Act to amend the Indian Oil and Gas Act C-6 Canada Consumer Product Safety Act An Act to amend the Marine Liability Act and the Federal Courts Act and to make C-7 consequential amendments to other Acts C-8 Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act C-9 An Act to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992 C-10 Budget Implementation Act, 2009 C-11 Human Pathogens and Toxins Act C-12 Appropriation Act No. 4, 2008-2009 An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act, chapter 22 of the Statutes of Canada, 1998 and chapter C-13 25 of the Statutes of Canada, 2004 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system C-14 participants) An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and C-15 consequential amendments to other Acts C-16 Environmental Enforcement Act C-17 An Act to recognize Beechwood Cemetery as the national cemetery of Canada An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, to validate certain C-18 calculations and to amend other Acts C-19 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions) C-20 Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act C-21 Appropriation Act No. 5, 2008-2009 C-22 Appropriation Act No. 1, 2009-2010 C-23 Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act C-24 Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act C-25 Truth in Sentencing Act C-26 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime) C-27 Electronic Commerce Protection Act C-28 An Act to amend the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act An Act to increase the availability of agricultural loans and to repeal the Farm Improvement C-29 Loans Act C-30 Senate Ethics Act An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the C-31 Identification of Criminals Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 13 of 117
C-32 An Act to amend the Tobacco Act C-33 An Act to amend the War Veterans Allowance Act C-34 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts C-35 Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act C-36 Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act C-37 An Action Plan for the National Capital Commission C-38 An Act Creating One of the World’s Largest National Park Reserves C-39 An act to amend the Judges Act C-40 Expanded Voting Opportunities Act C-41 Maanulth First Nations Final Agreement Act C-42 Ending Conditional Sentences for Property and Other Serious Crimes Act C-43 Strengthening Canada’s Corrections System Act C-44 An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act C-45 An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act C-46 Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act C-47 Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act C-48 Appropriation Act No. 2, 2009-2010 C-49 Appropriation Act No. 3, 2009-2010 C-50 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits C-51 Economic Recovery Act (stimulus) C-52 Retribution on Behalf of Victims of White Collar Crime Act C-53 Protecting Canadians by Ending Early Release for Criminals Act C-54 Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders Act C-55 Response to the Supreme Court of Canada Decision in R. v. Shoker Act C-56 Fairness for the Self-Employed Act C-57 Canada–Jordan Free Trade Act C-58 Child Protection Act (Online Sexual Exploitation) C-59 Keeping Canadians Safe (International Transfer of Offenders) Act C-60 Keeping Canadians Safe (Protecting Borders) Act C-61 Railway Continuation Act, 2009 C-62 An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted C-201 Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity) Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 14 of 117
C-232 An Act to amend the Supreme Court Act (understanding the official languages) C-241 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (removal of waiting period) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of C-268 persons under the age of eighteen years) An Act to amend the Competition Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 C-273 (right to repair) C-279 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (amounts not included in earnings) C-280 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits) An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated C-288 regions) C-290 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for loss of retirement income) An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (coming into force of sections C-291 110, 111 and 171) C-300 Corporate Accountability of Mining, Oil and Gas Corporations in Developing Countries Act C-302 Italian-Canadian Recognition and Restitution Act C-304 Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable Housing Act C-306 Canadian Products Promotion Act An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (Charter of the French Language) and to make C-307 consequential amendments to other Acts An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (improvement of the employment insurance C-308 system) C-309 Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Region of Northern Ontario Act C-310 Air Passengers' Bill of Rights C-311 Climate Change Accountability Act C-391 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act (repeal of long-gun registry) C-392 Made in Canada Act An Act to amend the Patent Act (drugs for international humanitarian purposes) and to make a C-393 consequential amendment to another Act C-395 An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (labour dispute) S-2 An Act to amend the Customs Act S-3 An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act S-4 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identity theft and related misconduct) S-5 Long-Gun Registry Repeal Act S-6 An Act to Amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to political loans) Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 15 of 117
S-7 An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Senate term limits) S-8 Tax Conventions Implementation Act, 2009 S-203 Municipal Modernization and Business Development Bank of Canada Act S-205 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings) S-208 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (clean drinking water) S-209 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children) S-210 World Autism Awareness Day Act S-211 Drinking Water Sources Act S-212 An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 S-215 An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Property qualifications of Senators), An Act to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Auditor General Act S-216 (Involvement of Parliament) S-217 National Philanthropy Day Act S-220 Anti-Spam Act S-223 Victims of Human Trafficking Protection Act S-224 An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (vacancies) S-226 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (lottery schemes) S-227 An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act (tax relief for Nunavik) An Act to amend the Patent Act (drugs for international humanitarian purposes) and to make a S-232 consequential amendment to another Act Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 16 of 117
Parliamentary Committee Weekly Status Reports Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top)
COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEES
General Information - (992-3150) Fax - (996-1626) NOTE: New information appears in blue
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT Chair - Bruce Stanton (C) 613-992-6582, Vice Chairs - Todd Russell (L) 613-996-4630, Jean Crowder (NDP) 613-943-2180 Clerk - Graeme Truelove 613-996-1173 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 10b, 25b, 37b, 39b and 55b under INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. • It was agreed the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010 be adopted. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Second Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. The report made the following recommendations: • That the following organizations who were unable to appear in the territories be added to the agenda for the study on Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions: • Inuvialuit Regional Corporation • Gwich’in Tribal Council • Tlicho First Nation • NorTerra Inc. • Nunasi Corporation • And that the following organizations also be added: • National Association of Friendship Centres • National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 17 of 117
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation" December 1 • The Committee resumed its study of the findings in the Correctional Investigator’s Report regarding the incarceration of Aboriginal women. • The Committee resumed its study of the honour of the Crown. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That no meeting be held on Thursday, December 10, 2009, in order to allow Members to attend events organized by the Assembly of First Nations. November 26 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Minister Indian Affairs and Northern Development be invited to appear before the Committee on the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2009-2010 before the reporting deadline. • The Committee commenced its study of the findings in the Correctional Investigator’s Report regarding the incarceration of Aboriginal women. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions. November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions in Yellowknife, NT. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions in Whitehorse, Yukon. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the title of the study "Northern Economic Development" be re-named "Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions". November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of Northern economic development. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 18 of 117
• The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • On motion of Marc Lemay, it was agreed, — That the Committee defray the hospitality expenses related to working meals to be held during its travel to the Northern territories from November 16 to 20, 2009, and November 23 to 25, 2009.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION, PRIVACY AND ETHICS Chair - Paul Szabo (L) 613-992-4848, Vice Chairs - Patricia Davidson (C) 613-957-2649, Bill Siksay (NDP) 613-996-5597 Clerk - Jacques Maziade 613-992-1240 [email protected] December 1 • The Committee resumed its study on the Access to Information Act Reform. • The following motion was agreed to: That the committee write to the Minister of Justice to express its desire for a more comprehensive response on its 11th report entitled ‘The Access to information Act: First Step Towards Renewal’. Specifically, the committee requests that the minister address each recommendation made individually by the committee and the Access to information Commissioner and provides background for his caution and concerns. The committee further requests that the minister respond by January 15, 2010. November 26 • The Committee resumed its study on the Privacy Act Reform. • It was agreed, — That the motion of Michelle Simson previously moved on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, be considered • The motion read as follows: That the Committee report to the House its profound disappointment with the response of the Minister of Justice to its 10th report entitled ‘The Privacy Act: First steps towards renewal’, and that the Committee recommend to the government that it introduce in the House, no later than March 30, 2010, a new Privacy Act that would reflect the Committee’s proceedings and recommendations. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Committee write to the Minister of Justice to express its desire for a more comprehensive response to its 10th report entitled "The Privacy Act: First Steps Towards Renewal". Specifically, the Committee requests that the Minister address each recommendation made individually by the Committee and the Privacy Commissioner and provide background for his caution and concerns. The Committee further requests that the Minister respond by January 15th, 2010 November 24 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 19 of 117
• The Committee commenced its study of the Treasury Board Directive on Recordkeeping. • The Committee resumed its study on the Privacy Act Reform. November 19 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Annual Report of the Privacy Commissioner for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009, referred to the Committee on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. • The Committee resumed its study on the Privacy Act Reform. November 17 • The Committee commenced its study on the review of the ethical standards in the Guide for Ministers and Ministers of State. • Dean Del Mastro moved, — November 1st 2009 represents the fourth anniversary of the first report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities, presided over by Justice Gomery. Despite the time that has passed, we are no closer to knowing which Federal Liberal riding associations benefited from the stolen taxpayer funds or where the missing $43 million dollars highlighted by Justice Gomery ultimately wound up. The Standing committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics calls on the Auditor General of Canada to conduct a full audit of the sponsorship program to determine which federal Liberal riding associations received stolen funds and to clarify for Canadians who received the missing $43 million dollars. • The motion was ruled inadmissible because it contravenes Standing Order 108(1). • It was moved, — After hearing from a large number of stakeholders, including the former Information Commissioner Robert Marleau, the committee concurs that the Federal Accountability Act is the greatest reform to the Access to Information Act since the Act came into force in 1983, and that this be reported to the House. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study on the Access to Information Act Reform. • It was agreed, — That the motion of Pat Martin previously moved on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 be considered. • The motion read as follows: That the Committee report to the House its profound disappointment with the response of the Minister of Justice to its 11th report entitled ‘The Access to Information Act: First steps towards renewal’. • The motion as amended was agreed to. • The motion, as amended read as follows: That the Committee report to the House its profound disappointment with the response of the Minister of Justice to its 11th report entitled ‘The Access to Information Act: First steps towards renewal’, and that the Committee recommend to the government that it introduce in the House, no later than March 30, 2010, a new Access to Information Act that would reflect the Committee’s proceedings and recommendations, and that Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 20 of 117
the Minister be invited to reappear before the Committee before November 30th, 2009. November 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Annual Report of the Information Commissioner for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, referred to the Committee on Monday, April 6, 2009.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD Chair - Larry Miller (C) 613- 996-5191, Vice Chairs - Mark Eyking (L) 613-995-6459, André Bellavance (BQ) 613-995-1554 Clerk - Isabelle Dufond 613-947-6732 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced its study of Genetically Modified Organisms. • The Committee commenced its study of young farmers and the future of farming. • It was agreed, — That next week's meetings be dedicated to the consideration of the draft report on the competitiveness of agriculture; and that the clerk cancel the appearances of the scheduled witnesses. December 1 • The Committee commenced its study of genetically modified organisms. November 26 • The Committee resumed its study on program review. • The Committee resumed its study of competitiveness of Canadian agriculture. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the Committee append to its report on the Agricultural Flexibility program a dissenting opinion from the Conservative Party. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of Competitiveness of Canadian Agriculture. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. November 19 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed: That the Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee invite Mr. Olivier de Schutter, Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 21 of 117
UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, to brief Committee members on his report on food security and sovereignty in a video conference during a Committee meeting, depending on Mr. de Schutter’s availability. • It was agreed: That the Committee recommend the government include business risk management as an eligible component of the Agriculture Flexibility (Agri-Flex) program and that this be reported to the House. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study on the motion "that the Standing Committee of Agriculture and Agri-Food study the future of farming with a particular focus on young farmers." • Pierre Lemieux moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words "the future of farming with a particular focus on young farmers" with the words "government and industry initiatives around the future of farming focusing on young farmers and their involvement in agriculture" • The question was put on the amendment of Pierre Lemieux and it was agreed to. • The question was put on the motion and it was negatived. • Wayne Easter moved, — That the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food undertake a study into the activities of Corrections Canada's prison farm operations; and that the committee travel at least to the facilities located in Kingston, Ontario in order to hear testimony from those involved in the operation of the facilities from across the country; that the study's conclusions and recommendations be reported back to the House; and that the committee comment on the government's attitude toward the farming community as reflected in the statements by the Minister of Public Safety. • After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived. November 5 • The Committee commenced its study of the crisis in the hog sector. • It was agreed, — That the Chair write a letter expressing the Committee's concerns about the delisting of several producer car loading sites by CN. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the situation of the red meat sector. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 22 of 117
Subcommittee on Food Safety Chair - Larry Miller (C) 613-996-5191, Vice Chairs - Wayne Easter (L) 613-992-2406; André Bellavance (QC) 613-995-1554. Clerk - Isabelle Duford 613-947-6732 [email protected] • There have been no meetings of this committee since the start of the summer break.
BILL C-31 • This committee has just been formed. No other information is available about the committee at this time.
CANADIAN HERITAGE Chair - Gary Schellenberger (C) 613-992-6124, Vice Chairs - Pablo Rodriguez (L) 613-995-0580, Carole Lavallée (BQ) 613-996-2416 Clerk - Richard Dupuis 613-947-6729 [email protected] December 3 • Currently there is no information available about this meeting. December 1 • The Committee continue consideration of Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history. • The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • After debate, Clause 2 carried. November 26 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian- Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 23 of 117
Canadian history. • It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage calls on the Government of Canada to help facilitate, to the best of its ability, the establishment of a timely and equitable resolution to the labour dispute between the 420 employees of the Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum who make up Public Service Alliance of Canada Local 70396 and the museums’ management, and that it be reported to the House. • It was agreed, — That the Committee begin, on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, the clause by clause consideration of Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history. November 24 • The Committee continue consideration of Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history. November 5 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to the consideration of a draft report on the study of Canada's musical diversity programs on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. • It was agreed, — That the Committee be granted an operational budget of $20,000 for its study of Canada's musical diversity programs. • It was agreed, — That the Committee invite Mr. Pacetti and other witnesses to appear on Thursday, November 19, Tuesday, November 24 and Thursday, November 26, 2009 on Bill C- 302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history. • It was agreed, — That the Committee resume its study on Canada in the digital age on December 1, 3, 8 and 10 2009; and That the Committee examine its work plan for that study on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. November 3 • The Committee proceeded to a study on management of grants to cultural organizations by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 24 of 117
CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION Chair - David Tilson (C) 613-995-7813, Vice Chairs - Maurizio Bevilacqua (L) 613-996-4971, Thierry St-Cyr (BQ) 613-995-6403 Clerk - Andrew Bartholomew Chaplin 613-995-8525 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced its study of best practices in settlement services. December 1 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b, 7b and 10b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 and the and the Report on the Operation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the year 2009. • Vote 1b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION carried on division. • Vote 5b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION carried on division. • Vote 7b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION carried on division. • Vote 10b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION carried on division. • It was agreed, on division, — That the Chair report Votes 1b, 5b, 7b and 10b under CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION to the House. November 26 • The Committee commenced its study of Chapter 2, Selecting Foreign Workers Under the Immigration Program of the Fall 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of foreign credential recognition. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of foreign credential recognition. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of foreign credential recognition. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of immigration application process wait times. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 25 of 117
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Chair - James Bezan (C) 613-992-2032, Vice Chairs - Francis Scarpaleggia (L) 613-995-8281, Bernard Bigras (BQ) 613-992-0423 Clerk - Guyanne L. Desforges 613-992-5023 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 15b and 25b under ENVIRONMENT, referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. • Vote 1b under ENVIRONMENT carried on division. • Vote 5b under ENVIRONMENT carried on division. • Vote 10b under ENVIRONMENT carried on division. • Vote 15b under ENVIRONMENT carried on division. • Vote 25b under ENVIRONMENT carried on division. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. December 1 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change. November 26 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change. November 24 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee consider the Supplementary Estimates (B) on or before December 1, 2009, pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), and that the Minister be requested to testify. November 19 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 26 of 117
November 17 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change. November 5 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change.
