MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1996
(Meeting No. 1)
(Meeting No. 1)
[Text]
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 5:31 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson and Gurbax Malhi.
Acting Members present: Jim Abbott for Bill Gilmour; Robert Bertrand for George Rideout; Don Boudria for Eugène Bellemare; Pierre de Savoye for Paul Crête; Darrel Stinson for Dick Harris.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams, Research Officer.
The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Chair.
On motion of Pierre de Savoye it was agreed,--That Albina Guarnieri take the Chair of the Committee.
Albina Guarnieri took the Chair.
Pierre de Savoye moved,--That Gilbert Fillion be the Vice-Chair for the opposition.
After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was agreed to on the following division:
YEAS
Robert Bertrand
John Harvard
Don Boudria
Ovid Jackson
Pierre de Savoye
Gurbax Malhi--(7)
Gilbert Fillion
NAYS
Jim Abbott
Darrel Stinson--(3)
John Bryden
Robert Bertrand moved,--That Eugène Bellemare be the Vice-Chair for the government.
After debate, it was agreed to.
After debate, it was agreed,--That the Chair, the Vice-Chairs, Bill Gilmour and John Harvard do compose the Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure.
On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed,--That the Committee print its Minutes of Proceedings as established by the Board of Internal Economy.
Ovid Jackson moved,--That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive testimony and authorize the publication of evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members of the Committee are present, including a member of the opposition.
Jim Abbott moved,--That the motion be amended by adding the word ``official'' before the word ``opposition''.
After debate, the question being put on the amendment, it was, by a show of hands, negatived: YEAS: 4, NAYS: 5.
And the question being put on the motion, it was, by a show of hands, agreed to: YEAS: 5, NAYS: 4.
On motion of Gilbert Fillion, it was agreed,--That the Committee retain the services of one or more Research Officers from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work under the direction of the Chair.
On motion of Gurbax Malhi, it was agreed,--That, as established by the Board of Internal Economy, and if requested, reasonable travelling expenses be reimbursed to witnesses who have appeared before the Committee, up to a maximum of two representatives of any organization.
On motion of Robert Bertrand, it was agreed,--That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute documents received from the public in the official language received, with translation to follow.
At 6:05 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1996
(Meeting No. 2)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 2)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met in camera at 11:05 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 306, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Paul Crête, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson and Gurbax Malhi.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Treasury Board of Canada: Richard J. Neville, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Comptroller General. From the Public Works and Government Services Department: Alan Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Supply Operations Service Branch; Jim Stobbe, Assistant Deputy Minister, Government Operational Service Branch.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee received a briefing on the government contracting process, procedures and systems.
Richard J. Neville from the Treasury Board of Canada made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 12:05 o'clock p.m., the meeting was suspended.
At 12:12 o'clock p.m., the meeting resumed.
Alan Williams from the Public Works and Government Services Department made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 12:51 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1996
(Meeting No. 3)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 3)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met in camera at 11:06 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Treasury Board of Canada: W.E.R. Little, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Comptroller General, Financial and Information Management Branch; Ron K. Campbell, Director, Contract, Project and Risk Management Division; Robert Kelly, Group Chief, Contract, Project and Risk Management. From the Public Works and Government Services Department: Alan Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Supply Operations Services Branch.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee reviewed preliminary findings on the government contracting process, procedures and systems.
W.E.R. Little made an opening statement and with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 12:15 o'clock p.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 12:18 o'clock p.m, the sitting resumed.
Alan Williams made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 12:47 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1996
(Meeting No. 4)
(Meeting No. 4)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 11:12 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Office of the Auditor General of Canada: Bill Radburn, Assistant Auditor General, Audit Operations; Grant Wilson, Principal, Audit Operations.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee received a briefing on Chapter 10 of the October 1995 Report of the Auditor General of Canada (Crown Corporations: Fulfilling Responsibilities for Governance).
Bill Radburn and Grant Wilson each made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 12:36 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1996
(Meeting No. 5)
(Meeting No. 5)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 11:10 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Paul Crête, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Marc Rochon, President; Karen Kinsley, Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer; Claude Poirier-Defoy, Vice-President, Programs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
The Order