FINANCE Chair - James Rajotte (C) 613-992-3594, Vice Chairs - Massimo Pacetti (L) 613-995-9414, Jean-Yves Laforest (BQ) 613-995-4895 Clerk - Jean-Francois Pagé 613-992-9753 [email protected] December 3 • Currently there is no information available about this meeting. December 2 • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the Committee append to its report dissenting and / or supplementary opinions from all Parties provided that they are translated, no more than 5 pages in length with a font size of 12 points and submitted electronically to the Clerk of the Committee, no later than 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. • It was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the House. December 1 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions). • The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • Clause 1, as amended, carried on division. • The Title carried on division. • The Bill, as amended, carried on division. • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 27 of 117
• The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 3 400, for the study of Tax Treatment and Characterization of Personal Services Businesses, be adopted. November 26 • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. November 25 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions). November 24 • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. November 5 • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the 3rd Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in. • The report made the following recommendations: • That on November 24, November 26, and December 1st, 2009, the Committee study the draft report on the Pre-budget Consultations 2009; and • That the Committee hold hearings: • On November 25, 2009, to study Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions); • On December 3rd, 2009, to begin the study on self employed persons and their classification as personal service business by the Canadian Revenue Agency; • On January 26, 2010, for the appearance before the Committee of the Parliamentary Budget Officer; and • On January 28, 2010, to begin the study on pensions. November 3 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-51, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on January 27, 2009 and to implement other measures. • The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • Clauses 2 to 24 inclusive carried on division severally. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 28 of 117
• Clauses 25 to 43 inclusive carried on division severally. • Clauses 44 to 46 inclusive carried on division severally. • Clauses 47 to 67 inclusive carried on division severally. • The Schedule carried on division. • The Short Title carried on division. • The Title carried on division. • The Bill carried on division. • The Committee resumed its study of the Progress report on monitoring and oversight of the 2009 budget. November 2 • The Committee resumed its pre-budget consultations 2009.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS Chair - Rodney Weston (C) 613-947-2700, Vice Chairs - Lawrence MacAulay (L) 613-995-9325, Raynald Blais (BQ) 613-992-6188 Clerk - Kevin Pittman 613-996-3105 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the operation and maintenance of small craft harbours. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. December 1 • The Committee resumed its study of the operation and maintenance of small craft harbours. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the evidence and documentation received by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans during the 39th Parliament, in relation to its study of Operation and Maintenance of Small Craft Harbours, be taken into consideration by this committee in the session. November 26 • The Committee resumed its study of the operation and maintenance of small craft harbours. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of the operation and maintenance of small craft harbours. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 29 of 117
November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of the operation and maintenance of small craft harbours. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of amendments to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Convention. • It was moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee report the following to the House: "That, notwithstanding the motion adopted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on October 8, 2009 and given the evidence heard by the Committee in March and May 2009 as well as the serious concerns expressed by various witnesses during hearings in October 2009, the Committee recommends that the Government of Canada not ratify the Amendment to the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries adopted by the General Council of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) in 2007, and that Canada notify NAFO of its objection to the amendment as per Article XXI of the Convention." • The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of amendments to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Convention. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of amendments to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Convention.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Chair - Kevin Sorenson (C) 613-947-4608, Vice Chairs - Bernard Patry (L) 613-992-2689, Paul Crête (BQ) 613-995-0265 Clerk - Carmen DePape 613-996-1540 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Eleventh Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. The report made the following recommendations: • That the Committee invite the Minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to appear before the Committee on the Supplementary Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 30 of 117
Estimates (B), at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2009. • That the Committee invite the Auditor General of Canada to appear before the Committee in February 2010, in order to discuss Chapter 8 of her 2009 Fall Report entitled Strengthening Aid Effectiveness - Canadian International Development Agency. • That the motion adopted on June 4, 2009 by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, calling on the Committee to make recommendations to Parliament and the Government of Canada on the Universal Periodic Review recommendations, be considered by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure again at a later date. • That the Committee accept the request received from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria asking the Committee to meet with a member of their executive in February 2010. • That the Committee decide how to proceed with the study of Bill C-300 and examine the possibility of inviting additional witnesses, following a discussion to take place between a member of the Official Opposition and the sponsor of the Bill. • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. December 1 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. November 26 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. November 24 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. November 19 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. November 17 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries. • Later, the Committee resumed its study of the treatment of Canadians abroad by the Government of Canada. • The Committee resumed consideration of the following motion of Paul Dewar. • Debate arose thereon. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 31 of 117
November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of the treatment of Canadians abroad by the Government of Canada. • Paul Dewar moved, — That, in the context of its study on the treatment of Canadians abroad, the Committee report the following recommendations to the House of Commons calling on the government to recognize its constitutional duty to protect Canadian citizens abroad; enact legislation to ensure the consistent and non-discriminatory provision of consular services to all Canadians in distress; and create an independent ombudsperson’s office responsible for monitoring the government’s performance and ordering the Minister of Foreign Affairs to give protection to a Canadian in distress if the Minister has failed to act in a timely manner. • Debate arose thereon. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the treatment of Canadians abroad by the Government of Canada. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.
Subcommittee on International Human Rights Chair - Scott Reid (C) 613-947-2277, Vice Chairs - Mario Silva (L) 613-992-2576, Mary Thai Thi Lac (BQ) 613-996-4585 Clerk - Jacques Maziade 613-992-1240 [email protected] December 3 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. • The Subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report. December 1 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. • The Subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee hold a meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in order to consider the draft report on the study of the Human Rights in Iran. November 26 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. • The Subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the evidence of Shirin Ebadi received by the Subcommittee on Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 32 of 117
International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development during the 2nd Session of the 39th Parliament, be deemed adduced by the Subcommittee in the current session. • The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business. • It was agreed, — That, in the opinion of this House, the Prime Minister should, in his coming visit to China, privately raise, at the highest level, the issue of the continued imprisonment and forced confinement in China of sixteen Prisoners of Conscience who have close family ties to Canada, and to emphasize that Canadians would be more willing to strengthen existing ties between Canada and China if these individuals (namely, Ms. Xin Huang [Mother of Xiaonan Zeng of Toronto]; Ms. Yue Yao [Wife of Wenyu Liu of Calgary]; Mr. Yiming Zhang [Son-in-law of Xiulian Chen of Toronto]; Mr. Mingli Lin [Brother of Shenli Lin of Toronto]; Ms. Yunhe Zhang [Sister of Ms. Tianxiao Zhang of Toronto]; Mr. Fengjiang Tan [Nephew of Wenhua Pei of Toronto]; Mr. Yu Jin [Brother of Cai Jin of Vancouver]; Ms. Shumei Cai [Mother of Yue Shen of Montreal]; Mr. Zhiqiang Han [Step father of Yue Shen of Montreal]; Mr.Shenlun Wang [Cousin of Benda Liu of Waterloo]; Ms. Zhinhong Yu [Cousin of Benda Liu of Waterloo]; Mr. Zhiyuan Wang [Cousin of Benda Liu of Waterloo]; Dr. Wang Bingzhang [Father of Ti-Anna Wang of Montreal]; Mr. Huseyincan Celil [Husband of Kamila Telendibayeva of Hamilton]; Ms. Ying Zhang [Daughter in Law of Jinling Huang of Calgary]) were reunited in Canada with their families. November 24 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. • The Subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report. November 19 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. November 17 • The Subcommittee resumed its study of human rights in Iran. November 5 • The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business. • It was agreed, — That the following working calendar be adopted: • Consider the draft report on Iran (three meeting or more, if necessary); • One meeting on the human rights situation in Vietnam in December; • One meeting to hear from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on Burma; • Resume the Subcommittee’s past study on the human rights situation in Cuba (four to five meetings - possibly starting in January 2010); and • Three meetings or more on the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process with a focus on the role of civil society. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 33 of 117
November 3 • The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee resume its study commenced in the Second Session of the 39th Parliament on the Human Rights in Cuba. • It was agreed, — That the evidence and documents received by the Subcommittee on International human Rights in relation to its study on the Human Rights in Cuba during the Second Session of the 39th Parliament, be taken into consideration by the Subcommittee in the current session. • It was agreed, — Whereas the all-party coalition to combat anti-Semitism has been conducting hearings into anti-Semitism; • Whereas the witness testimony and evidence of these hearings will be beneficial for the work of the House and beyond; • Whereas this Subcommittee may wish to conduct its own inquiry or at least benefit from this inquiry for our own work; • Be it resolved that this Subcommittee request from the appropriate authorities in the House that it provide the necessary assistance for the videoconferencing, translator and transcription of the hearings such that this House and this Committee will have the benefit of the evidentiary record before it.
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESTIMATES Chair - Yasmin Ratansi (L) 613-995-4988, Vice Chairs - Rob Anders (C) 613-992-3066, Pat Martin (NDP) 613-992-5308 Clerk - Marc-Olivier Giard 613-995-9469 [email protected] December 3 • Currently there is no information available about this meeting. December 1 • The Committee commenced its study of the Annual Report 2008-2009 of the Procurement Ombudsman. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That Mr. John Forster, Associate Deputy Minister at Infrastructure Canada, be invited to appear on Thursday, December 3, 2009, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 26 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 34 of 117
• The Committee resumed its study of large information technology projects. • The Committee resumed consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b and 7b under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of the economic stimulus package. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Fifth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. The report made the following recommendations: • That the Committee, for its meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009, with regard to Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010, invite to appear relevant representatives from the Privy Council Office; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, with regard to the implementation of the economic action plan, invite to appear the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Mr. Kevin Page, along with Ms. Yaprak Baltacioglu, Deputy Minister at Infrastructure Canada, and Ms. Michelle d’Auray, Secretary to the Treasury Board of Canada; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Thursday, November 26, 2009, invite to appear relevant representatives from the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Department of Public Works and Government Services for the first hour of meeting for a follow-up on the issue of large information technology projects, and invite relevant representatives from the Department of Public Works and Government Services for the second hour of meeting for the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, with regard to the government procurement processes, invite for the first hour of meeting the Procurement Ombudsman, Mr. Shahid Minto, and invite relevant representatives from the Department of Public Works and Government Services for the second hour of meeting; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2009, invite to appear the President of the Treasury Board, Mr. Vic Toews, for the first hour of meeting; and that the Committee consider a draft report on the issue of the stimulus package implementation for the second hour of its December 3 meeting and on December 8; • That the Clerk be authorized to distribute to the Committee members, in one or the other official languages, the information provided by Infrastructure Canada in response to the motion adopted by the Committee on Thursday, November 5, 2009, for the production of documents. • It was agreed that the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in, with the following amendments: deletion of recommendation 6 and that the appearance on December 1 by Mr. Shahid Minto, the Procurement Ombudsman, be extended to two hours from one hour Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 35 of 117
(recommendation 4). • The following motion was agreed to: That the determination of the OGGO committee agenda be made by the entire committee during regular meetings of the committee rather than in meetings of its Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. November 19 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Vote 1b under PRIVY COUNCIL referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of the economic stimulus package. • The Committee hold a briefing session in relation to its study of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Vote 95b under CANADIAN HERITAGE, Vote 1b under GOVERNOR GENERAL, Vote 1b under PRIVY COUNCIL, Votes 1b, 5b and 7b under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES and Votes 1b and 15b under TREASURY BOARD, referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That a summary be prepared by the Committee’s analysts of the response from Infrastructure Canada to the motion for the production of documents agreed to by the Committee on Thursday, November 5, 2009, and that the Clerk be mandated to find out approximately how much time would be required for translation of the response into both official languages. November 5 • Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(c)(vi), the Committee commenced consideration of the Public Service Commission's 2008-2009 Annual Report and various reports and studies produced in 2009, referred to the Committee on Friday, October 9, 2009. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The following motion was agreed to: That Infrastructure Canada be ordered to provide, in electronic format, to the Clerk of the Committee and no later than Monday, November 9, 2009, a copy of all documents it provided the Parliamentary Budget Officer on Thursday, October 29, 2009, for the conduct of his financial analysis with regard to the implementation of the economic action plan. • The Chair presented the Fourth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • It was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in. • The report made the following recommendations: • That the Committee, for its meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, with regard to the implementation of the economic action plan, invite representatives from the following Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 36 of 117
organizations: the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Canadian Construction Association, and the Canadian Office of the Building and Construction Trades Department; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2009, with regard to the implementation of the economic action plan, invite, from the government of Quebec, the minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Mr. Laurent Lessard, and/or the minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the Reform of Democratic Institutions, Mr. Claude Béchard; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, with regard to the implementation of the economic action plan, invite the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Mr. Kevin Page, along with Ms. Yaprak Baltacioglu, Deputy Minister at Infrastructure Canada; • That the Committee, for its meeting on Thursday, November 26, 2009, with regard to the large information technology projects, invite representatives from the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Department of Public Works and Government Services, and the Procurement Ombudsman, Mr. Shahid Minto; • That the members of the Steering Committee be invited to send in writing to the Committee Clerk their suggestions of themes and witnesses for the meetings scheduled after November 26. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the economic stimulus package.
HEALTH Chair - Joy Smith (C) 613-992-7148, Vice Chairs - Joyce Murray (L) 613-992-2430, Judy Wasylycia- Leis (NDP) 613-996-6417 Clerk - Christine Holke David 613-995-4108 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 25b, 40b, 45b and 50b under HEALTH referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. • Vote 1b under HEALTH carried. • Vote 5b under HEALTH carried. • Vote 10b under HEALTH carried. • Vote 25b under HEALTH carried. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 37 of 117
• Vote 40b under HEALTH carried. • Vote 45b under HEALTH carried. • Vote 50b under HEALTH carried. November 30 • The Committee commenced its study of Chapter 4, Electronic Health Records of the Fall 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. • It was agreed, — That for an hour on Monday, December 7, 2009 the Committee hear from additional witnesses in relation to its review of the order in council appointment of Bernard Michel Prigent to be a member of the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. • The Committee commenced consideration of the Order in Council appointment of Bernard Michel Prigent to the position of member of the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research which was referred to the Committee on October 21, 2009. November 25 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Standing Committee on Health report to the House its opinion that C-6 is necessary to fill regulatory gaps and allow government the power to issue recalls and that the current framework for product recalls does not allow for timely and consistent action to protect Canadians; and that due to the committee extending its hours in order to ensure the timely passage of C-6 as well as the House of Commons unanimously passing this important piece of long overdue legislation, this House should strongly encourage members of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to act responsibly and, in the interest of the safety and welfare of all Canadians, pass this crucial piece of legislation without delay. • The Committee resumed its study of health human resources. • The Committee resumed its study of H1N1 preparedness and response. November 23 • Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, was referred to the committee. • The Committee resumed a briefing on the Health Implications of the Supply of Radioisotopes. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 18 • The Committee resumed its study of health human resources. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Committee resumed its study of H1N1 preparedness and response. November 16 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 38 of 117
• The Committee resumed a briefing on Sodium Consumption in the Canadian Diet. November 4 • The Committee proceeded to a briefing on Airline Policy to Allow Small Pets on Passenger Cabins. • The Committee commenced its study of H1N1 preparedness and response. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to purchase an official gift on behalf of the Committee for its meeting with the study group of senior governmental officials from the Russian Presidential Administration on Thursday, November 5, 2009. November 2 • The Committee resumed its study of health human resources. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) the Committee conduct a study on sodium consumption in the Canadian diet and conclude this study on Monday, November 16, 2009. • It was agreed, — That the proposed operational budget in the amount of $14,800 for the Committee's briefing on airline policy to allow small pets in passenger cabins be adopted. • It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 the Committee meeting begin at 3:15 p.m. and the orders of the day will be as follows: briefing on airline policy to allow small pets on passenger cabins from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and H1N1 briefing from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. • It was agreed, — That all H1N1 briefings be televised when possible until Wednesday, December 9, 2009. • It was agreed, — That on Monday, November 16, 2009 the Committee meeting be devoted to the study on sodium consumption in the Canadian diet. • It was agreed, — That on every Wednesday until December 9, 2009, 1 hour of the Committee's meeting be devoted to the H1N1 briefing. • It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 the Committee hear from witnesses on innovative solutions best practices from practitioners and communities in relation to its study on health human resources from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • It was agreed, — That on Monday, November 23, 2009 the Committee meeting be devoted to the study on health implications of the supply of radioisotopes. • It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, the Committee hear witnesses on innovative solutions best practices in recruitment and retention in relation to its study on health human resources from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • It was agreed, — That on Monday, November 30, 2009, the Committee meeting be devoted to a review of Chapter 4 - Electronic Health Records of the Auditor General of Canada's Report tabled on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 39 of 117
• It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, the Committee hear from witnesses on agreement on internal trade in relation to its study on health human resources from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • It was agreed, — That on Monday, December 7, 2009, the Committee meeting be devoted to the consideration of its draft report for its health human resources study and its study on sodium consumption in the Canadian diet. • It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, the Committee hear from witnesses on accreditation and integration of international medical in relation to its study of Health Human Resources from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Neurological Disease now meet on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
Subcommittee on Neurological Disease Chair - Joy Smith (C) 613-992-7148 ; Vice-Chair - Kristy Duncan (L) 613-995-4702 Clerk - Christine Holke David 613-992-7874 [email protected] November 23 • The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business.
HUMAN RESOURCES, SKILLS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Chair - Dean Allison (C) 613- 995-2772, Vice Chairs - Raymonde Folco (L) 613- 992-2659, Yves Lessard (BQ) 613- 992-6035 Clerk - Georges Etoka 613-996-1542 [email protected] December 4 • The Committee was in Winnipeg. No other information is available at this time. December 3 • The Committee was in Edmonton. No other information is available at this time. December 2 • The Committee was in Yellowknife. No other information is available at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 40 of 117
December 1 • The Committee was in Whitehorse. No other information is available at this time. November 30 • The Committee was in Vancouver. No other information is available at this time. November 26 • The committee proceeded to the consideration of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and make consequential amendments to other Acts. • Clauses 2 and 3 carried on division • Clause 4, as amended, was agreed to • Clauses 5-9 were agreed to. • Clause 10 was agreed to • Clause 11 as amended was agreed to • Clauses 12-15 were agreed to • Clause 16 as amended was agreed to • Clauses 7-13 were agreed to • The Short Title carried • The bill as, as amended, was carried on division November 24 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $7,600, for Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts be adopted. • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 19 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 17 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians. • Gerard Kennedy moved, — That the clause by clause study of Bill C-304 be deferred until the Committee returns from its proposed travel West and North, and that the Committee study Bill C-56 on November 19, 24 and 26 and at another meeting if needed and, that the Bill be reported back to the House, no later than November 27, 2009 and, that clause by clause study of Bill C- Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 41 of 117
304 resumes on Tuesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 10, 2009. • Debate arose thereon. • The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 0. • The Committee resumed its study of the federal contribution to reducing poverty in Canada. • Tony Martin moved, — That, with November 24th, 2009 marking the 20th anniversary of the 1989 unanimous resolution of this House to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000, and not having achieved that goal, be it resolved that the Government of Canada, taking into consideration the Committee’s work in this regard, and respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction, develop an immediate plan to eliminate poverty in Canada for all, starting with achieving 50 per cent reduction in poverty by 2020 and, that this decision be reported to the House. • Debate arose thereon. • Ed Komarnicki moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words "starting with achieving 50 per cent reduction in poverty by 2020". • After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Ed Komarnicki and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5. • After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to. • By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That this decision be reported to the House on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. November 5 • Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, was read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the debate on the motion of Tony Martin be suspended till Tuesday, November 17, 2009. • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians. November 3 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $2,500, for the Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits) be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $2,000, for Bill C-304, An Act to Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 42 of 117
ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians be adopted. • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits). • Clause 1 carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5. • By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the result of the vote on clause 1 would be applied to clauses 2 through 4. • Accordingly clauses 2 through 4 were also carried. • Clause 5, as amended, carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5. • Clause 6 carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5. • By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the result of the vote on clause 6 would be applied to clause 7. • Accordingly clause 7 is also carried. • The Title carried. • The Bill, as amended, carried. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • Tony Martin moved, — That, with November 24th, 2009, marking the 20th Anniversary of the 1989 unanimous resolution of this House to achieve the goal of eliminating poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000, which was not achieved, in spite of a certain improvement such as the child tax benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement, be it resolved that the government of Canada develop a plan, while taking into consideration the current study being undertaken by the HUMA committee, to eliminate poverty in Canada for all, while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdictions. And that the Committee report its decision to the House. • Debate arose thereon.
INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Chair - Michael Chong (C) 613-992-4179, Vice Chairs - Anthony Rota (L) 613-995-6255, Robert Bouchard (BQ) 613-992-7207 Clerk - Michelle Tittley 613-947-1971 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee commenced its study of the recent economic performance of the Services Sector in Canada. • The Committee resumed its study of the recent economic performance of small and medium- size enterprises in Canada. November 30 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 43 of 117
• The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b and 7b under ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY, Votes 1b and 5b under ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF CANADA FOR THE REGIONS OF QUEBEC, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 25b, 35b, 50b, 70b, 85b and 95b under INDUSTRY, Votes 1b and 5b under WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. • Votes 1b, 5b and 7b under ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY, Votes 1b and 5b under ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF CANADA FOR THE REGIONS OF QUEBEC, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 25b, 35b, 50b, 70b, 85b and 95b under INDUSTRY, Votes 1b and 5b under WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION carried. November 25 • The Committee resumed its study of the recent economic performance of small and medium- size enterprises in Canada. November 23 • The Committee commenced its study of the recent economic performance of small and medium-size enterprises in Canada. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification), the Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), and the Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), be invited to appear before the Industry, Science and Technology Committee on or before December 2, 2009, to discuss the Supplementary Estimates of their respective departments. November 18 • The Committee resumed its study of credit card interchange fees and the debit payment system in Canada. November 16 • The Committee resumed the statutory review of section 136 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. November 4 • Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, April 22, 2009 and section 136 of the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Committee commenced the statutory review of the Act. November 2 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 44 of 117
Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors Chair - Dave Van Kesteren (C) 613-992-2612, Vice Chairs - Marc Garneau (L) 613-996-7267, Robert Bouchard (BQ) 613-992-7207 Clerk - Michelle Tittley 613-996-16126 [email protected] • There have been no meetings of this committee since the start of the summer break.
Subcommittee on the Automotive Industry in Canada Chair - Michael D. Chong (C) 613-992-4179, Vice Chairs - Francis Valeriote (L) 613-996-4758, Robert Vincent (BQ) 613-992-5279 Clerk - Michelle Tittley 613-996-16126 [email protected] • There have been no meetings of this committee since the start of the summer break.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE Chair - Lee Richardson (C) 613-995-1561, Vice Chairs - John Cannis (L) 613-992-6823, Serge Cardin (BQ) 613-943-7896 Clerk - Jean-Marie David 613-946-1540 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • On motion of Ron Cannan, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee conduct a study on the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. December 1 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). November 26 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee adopt a budget in the amount of $ 14,000 for its Study on Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 45 of 117
Canada-South America Trade Relations. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). • Peter Julian moved, — That the Committee urge the government to support the marketing of Canadian cattle and beef exports by increasing the government’s promotional budget for Canadian beef, which is currently underfunded, to a level that establishes an equal playing field with Canada’s main competitors, including Australia and the United States and that the Committee report this to the House. • Scott Brison moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing "cattle and beef exports by increasing the government’s promotional budget for Canadian beef" with " exports by increasing the government’s promotional budget for Canadian exports". • After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Scott Brison and it was negatived. • Scott Brison moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the following; "furthermore, that the Committee urge the government move quickly to negotiate additional free trade agreements that reduce tariffs and improve market access for Canadian products" after "House". • Peter Julian moved, — That the amendment be amended by deleting the word "free". • Debate arose thereon. • The question was put on the subamendment of Peter Julian and it was negatived. • After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Scott Brison and it was agreed to. • After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to. • It was agreed, — That the Committee append to its report supplementary opinions from all Parties provided that they are no more than half a page in length and submitted electronically to the Clerk of the Committee, no later than Tuesday, November 24, 2009. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia). November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the Defence of Supply Management at the World Trade Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 46 of 117
Organization. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed That the Government of Canada affirm its unequivocal support of, and commitment to defend, Canada’s supply management system. • On motion of Ed Holder, it was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted. • On motion of John Cannis, it was agreed, — That the report be entitled: "In Defence of Supply Management at the WTO". • On motion of Serge Cardin, it was agreed, — That the Committee append to its report supplementary opinions from Serge Cardin and Peter Julian provided that they are no more than one page in length and submitted electronically to the Clerk of the Committee, no later than Friday, November 6, 2009. • The Committee resumed its study of Canada-South America Trade Relations (Canada- Colombia).
JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS Chairs - Ed Fast (C) 613-995-0183, Vice Chairs - Brian Murphy (L) 613-992-8072, Serge Ménard (BQ) 613-992-2617 Clerk - Miriam Burke 613-996-1553 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Ending Conditional Sentences for Property and Other Serious Crimes Act). • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 10b, 20b, 30b, 35b and 50b under JUSTICE referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. • Vote 1b under JUSTICE carried on division. • Vote 10b under JUSTICE carried on division. • Vote 20b under JUSTICE carried on division. • Vote 30b under JUSTICE carried on division. • Vote 35b under JUSTICE carried on division. • Vote 50b under JUSTICE carried on division. November 25 • The Committee resumed its study of the matter concerning a request for documents pertaining to Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act). Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 47 of 117
• The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud). November 23 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud). November 18 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud). • The Committee commenced its study of the Order in Council appointment of Shirish P. Chotalia to the position of Chairperson of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. • It was agreed, — That this Committee has examined the qualifications and competence of Shirish P. Chotalia to the position of Chairperson of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and finds her competent to perform the duties of the position and fully endorses her appointment. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Eighth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, as amended. • The report was concurred in. It made the following recommendations: • On Bill C-52: • That, on Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) (Retribution on Behalf of Victims of White Collar Crime Act) following the Minister on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, the Committee hear witnesses on Monday, November 23, Wednesday, November 25, and Monday, December 7 and that following the witnesses on Monday, December 7, the Committee proceed to clause by clause consideration on Wednesday, December 9. • On Bill C-42: • That, on Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Ending Conditional Sentences for Property and Other Serious Crimes Act), the Committee invite the Minister of Justice to appear on Wednesday, December 2 along with senior officials from the Department of Justice. • On the Supplementary Estimates (B): • That, on the Supplementary Estimates (B), the Committee invite the Minister of Justice to appear on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. • On the study on organized crime: • That, on the Committee’s study on organized crime, the Committee travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba and Edmonton, Alberta from Wednesday, February 24 to Friday, February 26, 2010. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 18,400, in relation to the Study Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 48 of 117
on Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) be adopted. November 16 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code. November 4 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code. • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-232, An Act to amend the Supreme Court Act (understanding the official languages). • Clause 1 carried on division. • The title carried on division. • The bill carried on division. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That Rick Sauvé be invited to appear on Monday, November 16, 2009, in relation to the study of Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act). November 2 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-36, An Act to amend the Criminal Code. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • On motion of Joe Comartin, it was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 40,517, for the Committee’s travel to Toronto, in relation to the study on organized crime, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.
NATIONAL DEFENCE Chari - Maxime Bernier (C) 613- 992-8053, Vice Chairs - Bryon Wilfert (L) 613-992-3802, Claude Bachand (BQ) 613-992-5296 Clerk - Paul Cardegna 613-995-9461 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b and 20b under NATIONAL DEFENCE referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. December 1 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 49 of 117
• The Committee commenced its study of recruitment and retention strategy. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 128,516, for the Committee's travel, in relation to its study on Arctic Sovereignty, to Yellowknife (NT), Anchorage (AK) and Winnipeg (MB) in February-March 2010 be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee. • It was agreed, — That members be required to use a travel point to participate in the Committee's proposed travel to Yellowknife, Anchorage and Winnipeg as part of its study on Arctic Sovereignty. November 26 • The Committee commenced its study of Recruitment and retention strategy. • The following motion was agreed to: That, in relation to its study on recruitment and retention strategy, the Standing Committee on National Defence invite representatives of Réserve 2000 Québec to appear before the Committee. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study on Arctic sovereignty. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee on National Defence postpone, to some future date, the trip related to the study of Arctic Sovereignty scheduled from November 9, 2009 to December 4, 2009 in the Great Canadian North. • The Chair presented the Third Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • It was agreed the report be adopted. The report made the following recommendations: • That notwithstanding the Order adopted by the Standing Committee on National Defence on Wednesday, February 1, 2009, a member of the Conservative Party member of the Standing Committee, to be named by the Whip of that Party, be made a member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure provided that the member is not a Parliamentary Secretary. • That the Standing Committee on National Defence invite the Chief of Military Personnel and senior representatives for each of the three branches of the Canadian Forces to provide a 2-hour briefing on the subject of recruitment and retention of the Canadian Forces on Thursday, November 26, 2009. • That the Standing Committee on National Defence invite the Chief of Defence staff to appear before the Committee either on Tuesday, December 8 or Thursday, December 10 to provide a 2- hour briefing on the process being developed related to the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan in 2011. • That the Standing Committee on National Defence invite representatives of the Department of National Defence to provide a 2-hour briefing on the subject of the rehiring of retired soldiers and staff by the Department. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 50 of 117
• That the Standing Committee on National Defence invite the Honourable Peter McKay, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence, to appear before the Committee, with other representatives of the Department of National Defence, in time to consider the subject of the Supplementary Estimates B for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study on Arctic sovereignty. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study on Arctic sovereignty. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study on Arctic sovereignty. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee feels that the subject matter of the report adopted during the meeting of the Committee on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 has been addressed and that the matter is closed and, as such, the order pertaining to this report be discharged. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $106,299, for the Committee’s travel, in relation to its study on Arctic Sovereignty, to Yellowknife (NT), Anchorage (AK) and Winnipeg (MB) in the Fall of 2009 be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee. • It was agreed, — That the Committee travel to Yellowknife (NT), Anchorage (AK) and Winnipeg (MB) from November 29, 2009 to December 5, 2009 in relation to its study on Arctic Sovereignty. • It was agreed, — That the Committee meet on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 in order to consider an outline to a draft report in relation to its study on Arctic Sovereignty. • It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence be instructed to meet in place of the Standing Committee on National Defence on Thursday, November 19, 2009.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 51 of 117
NATURAL RESOURCES Chair - Leon Benoit (C) 613-992-4171, Vice Chairs - Alan Tonks (L) 613-995-0777, Nathan Cullen (NDP) 613-993-6654 Clerk - Carol Chafe 613-995-0047 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. • The Committee resumed its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • By unanimous consent, further consideration of Clause 22 as amended, was allowed to stand. • Clause 18 carried. • Clause 19 carried. • After debate, Clause 20 carried on division. • By unanimous consent, Clause 21 was allowed to stand. • By unanimous consent, Clause 23 was allowed to stand. • After debate, Clause 24 carried on division. • After debate, Clause 25 carried. • By unanimous consent, Clause 26 was allowed to stand. • After debate, Clause 27 carried on division. • After debate, Clause 28 carried on division. • After debate, Clause 29 carried on division. • By unanimous consent, Clause 30 was allowed to stand. • After debate, Clause 31 carried. • After debate, Clause 32 carried. • After debate, Clause 33 carried. • By unanimous consent, Clause 34 was allowed to stand. • After debate, Clause 35 carried. • Clause 36 carried. • By unanimous consent, Clause 37 was allowed to stand. • By unanimous consent, Clause 38 was allowed to stand. • After debate, Clause 39 carried. • After debate, Clause 40 carried. • After debate, Clause 41 carried. • Clause 42 carried. • After debate, Clause 43 carried. • Clause 44 carried. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 52 of 117
November 30 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. • The Committee resumed its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • Clause 17 carried on division. November 25 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. • The Committee resumed its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • After debate, Clause 15 carried on recorded division • After debate, Clause 16 carried on recorded division November 23 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. • The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • After debate, Clause 2 carried. • Clause 3 carried. • After debate, Clause 4 carried on division. • Clause 5 carried. • After debate, Clause 6 carried on division. • Clause 7 carried on division. • Clause 8 carried on recorded division • Clause 9 carried. • Clause 10 carried. • After debate, Clause 11 carried. • After debate, Clause 12 carried on recorded division • Clause 13 carried. • Clause 14 carried. November 18 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. • Geoff Regan moved, — That the Minister of Natural Resources be invited to appear before this committee before December 7, 2009 to discuss the Supplementary Estimates of the Department of Natural Resources. • Debate arose thereon. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 53 of 117
• After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on division. November 16 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident. November 4 • The Committee resumed its study on the state of the nuclear industry in Canada and abroad. November 2 • Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt appeared. • The Committee resumed its study on the state of the nuclear industry in Canada and abroad. • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Chair - Steven Blaney (C) 613-992-7434, Vice Chairs - Lise Zarac (L) 613-943-6636, Yvon Godin (NDP) 613-992-2165 Clerk - Isabelle Dumas 613-947-8891 [email protected] December 3 • Currently there is no information available about this meeting. December 1 • The Committee resumed its study of the broadcasting and services in French of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. November 26 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That any Member of the Committee be entitled to submit a dissenting or supplementary opinion to any Committee report in accordance to the Standing Orders of the House, provided that it is no more than five (5)pages in length and submitted electronically to the Clerk in the 48 hours following the adoption of a report, in both official languages. • It was agreed, — That the Committee undertake a study on the review of the last 40 years of the Official Languages Act and that the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada be invited to appear on this subject on December 3, 2009. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 54 of 117
• It was agreed, — That the Committee undertake a study of the Federal Government’s support of the francophone medias and that the Association de la presse francophone be invited to appear on this subject on January 26, 2010. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of the impacts of the delays in providing funding to beneficiary organizations from the Department of Canadian Heritage. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the report be entitled: "The Impact of Approval and Payment Delays on Department of Canadian Heritage Recipient Organizations". • It was agreed, — That the Committee append to its report dissenting and / or supplementary opinions from Members of Parties provided that they are no more than four (4) pages in length and submitted electronically to the Clerk of the Committee, no later than 4 p.m., on Thursday, November 26, 2009, in both official languages. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Chair of the Committee send a letter to Camille Therriault-Power, from the Canada Border Services Agency, who appeared before the Committee on October 20, 2009, to remind her to follow up a specific file with Jean-Claude D’Amours, Committee Member. November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of the broadcasting and services in French of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of the impacts of the delays in providing funding to beneficiary organizations from the Department of Canadian Heritage. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of the broadcasting and services in French of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of the Official Languages Program Transformation Model and training of francophone recruits in the Canadian Forces.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 55 of 117
PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS Chair - Joe Preston (C) 613-990-7769, Vice Chair - Michel Guimond (BQ) 613-995-9732, Marcel Proulx (L) 613-992-7550 Clerk - Angela Crandall 613-996-0506 [email protected] December 1 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed with studies on the Orders of Reference on Questions of Privilege before hearing further witnesses in relation to its study on a review of the Referendum Act. • It was agreed, — That the Committee invite Maurice Vellacott, M.P. to appear before the Committee on Thursday, December 3, 2009, or at his earliest convenience. • It was agreed, — That the Committee invited Irwin Cotler, M.P. to appear before the Committee on Tuesday or Thursday or at his earliest convenience. • The Committee resumed its study of the review of the Referendum Act. November 26 • The Committee resumed its study of the review of the Referendum Act. • The Committee commenced consideration of the question of privilege relating to mailings sent to the riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 24 • The Committee resumed its study of the review of the Referendum Act. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That Peter Stouffer be invited to appear in relation to the question of privilege referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 19, 2009. November 19 • The Committee commenced its study of the review of the Referendum Act. November 17 • The Committee commenced its study of the review of the Referendum Act. November 3 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee invite Marc Mayrand, Chief Electoral Officer, to appear before the Committee on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, in relation to the study on a review of the Referendum Act. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 56 of 117
• It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $14,150, for the study on a review of the Referendum Act, be adopted.
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS Chair - Shawn Murphy (L) 613-996-4714, Vice Chairs - Daryl Kramp (C) 613-947-4613, David Christopherson (NDP) 613-995-1757 Clerk - Joann Garbig 613-996-1664 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee commenced consideration of Chapter 7, "Emergency Management - Public Safety Canada" of the Fall 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. November 30 • The Committee resumed consideration of Chapter 1, "Safeguarding Government Information and Assets in Contracting" of the October 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. • The Committee commenced consideration of following up on recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the House. • The Committee resumed consideration of Chapter 1, "Gender-Based Analysis" of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. November 25 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Nineteenth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • It was agreed that the report be concurred in. The report made the following recommendations: • That pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), and in relation to the motion adopted by the Committee on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, the Committee undertake studies of the Departmental Performance Reports for 2008-2009 of the following organizations: • Department of Industry; • Department of Transport. November 23 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 57 of 117
• The Committee commenced consideration of the Public Accounts of Canada 2009, referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. November 18 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 16 • The Committee commenced consideration of Chapter 2, "Intellectual Property" of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. November 4 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Fall 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada referred to the Committee on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • On motion of David Christopherson, it was agreed, — That the Committee undertake studies of the following chapters of the Fall 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada: • Chapter 1, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Programs"; • Chapter 5, "Acquiring Military Vehicles for Use in Afghanistan"; • Chapter 7, "Emergency Management - Public Safety Canada"; Chapter 8, "Strengthening Aid Effectiveness - Canadian International Development Agency". • The following motion was agreed to: That, in the matter of the contract awarded to Brookfield Global Relocation Services in 2009 as part of the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) — a program whose contracts were reviewed by the Auditor General and found to contain inaccuracies and not to be "tendered in a fair and equitable manner," as stated in her 2006 report, which was supported by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and welcomed by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services — the Committee ask the Auditor General to conduct an audit of the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) as of April 1999, including the tendering and awarding of the 2009 contract, and to present her findings to Parliament. • Andrew Saxton deposited a document entitled "Final Report of the Fairness Monitor", concerning the Integrated Relocation Program. November 2 • The Committee resumed consideration of Chapter 3, "Contracting for Professional Services - Public Works and Government Services Canada" of the December 2008 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • The Committee resumed consideration of Chapter 2, "The Governor in Council Appointment Process" of the 2009 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 58 of 117
PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY Chair - Garry Breitkreuz (C) 613-992-4394, Vice Chairs - Mark Holland (L) 613-995-8042, Don Davies (NDP) 613-943-0267 Clerk - Roger Préfontaine 613-944-5635 [email protected] December 3 • Currently there is no information available about this meeting. December 1 • Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and section 21.1 of the Sex Offender Information Registry Act, the Committee resumed the statutory review of the Act. • The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report. • It was agreed, — That any dissenting opinion be submitted to the Clerk in both official languages before Monday, December 7, 2009, 5:00 p.m. November 5 • the Committee resumed its study of Federal Corrections: Mental Health and Addiction. • It was agreed, — That the Committee defray the hospitality expenses related to working meals to be held during its travel to Montreal on November 18 and to Oslo and London during the week of November 22 and that the Clerk in consultation with the Chair be authorized to purchase mementos. • the Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-34, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. • The Committee resumed its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. • Clause 33, as amended, carried. • New Clause 33.1 carried. • New Clause 34.1 carried. • Clause 34, as amended, carried. • It was agreed, — That the Committee continue clause by clause consideration of Bill C-34, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts on Thursday, December 3, 2009. November 3 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-34, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. • The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 59 of 117
• Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-10, 10.1, 11-17, 18-26, 27-32 were carried
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE CANADIAN MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN Chair - Rick Casson (C) 613- 996-0633; Vice Chair - Bryon Wilfert (L) 613- 992-3802 Joint Clerk - Carmen DePape 613-996-1540 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee resumed its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. November 26 • The Committee resumed its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Committee report to the House that it believes a serious breach of privilege has occurred and members’ rights have been violated, that the Government of Canada, particularly the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, have intimidated a witness of this Committee, and obstructed and interfered with the Committee's work and with the papers requested by this Committee. Therefore this Committee reports the breach to the House so that it can consider the matter. November 25 • The Committee resumed its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Fifth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. The report was adopted. It made the following recommendations: • That the two witnesses scheduled to appear before the Special Committee on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, as part of the study on the transfer of Afghan detainees, be heard from separately, with Mr. Richard Colvin to appear first, followed by Mr. Peter Tinsley. • That witnesses appearing before the Special Committee, as part of the study on the transfer of Afghan detainees, who express concern that their responses to certain questions from members might in some way compromise national security, be asked to briefly explain their uneasiness and be offered the opportunity to answer those questions at an in camera session to take place during the last 30 minutes of the meeting. • That in cases where there is doubt that testimony given by witnesses would in fact Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 60 of 117
compromise national security, and in the absence of members reaching a concensus, that expert advice be sought before releasing information, in order to err on the side of caution. • That a letter be addressed to the Minister of National Defence asking him whether or not the government supports the Judge Advocate General in his assertion that solicitor-client privilege prevented him from answering certain questions from members at the meeting held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009; and further asking the Minister if he would consider waiving that privilege in order to allow BGen Kenneth W. Watkin to answer questions at a subsequent meeting of the Special Committee. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan request the following documents prior to the appearance of Mr. David Mulroney: • All documents referred to in the Affidavit of Richard Colvin, dated October 5, 2009; • All documents within the Department of Foreign Affairs written in response to the documents referred to in the Affidavit of Richard Colvin, dated October 5, 2009; • All memoranda for information or memoranda for decision sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs concerning detainees from December 18, 2005 to the present; • All documents produced pursuant to the orders of the Federal Court in Amnesty International and British Columbia Civil Liberties Association v. Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces, Minister of National Defence and Attorney General of Canada; • All documents produced to the Military Police Complaints Commission in the Afghanistan Public Interest Hearings; • All annual human rights reports by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Afghanistan. • The following motion was agreed to: • That the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan: • direct David Mulroney, Canada’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and formerly Deputy Minister of Canada’s Afghanistan Task Force, to deliver the following documents to the Committee, uncensored and in their original language, by December 2, 2009: • All documents referred to in the Affidavit of Richard Colvin, dated October 5, 2009; • All documents within the Department of Foreign Affairs written in response to the documents referred to in the Affidavit of Richard Colvin, dated October 5, 2009; • All memoranda for information or memoranda for decision sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs concerning detainees from December 18, 2005 to the present; • All documents produced pursuant to the all orders of the Federal Court in Amnesty International and British Columbia Civil Liberties Association v. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 61 of 117
Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces, Minister of National Defence and Attorney General of Canada; • All documents produced to the Military Police Complaints Commission in the Afghanistan Public Interest Hearings; • All annual human rights reports by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Afghanistan; • direct Leonard Edwards, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to deliver all the documents referred to in a) to the Committee, uncensored and in their original language, by December 2, 2009, where Mr. Mulroney does not have them within his power, possession or control to deliver to the Committee; and • invite Mr. Mulroney and Mr. Edwards to appear as witnesses before the Committee as part of the hearings into the transfer of detainees on December 9, 2009, or at such other date as may be notified by the Committee if the aforesaid direction is not complied with by December 2, 2009. • The following motion was agreed to: That the Special Committee hear from David Mulroney on Thursday, November 26, 2009, at 3:30 to 5:00 pm. November 18 • The Committee resumed its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. • It was agreed, — That Peter A. Tinsley, Chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission, be invited to appear again before the Special Committee at a later date in order to answer questions from members, as part of the study on the transfer of Afghan detainees. November 4 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Fourth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • It was agreed, — That the Fourth Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be adopted. • The report made the following recommendations: • That, in accordance with the two motions adopted by the Committee on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, a series of five thematic panel meetings be held on the subject of Sections 37 and 38 of the Canada Evidence Act and the transfer of Afghan detainees, beginning on Wednesday, November 4, 2009; with the possibility of having, in certain cases, two meetings a week when necessary; and that the following witnesses be invited to appear before the Committee as part of this study, subject to their availability: • Panel 1 - Wednesday, November 4, 2009 • Brigadier-General Kenneth W. Watkin, Judge Advocate General, Department of National Defence; Robert R. Walsh, Law Clerk and Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 62 of 117
Parliamentary Counsel, House of Commons; Doug Breithaupt, Director and General Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice; • Panel 2 - Wednesday, November 18, 2009 • Peter Tinsley, Chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission, Department of National Defence; Captain Steven Moore (retired), former Canadian Forces Provost Martial; Richard Colvin, First Secretary and Liaison Officer, Intelligence Liaison, Canadian Embassy in Washington; • Panel 3 - Wednesday, November 25, 2009 • General Richard J. Hillier (retired), former Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant-General Michel Gauthier (retired), former Commander, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command; Major-General David Fraser, former Commander, Regional Command (South); • Panel 4 - Thursday, November 26, 2009 • Colleen Swords, former Assistant Deputy Minister, International Security Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Scott Proudfoot, former Director Afganistan Policy and Advocacy Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Linda Garwood, former Director, Corrections Component Kandahar, Provincial Reconstruction Team; • Panel 5 - Wednesday, December 2, 2009 • The Hon. Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence; the Hon. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Hon. Gordon O’Connor, former Minister of National Defence (2006 - 2007); the Hon. John Manley, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2000 - 2002); the Hon. Bill Graham, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002 - 2004) and former Minister of National Defence (2004 - 2006). • The Committee commenced its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 63 of 117
STATUS OF WOMEN Chair - Hedy Fry (L) 613-992-3213, Vice Chairs - Candice Hoeppner (C) 613-995-9511, Irene Mathyssen (NDP) 613-995-2901 Clerk - Danielle Belisle 613-995-6119 [email protected] December 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Vote 85b under CANADIAN HERITAGE referred to the Committee on Thursday, November 12, 2009. • The Committee commenced consideration of the Performance Report 2008-2009 of Status of Women. • The Committee commenced its study of a gender based analysis in the federal government. • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. • The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report. December 1 • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the Committee call on officials from the Ministries of Public Safety, Health, Justice, Indian and Northern Affairs and the Status of Women, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to discuss programs, policies and action currently being undertaken and what further action is required to address violence against Aboriginal Women and; That the Committee further invite, but not be limited to, representatives of Native Women's Association of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, the Métis National Council of Women, Pauktuutit Inuit Women Association, the Quebec Native Women, the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories, the YWCA, along with individual advocates on the issue of violence against Aboriginal women including but not limited to, Sharon McIvor, Ellen Gabriel, Beverly Jacobs, Mavis Erickson, and Debra Hanuse. November 26 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed - That the Committee request that the Minister of State (Status of Women Canada) appear before the Committee before December 7, 2009 on the subject of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010 and that the Committee would be prepared to accommodate her availability. • The following motion was agreed to - That given the recent concerns expressed in media by the Vancouver Police Department and given the fact that the Vancouver Winter Olympics are only 78 days away; that the Committee recall those witnesses who appeared before the Committee on Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 64 of 117
Thursday, June 11, 2009 and invite representatives from the Vancouver Police Department to determine that the measures and initiatives put in place to curtail human trafficking are adequate and appropriately funded; and to determine what further measures are required to ensure that the appropriate authorities are successful in curtailing human trafficking during the Vancouver Olympic Games. • On motion of Sylvie Boucher, it was agreed, — That the Clerk, in consultation with the Chair, provide a seasonal working meal for the meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2009. • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. November 24 • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. November 19 • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. November 17 • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. November 5 • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of women and pension security. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • On motion of Irene Mathyssen, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee invites the Minister of State for the Status of Women Canada to appear at the earliest opportunity to explain the extent to which federal government departments make use of Gender Based Analysis (GBA) across government departments for the process of decision making and the creation of policy.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 65 of 117
TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES Chair - Merv Tweed (C) 613-995-9372, Vice Chairs - Joseph Volpe (L) 613-992-6361, Mario Laframboise (BQ) 613-992-0902 Clerk - Bonnie Charron 613-996-4663 [email protected] December 2 • The Committee commenced consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2009-2010: Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 17b, 20b, 35b, 40b, 45b, 50b, 55b, 60b and 65b under TRANSPORT referred to the Committee on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. November 30 • The Committee commenced its study of Transport Canada's enforcement of air safety regulations and implementation of safety management systems for the aviation industry. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the Sixth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • It was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in. The report made the following recommendations: • That in relation to the Committee’s meetings of December 2, 7, and 9, 2009, the Minister be invited to appear on either December 2 or December 7 on the Supplementary Estimates (B), and that the remaining two meetings be dedicated to clause by clause consideration of Bill C-37, An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts. • That the Chair plan to report Bill C-37 to the House on December 10, 2009, or, if clause by clause consideration is not completed by that date, that the Committee continue its consideration of the Bill at its meetings in January 2010. • That in relation to its study of High Speed Rail, the Committee consider a draft report at the meetings of January 26 and 28, 2010, and schedule a site visit to Bombardier in la Pocatière, QC, on February 2, 2010. • That officials from VIA Rail be invited to appear on February 4, 2010, in relation to the Committee’s study of the procurement practices of VIA Rail Inc. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 23, 622, for the Committee’s travel to La Pocatière, Quebec, on January or February 2010, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee. • It was agreed, — That Purolator Courier Ltd. be invited to appear in December if it is not possible to schedule Bill C-37, An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts, and the study of the Supplementary Estimates (B). November 23 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-310, An Act to Provide Certain Rights to Air Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 66 of 117
Passengers. • It was agreed: That, pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, and, after concluding hearings on Bill C- 310 (Air Passengers' Bill of Rights), the Committee report that it recommends that the House do not proceed further with Bill C-310 because it makes air carriers responsible for passenger inconveniences and excludes the responsability of other parties such as an airport authority, NAV CANADA, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and the Canada Border Services Agency. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 9900, for the period of 2009-10, be adopted. • It was agreed: That the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities engage in a study of the procurement practices of VIA Rail Canada Inc., specifically with regard to the renovation and upgrade of 78 HEP 1 long-haul cars, and report the results of the study to the House of Commons. November 18 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-310, An Act to Provide Certain Rights to Air Passengers. November 16 • The Committee resumed its study of high speed rail in Canada. November 3 • The Committee resumed its study of high speed rail in Canada. November 2 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-310, An Act to Provide Certain Rights to Air Passengers. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • The Chair presented the fourth report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. • On motion of Joseph Volpe, it was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in. • The report made the following recommendations: • That Canada Post and Purolator be invited to appear at separate meetings in relation to the Committee’s study of the management and operations of Canada Post; • That NAV CANADA be invited to appear to update the Committee with respect to airport traffic services, including the deferral of its Review to the fall of 2010; • That the Committee adopt Dennis Bevington’s motion of October 6, 2009, which reads as follows: "That the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities engage in a study of Transport Canada’s enforcement of air safety regulations and Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 67 of 117
implementation of safety management systems for the aviation industry, and report the results of the study to the House of Commons."; • That the Committee hold a meeting on the Air Safety study on November 30, 2009, and invite officials from Transport Canada, followed by representatives of both the pilots’ association and those licensed to do maintenance inspections; • That the Analyst prepare a proposed work plan and suggested witnesses for the continuing study of High Speed Rail, and that any further witness suggestions be submitted to the Chair or to the Clerk; • That the Committee invite delegates from the High Speed Rail Conference to appear on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 (or November 3 if necessary), and that consequently, clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-37, An Action Plan for the National Capital Commission, be postponed to November 18, 2009. • It was agreed, — That the deadline for amendments to Bill C-37, be postponed to November 11, 2009.
VETERANS AFFAIRS Chair - David Sweet (C) 613-996-4984, Vice Chair - Robert Oliphant (L) 613-992-2855, Peter Stoffer (NDP) 613-995-5822 Clerk - Jacques Lahaie 613-994-9354 [email protected] November 26 • The Committee resumed its review of the New Veterans Charter. • It was agreed, — That the Committee meeting on December 8, 2009 on Agent Orange Compensation be televised. November 24 • The Committee resumed its review of the New Veterans Charter. • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. November 19 • The Committee commenced its review of the New Veterans Charter. November 17 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity). Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 68 of 117
November 5 • The Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity). • It was agreed, — That the Committee invite officials from the Department of National Defence, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada on Pension Issue at its next meeting and that the Committee deal with clause by clause of Bill C-201, after these officials have been heard. November 3 • The Committee commenced consideration of Bill C-201, An Act to amend the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act (deletion of deduction from annuity). • The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business. • It was agreed, — That the proposed operational budget in the amount of $27,800, for the Committee's Reviews of the New Veterans Charter, be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the proposed operational budget in the amount of $ 17,400, for the examination of Bill C-201, be adopted. • It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 2,504, for the Committee’s travel to Ste Ann's hospital, be adopted.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 69 of 117
JOINT COMMITTEES General Information (Senate)- 990-0088 Fax - 995-0320 General Information (Commons) - 992-3150 Fax - 996-1626
LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT Joint Chair - Senator Sharon Carstairs - 613-947-7123; Joint Chair - MP Peter Goldring (C) - 613-992- 3821; Vice-Chair - Mauril Bélanger (L) - 613-992-4766 Joint Clerk - Marc-Olivier Girard -613-992-9069 - [email protected]; Joint Clerk - Denis Robert - 613- 993-4874 - [email protected] December 3 • The committee met for conisderation of the newest order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from the Library of Parliament. November 26 • The committee met in camera for "Preparatory Work on the Library of Parliament's Main Estimates for 2010-2011." November 19 • The committee met for consideration of the expenditures set out in Parliament Vote 10 of Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. Past Orders of Reference • No date available yet: "Study on Different Initiatives of the Library: Parliament 2020, Youth Engagement Initiatives, International Quorum" • February 26: "Study of the Main Estimates 2009-2010: Vote 10 (Library of Parliament) under Parliament."
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 70 of 117
SCRUTINY OF REGULATIONS Joint Chair - Senator John D. Wallace - 613-943-1460; Joint Chair - MP Andrew Kania (L) - 613-995- 5381; Joint Vice-Chair - MP Royal Galipeau (C) - 613-995-1800 Joint Vice-Chair - MP Brian Masse (NDP) - 613-996-1541 Joint Clerk - Marcy Zlotnick - 613-943-7865 - [email protected]; Joint Clerk - Bonnie Charron - 613- 947-2104 - [email protected] December 5 • The committee met for a review of statutory instruments. November 19 • The committee met for a review of statutory instruments. November 5 • The committee met for a review of statutory instruments.
SENATE COMMITTEES General Information - 990-0088 Fax - 947-2104
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES Chair - Gerry St. Germain - 613-947-2242; Deputy Chair - Nick G. Sibbeston - 613-943-7790 Clerk - Marcy Zlotnick - 613-990-6080 - [email protected] December 2 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under the topic "Assembly of First Nations Overview of Issues and Priorities." • The committee heard a representative from the Assembly of First Nations. December 1 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from the Métis National Council, Métis Nation British Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 71 of 117
Columbia, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation of Alberta and Manitoba Métis Federation. November 25 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under topic "Issues Pertaining to Indian Act Elections." November 24 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under topic "Issues Pertaining to Indian Act Elections." November 18 • The committee met for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under topic "First Nations Land Management and Environmental Protection on Reserves." November 17 • The committee met for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under topic "Band Council Funding and Related Issues." Past Orders of Reference • November 03: "Government Response, dated November 3, 2009, to the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, entitled New Voter Identification Procedures and Related Impacts on Aboriginal Peoples and Communities in Canada, tabled in the Senate on May 7, 2009." • June 17: "Bill C-41, An Act to give effect to the Maanulth First Nations Final Agreement and to make consequential amendments to other Acts." • June 4: "Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act." • April 23: "Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Indian Oil and Gas Act." • February 25: "Study on the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and on other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada." • February 24: "That the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples be authorized to examine and report on the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and on other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" and "that the Committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2010." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 72 of 117
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY Chair - Senator Percy Mockler - 613-947-4225; Deputy Chair - Senator Joyce Fairbairn - 613-996-4382 Clerk - Josée Thérien - 613-998-0424 - [email protected] December 3 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from the University of Toronto. December 1 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. November 26 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. November 19 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. November 17 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. November 5 • The committee met for consideration of the March 31 (a) order of reference. • The committee heard from two witnesses as individuals. Past Orders of Reference • June 9: "Bill C-29, An Act to increase the availability of agricultural loans and to repeal the Farm Improvement Loans Act." • May 26: "Examine and report on rural poverty in Canada." • March 31: The following orders of reference were referred: • (a) "Study on the current state and future of Canada’s forest sector. • (b) "Study on the current state and future of agriculture and agri-food in Canada"
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 73 of 117
BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE Chair - Michael A. Meighen - 613-943-1421; Deputy Chair - Céline Hervieux-Payette - 613-947-8008 Clerk - Line Gravel - 613-990-6081 - [email protected] November 19 • The committee met for consideration of the June 16 order of reference. November 18 • The committee met for consideration of the June 16 order of reference. November 5 • The committee met for consideration of the May 6 order of reference. • The committee heard from one witness from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. • The committee then moved to consider the March 4 order of reference under the topic "Global Economic Crisis" and heard from the same witness. November 4 • The committee met for consideration of the June 16 order of reference. • The committee heard from four witnesses from the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, one witness from Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceuticals Companies, one witness from GlaxoSmithKline Canada, one witness from Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd and one witness from Gowling, Lafleur, Henderson LLP. Past Orders of Reference • June 16: "Bill S-232, An Act to amend the Patent Act (drugs for international humanitarian purposes) and to make a consequential amendment to another Act." • June 10: "Bill C-4, An Act respecting not-for-profit corporations and certain other corporations." • May 6: "Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Business Development Bank of Canada Act (municipal infrastructure bonds) and to make a consequential amendment to another Act." • March 12: "Examine the following elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009: those elements dealing with the Competition Act (Part 12)." • March 4: "The present state of the domestic and international financial system." • March 3: "Study on the credit and debit card systems in Canada and their relative rates and fees, in particular for businesses and consumers."
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 74 of 117
ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Chair - W. David Angus - 613-947-3193; Deputy Chair - Grant Mitchell - 613-995-4254 Clerk - Lynn Gordon - 613-991-3620 - [email protected] December 3 • The committee met for consideration of the June 4 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from the University of British Columbia. December 1 • The committee met for consideration of the June 4 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from University of Calgary and Balsillie School of International Affairs. November 26 • The committee met for consideration of the June 4 order of reference. November 24 • The committee met for consideration of the June 4 order of reference. November 19 • The committee met for consideration of the October 29 order of reference. November 17 • The committee met for consideration of the October 29 order of reference. November 5 • The committee met for consideration of the March 3 order of reference. • The committee heard from four witnesses from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. • The committee then considered the June 4 order of reference and a draft budget. • The committee then moved in camera for consideration of a draft agenda (future business). Past Orders of Reference • October 29: "Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999." • June 17: "Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act to enlarge Nahanni National Park Reserve of Canada." • June 17: "Subject-matter of Bill S-222, An Act to amend the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act (bulk water removal)." • June 4: "Examine and report on the current state and future of Canada's energy sector (including alternative energy)." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 75 of 117
• May 27: "Bill C-16, An Act to amend certain Acts that relate to the environment and to enact provisions respecting the enforcement of certain Acts that relate to the environment." • April 29: "Bill S-208, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (clean drinking water)." • March 12: "Examine the following elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009, those elements dealing with the Navigable Waters Protection Act (Part 7)." • March 11: "Bill S-216, An Act to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Auditor General Act (Involvement of Parliament)." • March 3: "Study on emerging issues related to its mandate." • February 24: "Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act." • January 28: "A document concerning a proposed review of the user fees of the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada."
FISHERIES AND OCEANS Chair - Senator William Rompkey - 613-947-9584; Deputy Chair - Senator Ethel M. Cochrane - 613- 992-1577 Clerk - Danielle Labonté - 613-949-4379 [email protected] December 3 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 12 order of reference. November 19 • The committee met for consideration of the March 12 order of reference under the topic "Proposed Amendments to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)." November 5 • The committee met for consideration of the March 12 order of reference under the topic "Matters related to the Canadian Coast Guard in the Western Arctic." • The committee heard from one witness from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, two witnesses from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, one witness from the Canada Border Services Agency, one witness from Transport Canada and one witness from National Defence. Past Orders of Reference • October 8: " Government Response, dated October 7, 2009, to the second report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans entitled "Rising to the Arctic Challenge: Report on the Canadian Coast Guard", deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on May 4, 2009." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 76 of 117
• March 12: "Study on issues relating to the federal government’s new and evolving policy framework for managing Canada’s fisheries and oceans."
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE Chair - Senator Consiglio Di Nino - 613-943-1454; Deputy Chair - Senator Peter A. Stollery - 613-992- 3012 Clerk - Denis Robert - 613-993-4874 - [email protected] December 2 • The committee met for consideration of the February 24 (a) order of reference. December 1 • The committee met for consideration of the February 24 (a) order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from Port Metro Vancouver. November 25 • The committee met for consideration of the February 24 (a) order of reference. November 4 • The committee met for consideration of the February 24 (a) order of reference. • The committee heard from three witnesses from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Past Orders of Reference • June 9: "Bill C-24, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Peru, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Peru and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Peru." • April 22: "Bill C-2, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the States of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), the Agreement on Agriculture between Canada and the Republic of Iceland, the Agreement on Agriculture between Canada and the Kingdom of Norway and the Agreement on Agriculture between Canada and the Swiss Confederation." • February 24: • (a) "Study on the rise of China, India and Russia in the global economy and the implications for Canadian policy." • (b) "Examine such issues as may arise from time to time relating to Foreign relations Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 77 of 117
generally." • (c) "Review and report on the 2008 Legislative Review of Export Development Canada, tabled in the Senate on Tuesday, February 10, 2009."
HUMAN RIGHTS Chair - Raynell Andreychuk - 613-947-2239; Deputy Chair - Mobina S.B. Jaffer - 613-992-0189 Clerk - Adam Thompson - 613-990-6160 - [email protected] November 30 • The committee considered the March 4(c) order of reference under the topic "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security." • The committee heard representatives from CARE Canada, the Hunt Alternatives Fund, Inter Pares, the United Nations, Youth as Peacebuilders and as individuals. • The committee then considered the June 22 order of reference. • The committee then heard representatives from Beyond Borders, Projet d’Intervention auprès des mineurs-res prostitués-ées, Little Warriors, and as individuals. November 23 • The committee considered the September 29 order of reference and the June 22 order of reference. Past Orders of Reference • September 29: "Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and to enact certain other measures in order to provide assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking." • June 22: "Examine the issue of the sexual exploitation of children in Canada, with a particular emphasis on understanding the scope and prevalence of the problem of the sexual exploitation of children across the country and in particularly affected communities." • March 12: "Examine the following elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009 : those elements dealing with equitable compensation (Part 11)." • March 4: The following orders of reference were referred: • (a) Invite the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs concerning the recommendations contained in the Committee’s report entitled "A Hard Bed to lie in: Matrimonial Real Property on Reserve", tabled in the Senate November 4, 2003." • (b) "Monitor issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada’s international and national human rights obligations." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 78 of 117
• (c) "Issues of discrimination in the hiring and promotion practices of the Federal Public Service, to study the extent to which targets to achieve employment equity are being met, and to examine labour market outcomes for minority groups in the private sector." • (d) "Monitor the implementation of recommendations contained in the Committee’s report entitled Children: The Silenced Citizens: Effective Implementation of Canada’s International Obligations with Respect to the Rights of Children, tabled in the Senate on April 25, 2007."
LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS Chair - Senator Joan Fraser - 613-943-9556; Deputy Chair - Senator Pierre Claude Nolin - 613-943- 1451 Clerk - Jessica Richardson - 613-990-6087 - [email protected] December 3 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from Department of Justice Canada. December 2 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from BC Compassion Club Society, Beyond Prohibition Foundation, Vancouver Island Compassion Society, Canadian AIDS Society and Department of Justice Canada. November 26 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. November 25 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. November 18 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. November 18 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. November 5 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 79 of 117
• The committee heard from one witness as an individual and one witness from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. November 4 • The committee met for the September 17 order of reference. • The committee heard from one witness from the Association québécoise des avocats et avocates de la défense, two witnesses as an individual, one witness from Surrey Fire Services, one witness from the City of Langley, BC and two witnesses from the Canadian Police Association. Past Orders of Reference • October 29: "Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime)." • October 22: "Government Response, dated October 22, 2009, to the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, entitled "Equal Justice: Reforming Canada’s System of Courts Martial", tabled in the Senate on May 5, 2009." • September 29: "Bill S-226, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (lottery schemes)." • September 17: "Bill C-15, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts." • June 22: "Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children)." • June 16: "Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (limiting credit for time spent in pre- sentencing custody)." • June 11: "Bill C-39, An Act to amend the Judges Act." • June 10: "Bill S-211, An Act to require the Minister of the Environment to establish, in co- operation with the provinces, an agency with the power to identify and protect Canada’s watersheds that will constitute sources of drinking water in the future." • June 4: "That, in accordance with section 38 of the Nunavut Act, chapter 28 of the Statutes of Canada, 1993, the Senate concur in the June 4, 2008 passage of the Official Languages Act by the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut." • May 27: "Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system participants)." • May 14: " Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (vacancies)." • May 5: "Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identity theft and related misconduct)." • March 31: "Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings)." • March 24: "Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Property qualifications of Senators)." • February 26: "Study on the provisions and operation of DNA Identification Act." • February 24: "Study on the provisions and operation of An Act to amend the National Defence Act (court martial) and to make a consequential amendment to another Act (S.C. 2008, c.¸29)." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 80 of 117
NATIONAL FINANCE Chair - Senator Joseph A. Day - 613-992-0833; Deputy Chair - Senator Irving R. Gerstein - 613-947- 4041 Clerk - Adam Thompson - 613-990-6160 - [email protected] December 4 • The committee met for consideration of the December 2 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from the Canadian Home Builders' Association, CBC/Radio-Canada, C.D. Howe Institute and Towers Perrin. December 3 • The committee met for consideration of the December 2 order of reference. • The committee heard representatives from Department of Finance Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Industry Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Canada Revenue Agency and Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada. December 2 • The committee was referred the subject matter of Bill C-56, Fairness for the Self-Employed Act. • The committee was also referred Bill C-51, the Economic Recovery Act (Stimulus). November 25 • The committee met for consideration of expenditures set out in Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. November 24 • The committee met for consideration of expenditures set out in Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. November 18 • The committee met for consideration of expenditures set out in Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. November 5 • The committee met for consideration of the September 30 order of reference. • The committee heard from two witnesses from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and one witness from Service Canada. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 81 of 117
• The committee then moved to a clause-by-clause consideration. November 4 • The committee met for consideration of the March 3 order of reference. • The committee heard from one witness from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Past Orders of Reference • December 2: "Bill C-51, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on January 27, 2009 and to implement other measures." • December 2: "Subject-matter on Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts." • November 17: "The expenditures set out in Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010." • November 04: "Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits." • September 30: "Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits." • June 16: "Bill S-227, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act (tax relief for Nunavik)." • May 28: "Bill C-18, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, to validate certain calculations and to amend other Acts." • May 26: "Examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Supplementary Estimates (A) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010." • March 12: "Examine the following elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009: Parts 1-6, Parts 8-10 and Parts 13-15, and in particular those dealing with employment insurance." • March 5: "Bill C-10, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on January 27, 2009 and related fiscal measures." • March 3: "Estimates laid before Parliament for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010." • February 24: "Supplementary Estimates (C), 2008-2009." • February 10: "Supplementary Estimates (B), 2008-2009."
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 82 of 117
NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE Chair - Senator Colin Kenny - 613-996-2877; Deputy Chair - Senator Pamela Wallin - 613-947-4097 Clerk - Shaila Anwar - 613-991-0719 - [email protected] November 23 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the March 5 order of reference under the topic "RCMP in transition." November 16 • The committee met in camera for consideration of a draft report. Past Orders of Reference • June 9: "Bill C-33, An Act to amend the War Veterans Allowance Act." • April 29: "The services and benefits provided to members of the Canadian Forces; to veterans who have served honourably in Her Majesty’s Canadian armed forces in the past; to members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and its antecedents; and all of their families." • March 5: "Examine and report on the national security policy of Canada." • March 3: "Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Customs Act."
Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs Chair - Michael A. Meighen - 613-943-1421; Deputy Chair - Tommy Banks - 613-995-1889 Clerk: Shaila Anwar - 613-991-0719 - [email protected] November 25 • The committee met in camera for the May 6 order of reference under the topic "Implementation of the New Veterans Charter." November 4 • The committee met in camera for the May 6 order of reference under the topic "Implementation of the New Veterans Charter." • The committee heard from two witnesses from National Defence and one witness from the New Veterans Charter Advisory Group. Past Orders of Reference • June 10: "Bill C-33, An Act to amend the War Veterans Allowance Act." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 83 of 117
• May 6: "Services and benefits provided to veterans and their families."
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES Chair - Senator Maria Chaput - 613-943-2435; Deputy Chair - Senator Andrée Champagne - 613-995- 3999 Clerk - Danielle Labonté - 613-949-4379 - [email protected] November 30 • The committee met for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under the topic "Olympic and Paralympic 2010 Winter Games." • The committee heard representatives from Resort Municipality of Whistler, B.C., City of Vancouver, B.C., Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the Vancouver Airport Authority. November 23 • The committee met for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under the topic "study on Part VII and other issues." November 16 • The committee met for consideration of the February 25 order of reference under the topic "study on Part VII and other issues." Past Orders of Reference • February 25: "Study on the application of the Official Languages Act and of the regulations and directives made under it, within those institutions subject to the Act."
SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Chair - Senator Art Eggleton - 613-995-4230; Deputy Chair - Senator Wilbert J. Keon - 613-943-1415 Clerk - Keli Hogan - 613-993-9021 - [email protected] December 3 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the December 1 order of reference. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 84 of 117
• The committee heard from Senator Jerahmiel S. Grafstein. December 2 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the October 7 order of reference. November 26 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the October 7 order of reference. November 25 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the October 7 order of reference. November 19 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 24(a) order of reference. November 17 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the October 7 order of reference. November 5 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the June 2 order of reference. • The committee heard from one witness from the University of Toronto. November 4 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the October 7 order of reference. • The committee heard from one witness from the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters.
Past Orders of Reference • December 1: "Bill S-201, An Act to amend the Library and Archives of Canada Act (National Portrait Gallery)." • November 19: "Government Response to the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, entitled Early Childhood Education and Care: Next Steps, tabled in the Senate on April 28, 2009." • October 7: "Bill C-6, An Act respecting the safety of consumer products." • September 16: "Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act." • June 2: "Study on the accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada." • June 2: "Bill C-11, An Act to promote safety and security with respect to human pathogens and toxins." • May 5: "Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 85 of 117
• March 12: "Bill C-17, An Act to recognize Beechwood Cemetery as the national cemetery of Canada." • March 3: "Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day." • February 24: • (a) "Study on current social issues pertaining to Canada's largest cities." • (b) "The state of early learning and child care in Canada in view of the OECD report "Starting Strong II", released on September 21-22, 2006 and rating Canada last among 14 countries on spending on early learning and child care programs." • (c) "Study on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada’s population - known collectively as the social determinants of health."
Subcommittee on Cities Chair - Art Eggleton - 613-995-4230; Deputy Chair - Hugh Segal - 613-995-4059 Clerk - Keli Hogan - 613-993-9021 - [email protected] October 22 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference and consideration of a draft report. October 1 • The committee met in camera for consideration of the February 25 order of reference and consideration of a draft report.; Past Orders of Reference • February 25: "Examine and report on current social issues pertaining to Canada's largest cities."
Subcommittee on Population Health Chair - Wilbert Joseph Keon - 613-943-1415; Deputy Chair - Lucie Pepin - 613-996-1726 Clerk - Keli Hogan - 613-993-9021 [email protected] • There have been no meetings of this committee since the start of the summer break. Past Orders of Reference • February 25: "Examine and report on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada’s population - known collectively as the social determinants Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 86 of 117
of health."
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING Chair - Senator Sharon Carstairs - 613-947-7123; Deputy Chair - Senator Wilbert Joseph Keon - 613- 943-1415 Clerk - Keli Hogan - 613-993-9021 - [email protected] • There have been no meetings of this committee since the start of the summer break. Past Orders of Reference • February 10: "Study on the implications of an aging society in Canada."
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS Chair - Dennis Dawson - 613-995-3978; Deputy Chair - Janis G. Johnson - 613 943-1430 Clerk - Vanessa Moss-Norbury - 613-990-4995 - [email protected] November 25 • The committee met for consideration of the March 24 order of reference. November 18 • The committee met for consideration of the March 24 order of reference. November 17 • The committee met for consideration of the March 24 order of reference. Past Orders of Reference • June 3: "Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Marine Liability Act and the Federal Courts Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts." • May 26: "Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada User Fees Amendment Proposal for services relating to the Esquimalt Graving Dock, dated May 20, 2009, pursuant to the User Fees Act, S.C. 2004, c. 6, sbs. 4(2)." • May 13: "Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act." • April 28: "Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992." Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 87 of 117
• April 2: "Bill S-220, An Act respecting commercial electronic messages." • March 24: "Study on emerging issues related to its communications mandate and to report on the wireless sector, including issues such as access to high-speed Internet, the supply of bandwidth, the nation-building role of wireless, the pace of the adoption of innovations, the financial aspects associated with possible changes to the sector, and Canada's development of the sector in comparison to the performance in other countries"
Please note - all quoted items come from the Parliamentary Website unless otherwise noted.
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 88 of 117
Parliamentary Committee Schedule Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top)
COMMONS COMMITTEES
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT • Tuesday, December 8, Room 269, West Block at 11:00 a.m. • Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions • Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board • Ken McKinnon, Chair of the Board • Stephen Mills, Executive Committee Member • Yukon Land Use Planning Council • Ian D. Robertson, Council Member
ACCESS TO INFORMATION, PRIVACY AND ETHICS • There are no meetings listed at this time.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD • There are no meetings listed at this time.
Subcommittee on Food Safety • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 89 of 117
BILL C-31 • There are no meetings listed at this time.
CANADIAN HERITAGE • Tuesday, December 8, Room 371, East Block at 11:00 a.m. • Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their "enemy alien" designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history
CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION • Tuesday, December 8, Room 209, West Block at 9:00 a.m. • Best Practices in Settlement Services • Langley Community Services Society • Sandy Shih, Program Manager • Center for Integration of African Canadians • Paul Malaungu, Executive Director • Patricia Whittaker, Program Director • Promis • Andrée Ménard, Executive Director • Moussa Guene, Coordinator, Area Employment-regionalization • Folk Arts Multicultural Centre of St. Catharines • Salvatore Sorrento, Vice-President, English • Winston Heron, President, Board of Directors, English Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 90 of 117
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT • Tuesday, December 8, Room 253-D, Centre Block at 11:00 a.m. • Bill C-311, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change
FINANCE • There are no meetings listed at this time.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS • There are no meetings listed at this time.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT • There are no meetings listed at this time.
Subcommittee on International Human Rights • Tuesday, December 8, Room 214, Wellington Building at 12:00 p.m. (In Camera) • Human Rights in Iran Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 91 of 117
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESTIMATES • There are no meetings listed at this time.
HEALTH • Monday, December 7, Room 209, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Health Human Resources - Report 1: Promoting Innovative Approaches to Health Human Resources Challenges in Canada; Order in Council appointment of Bernard Michel Prigent • Dalhousie University • Jocelyn Downie, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, Professor of Law and Medicine • Université de Montréal • Jean L. Rouleau, Dean, Faculty of Medecine • University of Toronto • Trudo Lemmens, Associate Professor, Trudo Lemmens, Associate Professor
• Wednesday, December 9, Room 253-D, Centre Block at 3:30 p.m. (Televised) • H1N1 Preparedness and Response; Health Human Resources • Alberta International Medical Graduates Association • Nicodeme Mugisho-Demu, Vice-President, Calgary • Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada • Fleur-Ange Lefebvre, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer • Connie Côté, Director, Professional Affairs • Medical Council of Canada • Ian Bowmer, Executive Director • Canadian Resident Matching Service • Sandra Banner, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer • Department of Health • Paul Gully, Senior Medical Advisor • Public Health Agency of Canada • To be determined Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 92 of 117
Subcommittee on Neurological Disease • Wednesday, December 9, Room 269, West Block at 5:30 p.m. (In Camera) • Committee Business
HUMAN RESOURCES, SKILLS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES • Tuesday, December 8, Room 308, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians
• Thursday, December 10, Room 308, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Subject Matter of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts • As an individual • Michel Bédard, Consultant
INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • Monday, December 7, Room 214, Wellington Building at 3:30 p.m. • Recent Economic Performance of the Services Sector in Canada • Canadian Tourism Commission • Michele McKenzie, President and Chief Executive Officer • Paul Nursey, Executive Director, Strategy Management • Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association • To be determined • Hotel Association of Canada • Anthony P. Pollard, President • Tourism Industry Association of Canada • Christopher Jones, Vice-President, Public Affairs • Catherine Sadler, Manager, Research Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 93 of 117
• Wednesday, December 9, Room 308, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Recent Economic Performance of the Services Sector in Canada • Canadian Services Coalition • Michael Landry, Chair • Shirley-Ann George, Senior Vice-President, Policy, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce • Retail Council of Canada • Diane J. Brisebois, President and Chief Executive Officer • Terrance Oakey, Vice-President, Federal Government Relations • Conference Board of Canada • Michael Burt, Associate Director, Industrial Outlook, Trade & Investment • Investment Industry Association of Canada • Ian Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer • Insurance Bureau of Canada • To be determined
Subcommittee on Canadian Industrial Sectors • There are no meetings listed at this time.
Subcommittee on the Automotive Industry in Canada • There are no meetings listed at this time.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 94 of 117
JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS • Monday, December 7, 237-C, Centre Block at 3:30 p.m. • Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) • Royal Canadian Mounted Police • Dean Buzza, Director, Integrated Market Enforcement Team • Stephen White, Director General, Financial Crime • Stephen Foster, Director, Commercial Crime Branch • Government of New Brunswick • Hon. Michael B. Murphy, Attorney General, Minister of Justice, Province of New Brunswick • Canadian Bar Association • Suzanne Costom, Executive Member, National Criminal Justice Section • Gaylene Schellenberg, Lawyer, Legislation and Law Reform Directorate • Department of Finance • David Murchison, Director, Securities Policies, Financial Sector Policy Branch • As an individual • L.S. (Al) Rosen, Accountability Research Corporation
• Wednesday, December 9, Room 269, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) • As individuals • Joey Davis • Janet Watson • Mike Miles • Melania Joanninck • Brenda MacMillan • Larry Elford
NATIONAL DEFENCE • Tuesday, December 8, Room 362, East Block at 9:00a .m. • Briefing on the process being developed related to the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan in 2011 Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 95 of 117
• Department of National Defence • Gen Walter J. Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff • MGen Mark McQuillan, Commander, Canadian Operational Support Command • LGen J.G.M. Lessard, Commander, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command
NATURAL RESOURCES • Monday, December 7, Room 371, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Bill C-20, An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident • Department of Natural Resources • Dave McCauley, Director, Uranium and Radioactive Waste Division, Electricity Resources Branch • Jacques Hénault, Analyst, Nuclear Liability and Emergency Preparedness • Department of Justice • Brenda MacKenzie, Senior Legislative Counsel, Advisory and Development Services Section
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES • Tuesday, December 8, Room 253-D, Centre Block at 9:00 a.m. (Televised) • Broadcasting and Services in French of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games • Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages • Graham Fraser, Commissioner • Johane Tremblay, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Policy and Communications Branch • Ghislaine Charlebois, Assistant Commissioner, Compliance Assurance Branch
• Thursday, December 10, Room 308, West Block at 9:00 a.m. (In Camera) • Committee Business Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 96 of 117
PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS • Tuesday, December 8, Room 112-N, Centre Block at 11:00 a.m. • Committee Business; Question of Privilege Relating to Mailings Sent to the Riding of Mount Royal • House of Commons • Hon. Irwin Cotler, P.C., M.P., Mount Royal
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS • Monday, December 7, Room 253-D, Centre Block at 3:30 p.m. (In Camera) • Chapter 2, The Governor in Council Appointment Process of the 2009 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada; Chapter 7, Special Examinations of Crown Corporations—2008 of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada; Chapter 1, Gender-Based Analysis of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada; Chapter 4, Interest on Advance Deposits from Corporate Taxpayers - Canada Revenue Agency of the Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada
PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY • There are no meetings listed at this time.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE CANADIAN MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 97 of 117
STATUS OF WOMEN • Tuesday, December 8, Room 237-C, Centre Block at 3:30 p.m. • 2010 Winter Olympics Games and Human Trafficking; Women and Pension Security • Vancouver Police Department • Bob Usui, Inspector, Special Investigation Section • Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada • Paul Desautels, Director, Operational Management Coordination, Temporary Resident Program Delivery • Royal Canadian Mounted Police • Michel Aubin, Director, Federal and International Operations • Marie-Claude Arsenault, Non-Commissionned Officer, Human Trafficking National Coordination Centre • Department of Public Safety • Barry MacKillop, Director General, Law Enforcement and Border Strategies Directorate • Canada Border Services Agency • Ken Lamontagne, Director, Intelligence Risk Assessment and Analysis Division, Enforcement Branch
TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES • Monday, December 7, Room 308, West Block at 3:30 p.m. • Bill C-37, An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts
VETERANS AFFAIRS • Tuesday, December 8, Room 237-C, Centre Block at 9:00 a.m. (Televised) • The New Veterans Charter - Agency Orange Compensation Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 98 of 117
• Widows on a Warpath • Bette Hudson, Member • Carletta Matheson, Member • Margie Hogan, Member • Abbie Magee, Member • Judith Wright, Member • B. Lorraine Bartlett, Member • Gwen Knox, Member
• Thursday, December 10, Room 112-N, Centre Block at 9:00 a.m. • The New Veterans Charter - Transfer of Ste-Anne de Bellevue Hospital to Provincial Jurisdiction • Department of Veterans Affairs • Rachel Corneille Gravel, Executive Director, Ste. Anne's Hospital • Brian Ferguson, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Programs and Partnerships • Public Service Alliance of Canada • Magali Picard, Union of Veterans Affairs • Yvan Thauvette, Union of Veterans Affairs
JOINT COMMITTEES
LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 99 of 117
SCRUTINY OF REGULATIONS • There are no meetings listed at this time.
SENATE COMMITTEES
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES • Tuesday, December 8, Room 160-S, Centre Block at 9:30 a.m. • Study on the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and on other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. • Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs • Elmer Derrick, Chief Negotiator
• Wednesday, December 9, Room 160-S, Centre Block at 6:30 p.m. • Study on the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and on other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples • Betty Ann Lavallée, National Chief • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami • Mary Simon, President
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 100 of 117
BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE • There are no meetings listed at this time.
ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES • Tuesday, December 8, Room 9, Victoria Building not before 5:00 p.m. • Examine and report on the current state and future of Canada's energy sector (including alternative energy). • Simon Fraser University • Mark Jaccard, Professor, School of Resource and Environmental Management
• Thursday, December 10, Room 257, East Block at 8:00 a.m. • Examine and report on the current state and future of Canada's energy sector (including alternative energy). • Queen's University • Byrne Purchase, Adjunct Professor, School of Policy Studies
FISHERIES AND OCEANS • Tuesday, December 8, Room 505, Victoria Building at not before 5:00 p.m. (In Camera) • Study on issues relating to the federal government’s current and evolving policy framework for managing Canada’s fisheries and oceans. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 101 of 117
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE • Wednesday, December 9, Room 160-S, Centre Block not before 4:00 p.m. (In Camera) • Study on the rise of China, India and Russia in the global economy and the implications for Canadian policy.
HUMAN RIGHTS • Monday, December 7, Room 2, Wellington Building at 2:00 p.m. • Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and to enact certain other measures in order to provide assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking; Examine the issue of the sexual exploitation of children in Canada, with a particular emphasis on understanding the scope and prevalence of the problem of the sexual exploitation of children across the country and in particularly affected communities. • Hospital for Sick Children-Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) • Tanya Smith • Jennifer Coolbear, Psychologist • Jasmine Eliav, Psychologist • Microsoft • Michael Eisen, Chief Legal Officer • Vigilance on the net • Ginette Yapety
LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS • Wednesday, December 9, Room 257, East Block at 4:30 p.m. • Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime). • Federal Minister Appearing • Justice Minister Rob Nicholson • Statistics Canada • Lynn Barr-Telford, Director, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 102 of 117
• Mia Dauvergne, Senior Analyst, Policing Services Program, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics • Craig Grimes, Unit Head, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics • Canada Border Services Agency • Caroline Xavier, Director General, Policy and Program Development Directorate
• Thursday, December 10, Room 257, East Block at 10:45 a.m. • Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime). • Criminal Intelligence Service Canada • Witnesses to follow • Royal Canadian Mounted Police • Witnesses to follow • Ontario Provincial Police • Witnesses to follow
NATIONAL FINANCE • Monday, December 7, Room 9, Victoria Building at 1:00 p.m. • Subject-matter on Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Frank Vermaeten, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Skills and Employment Branch • Louis Beauséjour, Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch • Service Canada • Liliane Binette, Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations Branch Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 103 of 117
NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE • Monday, December 7, Room 705, Victoria Building at 4:00 p.m. • Examine and report on the national security policy of Canada; Consideration of a draft report
Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs • Wednesday, December 9, Room 257, East Block at 12:00 p.m. • Services and benefits provided to veterans and their families • Joint VAC/DND/RCMP Mental Health Advisory Committee • Colonel (Ret) Donald Ethell, Chair
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES • Monday, December 7, Room 9, Victoria Building at 4:30 p.m. • Study on the application of the Official Languages Act and of the regulations and directives made under it, within those institutions subject to the Act. • Federal Minister Appearing • Public Works Minister Christian Paradis • Public Works and Government Services Canada • Diane Lorenzato, Assistant Deputy Minister - Human Resources • Francine Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer - Translation Bureau • Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada • Marie-France Kenny, President • Suzanne Bossé, Director General
SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • Wednesday, December 9, Room 2, Victoria Building not before 4:00 p.m. • Study on the accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada. • Caledon Institute of Social Policy Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 104 of 117
• Michael Mendelson, Senior Scholar • Harvey McCue Consulting • Harvey McCue, Principal • University of Western Ontario • Jerry P. White, Associate Dean Social Science
• Thursday, December 10, Room 2, Victoria Building at 10:45 a.m. • Study on the accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada. • National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation • Roberta Jamieson, President and Chief Executive Officer • National Aboriginal Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students • Jaden Keitlah, Chairperson • Indian and Northern Affairs Canada • Kathleen Keenan, Director General of Education
Subcommittee on Cities • There are no meetings listed at this time.
Subcommittee on Population Health • There are no meetings listed at this time.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING • There are no meetings listed at this time. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 105 of 117
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS • Tuesday, December 8, Room 257, East Block at 9:30 a.m. • Study on emerging issues related to its communications mandate and to report on the wireless sector, including issues such as access to high-speed Internet, the supply of bandwidth, the nation-building role of wireless, the pace of the adoption of innovations, the financial aspects associated with possible changes to the sector, and Canada's development of the sector in comparison to the performance in other countries. • Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada • Jennifer Stoddart, Privacy Commissioner of Canada • Elizabeth Denham, Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada • Office of the Complaints for Telecommunications Services Inc. • Howard Maker, Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 106 of 117
Press Release Summary - Federal Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) CANADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR QUEBEC REGIONS December 4. Minister of State for Canada Economic Development Denis Lebel announced $1,340,000 in repayable funding to Village Vacances Monts-Valin through the Community Adjustment Fund to enable the enterprise to build and outfit the first eight cabins of what will eventually become a 25-unit lodging complex in Monts-Valin. Call 514-496-6714.
December 4. On behalf of Minister of State for Canada Economic Development Denis Lebel, Bernard Généreux announced that the municipality of Berthier-sur-Mer will receive $84,050 in federal funding for its recreation centre, which will become a multipurpose community centre. Call 418-234-1893.
December 4. Minister of State for Canada Economic Development Denis Lebel announced that The City of Danville will receive $61,524 in combined government funding for the sports and community centre. Call 418-644-0664.
CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY December 3. The agency announced that Unilever Canada Inc. are recalling certain Slim-Fast ready-to- drink products distributed in Canada. Call 416-214-1232.
CANADIAN HERITAGE December 4. On behalf of the Honourable Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore, MP Mike Wallace announced $4,000,000 under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the Fort York National Historic Site. Call 819-997-7788 or email [email protected].
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE December 3. On behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, National Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Canada’s support for a United Nations resolution on the role of co-operatives in social development, which will proclaim 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. Call 613-995-1851.
December 3. Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon issued a statement on suicide bomb attacks in Mogadishu, Somalia. The statement reads in part that "on behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed in today’s attack in Mogadishu, and wish a Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 107 of 117
speedy recovery to the injured." Call 613-995-1851.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA December 4. On behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley, Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn announced that the Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training will receive $693,824 for its Essential Skills Online project and Project Literacy Victoria will receive $680,878 to adapt learning materials to make them relevant to the socio-cultural context of adult First Nations people. Call 819-994-2482.
December 4. Leader of the Government in the Senate Marjory LeBreton announced the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award. Wendy M. Cecil is the recipient of the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award in the lifelong commitment category and Gerjon Gary Kalac is the first-ever recipient of the Award in the youth participation category. Call 819-994-2482
INDUSTRY CANADA December 4. On behalf of Industry Minister Tony Clement, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Josee Verner announced $1.4 million to support the Quebec Winter Carnival as part of the Marquee Tourism Events Program. Funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program will allow the Carnival to create new and enhanced programming, including the Ice Gardens, the Evening Parades, the Ice Palace and a 122-metre grand slide. Call 613-995-9001.
NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA December 4. Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt announced the fuel consumption ratings for 2010 model year vehicles and announced this year's winners of the most fuel-efficient vehicles sold in Canada. Raitt is quoted as stating that "Not only do these awards recognize leadership in clean energy innovation, but Canadians purchasing a new vehicle now have the tools to choose a fuel-efficient model that will lower fuel costs and reduce emissions." Call 613-996-2007.
December 4. Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt reviewed the Community Adjustment Fund, the Clean Energy Fund and the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes Program. Call 613-996-2007.
PARLIAMENT OF CANADA December 3. Senator Joseph A. Day criticized Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq over a press conference she held. Day is quoted as stating that her assertion that "this legislation with the amendments, a child has to die before the industry can react, according to this legislation, with the Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 108 of 117
amendments" is "categorically false. Bill C-6, with or without the proposed amendments, would allow the government to order a recall of a consumer product that poses a reasonably foreseeable threat to human health or safety." Call 613-992-0833 or email [email protected].
December 4. Canadian Parliamentary Coalition to Combat Antisemitism Chair MP Mario Silva announced that the Panel has invited representatives from police forces across Canada to present to the Panel on February 8th. Call 613-992-2576 or email [email protected].
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE December 3. Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement following bilateral meetings with President Hu and Premier Wen of China. The statement reads in part that "Premier Wen and I have had a positive meeting - just as President Hu and I did earlier today - and I want to thank both of them for their warm hospitality." Call 613-957-5555.
December 4. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that four new Canadian commercial offices are now open for business in China. As well, Canada is investing in 19 new clean technology projects under the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, including 14 projects in China. Call 613-957-5555.
December 4. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Governor General Michaëlle Jean has been invited to officially open the Games. Call 613-957-5555.
STATISTICS CANADA December 4. The agency released the Labour Force Survey, November 2009. Employment rose by 79,000 in November, bringing the unemployment rate down 0.1 percentage points to 8.5%. Despite November's gain, employment was 321,000 (-1.9%) below the peak of October 2008. Call 613-951- 8116 or email [email protected].
WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION CANADA December 4. Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Lynne Yelich announced a review of the Community Adjustment Fund. Email [email protected].
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 109 of 117
Press Release Summary - Non-Governmental Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) BLOC QUEBECOIS December 3. The organization criticized International Cooperation Minister Beverley J. Oda over KAIROS. Call 613 947-2495.
CANADIAN NORTEL EMPLOYEES ON LONG-TERM DISABILITY December 3. The organization announced that MP Wayne Marston tabled a Bill to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, "to ensure greater priority is given to employee disability and health- related benefit plans." Call 613-620-1708.
FRONT D'ACTION POPULAIRE EN REAMENAGEMENT URBAIN December 4. The organization called on the federal government to "take action on the problems of housing and homelessness, problems which have been aggravated by the economic crisis" and "to protect 600 000 existing social housing units." Call 514-919-2843.
GREEN PARTY OF CANADA December 3. The Party called for "an immediate reversal of a funding cut to KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, a cut which was unexpected and appears to be politically motivated." Call 613-240-8921 or email [email protected].
December 4. Party Leader Elizabeth May issued a statement on the National Day of Remembrance for the Montreal Massacre. The statement reads in part that "ee must not let these women die in vain. We must ensure that this terrible day in our history serves as a reminder that we must do better, we must continue to raise the Canadian consciousness regarding violence against women." Call 613-240-8921 or email [email protected].
NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA December 4. Party Leader Jack Layton issued a statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. The statement reads in part that "in deep sadness, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre at the École polytechnique on December 6, 1989, where 14 women were shot and killed because they were women." Call 613-236-3613. Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 110 of 117
Recent Lobbyist Registration Activity Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) December 2 • Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia (Roger Stirling) • Government Departments • Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency • Environment Canada • Fisheries and Oceans Canada • Subject Matter • Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution • Bill C-32 - An Act Respecting the Sustainable Development of Canada's Seacoast and Inland Fisheries with respect to all parts of the Bill.
November 30 • Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Eric Cardinali) • Government Departments • Prime Minister's Office • Canada Economic Development for the Quebec Region • Fisheries and Oceans Canada • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Industry Canada • National Defence • Public Works and Government Services Canada • Transport Canada • Treasury Board of Canada • Subject Matter • Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit • Creating a potential purchase of helicopters by the Canadian government • Development of new products by the Strategic Initiative Program in Aerospace and Defense • Program of the National Defense Project Optimized Weapon System Support "for National Defense (Griffin), Search for government contract Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 111 of 117
program of National Defense" Optimized Weapon System Support • Policies or Program • Further representations by the Government of Canada to the Government of the United States regarding U.S. regulations (ITAR International Traffic in Arms Regulations), in order to reassess the application of certain provisions of these regulations in the industry Defense and aerospace • Regulation • Reopening of the control tower at Mirabel Airport améliorier conditions for flight safety and operational efficiency.
• Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (Amardeep Khosla) • Government Departments • Canadian Institutes of Health Research • Environment Canada • Health Canada • Industry Canada • Public Health Agency of Canada • Subject Matter • Regulation, Policies or Program • Support a general policy that strengthens the role of sound science in any communications to the public with respect to the health risks from chemicals. The legislative backdrop consists of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Hazardous Products Act, and the Pest Control Products Act and their regulations.
• Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. (Jay Bradshaw) • Government Departments • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada • Environment Canada • Fisheries and Oceans Canada • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Health Canada • Industry Canada • National Research Council • Natural Resources Canada • Pest Management Regulatory Agency Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 112 of 117
• Privy Council Office • Statistics Canada • Subject Matter • Policies or Program • Agriculture policy with regard to plant protection, biotechnology and plant breeding • Environment Policy with regard to agriculture and the National Agri- environmental Indicator Program. • Intellectual property as it applies to inventions, innovation and proprietary products tied to agriculture • Technical Working Group as it applies to North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group on pesticide regulation and harmonization • Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution • Canadian Environmental Protection Act as it applies to plant agriculture and its input products related to biotechnology. • Food and Drug Act as it applies to crop protection maximum residue limits and novel foods as regulated and labelled. • Health Protection Act and regulations with regard plant protection novel foods. • Pest Control Products Act with regard to intellectual property rights and cost recovery. • Species at Risk Act and regulations with regard to habitat protection. • Regulation • International Trade as it applies to nontariff trade barriers in the Agricultural and food area in the Pest Control Products Regulations and Health Canada Policies
November 29 • Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network (Richard Elliott) • Government Departments • Canadian International Development Agency • Citizenship and Immigration Canada • Correctional Services of Canada • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Health Canada • Industry Canada • Justice Canada Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 113 of 117
• Members of the House of Commons • Office of the Correctional Investigator • Patented Medicine Prices Review Board • Prime Minister's Office • Public Health Agency of Canada • Public Safety Canada • Senate of Canada • Subject Matter • Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution • Criminal Code R.S.C. 1985, C-46 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice does not impede access to prevention information, tools and services (for example needle exchange programs, supervised injection facilities, methadone treatment) on the Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) and other health services for people who use drugs. • Corrections and Conditional Release Act, S.C. 1992, c.20 Our interest is in ensuring that this legislation facilitates access to prevention information tools and services on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and facilitates access to adequate care, treatment and support for prisoners with HIV. • Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19 Our interest is in ensuring that this law and its application in practice, does not impede access to prevention information, tools and services (eg. needle exchange programs, supervised injection facilities, methadone treatment) on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other health services for people who use drugs. • An Act to amend the Patent Act and the Food and Drugs Act (The Jean Chretien Pledge to Africa), S.C. 2004, c.23 Lobbying related to amendments aimed at simplifying further use of the act. • Amendments to sections 210-213 of the Criminal Code to protect the health and human rights of sex workers • Policies or Program • Canadian delegation's position at the United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs on criminal prohibition of drugs and access to harm reduction and other services. • Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit • Communications with public officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada - International Affairs Directorate (IAD) with regard to awarding of grants and contributions under the Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 114 of 117
"Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada" program.
November 27 • Canadian Olympic Committee (Fitti Lourenco/Hill and Knowlton Canada) • Government Departments • Canada Revenue Agency • Canadian Heritage • Finance Canada • Health Canada • Justice Canada • Privy Council Office • Subject Matter • Policies or Program • Maintain funding for Sport Excellence Program; i.e., "Road to Excellence Program", "Own the Podium Program" • Promotion of health, fitness and sport initiatives in Canada specifically: 1. Activities surrounding the VANOC2010 (Vancouver 2010) games where the public are invited to participate, such as the Torch relay. 2. The tax credit for families for sport has enabled more children to participate in a variety of sporting events they could not otherwise have afforded to. • Promotion of Olympics and PanAm games in Canada.
• WestJet (Andy Gibbons/Hill and Knowlton Canada) • Government Departments • Canada Revenue Agency • Finance Canada • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Industry Canada • Members of the House of Commons • Prime Minister's Office • Privy Council Office • Senate of Canada • Transport Canada • Subject Matter • Policies or Program • Air Liberalization Negotiations as it relates to Canadian Air Carriers Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 115 of 117
• Environment policy with respect to aviation emissions • Federal taxation policy as it relates to taxes and fees applied to Canadian Air Carriers • Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution • Bill C-310, An Act to Provide Certain Rights to Air Passengers, in respect of flight cancellations, delays, lost luggage, airfare advertising
November 26 • Chicken Farmers of Canada (Adrian Rehorst) • Government Departments • Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada • Canada Border Services Agency • Canadian Food Inspection Agency • Environment Canada • Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Health Canada • House of Commons • Prime Minister's Office • Privy Council Office • Senate of Canada • Statistics Canada • Subject Matter • Regulation • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Canada Poultry Import Regime with regard to the administration and allocation of the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ). • Canadian Border Services - livestock traceability regulation with respect to poultry product • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulation with respect to amend the Health of Animals Regulations dealing with animal disease response. • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulation with respect to consumer packaging and on food products • Custom Tariff - Specially defined mixture rule • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - Food and Drug Regulations as it relates to Medicated Feed Mixing program • Policies or Program Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 116 of 117
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY Assurance Program with respect to excellence in chicken farming. • Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Health of Animals Act with regard to Modernized Poultry Inspection Program • Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Animal Disease program and protocols as it relates to the development and refinement of animal disease preparedness and response protocols • Development of the funding structure with regard to implement the food safety or animal care program • Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada regarding the collaborative Research & Development program for poultry research in Canada. • North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) related to chicken products and the chicken sector • Regional and Bilateral Trade Negotiations with regard to possible impact on the Canadian chicken sector • The Growing Forward Multilateral Framework - On-going discussions concerning the implementation of the program • The World Trade Organization agreement (WTO) as it relates to the negotiations on Agriculture subsidies • The World Trade Organization agreement with regard to the Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Agreement (SPS) and further development of the SPS • Legislative Proposal, Bill or Resolution • Health of Animals Act and Regulations dealing with animal disease response • Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit • Obtain contributions from Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) with respect to Develop a research program for poultry in Canada. • Obtaining funds for the development and implementation of food safety or animal care programs
Ottawa Weekly Update for December 7, 2009 www.dailypublinet.ca 117 of 117
Recent Lobbyist Communications Reports Monday, December 7, 2009 (Back to the top) December 1 • Coast Capital Savings (Barry Campbell/Campbell Strategies) • Met With • Jane Pearse - Director, Finance Canada • Discussion Topics • Financial Institutions
• Air Canada (Calin Rovinescu) • Met With • Paul Boothe - Senior Associate Deputy Minister, Industry Canada • Discussion Topics • Costs • Industry
November 26 • Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (Claude Lajeunesse) • Met With • Francois Guimont - Deputy Minister, Public Works and Government Services Canada • Discussion Topics • Defence Procurement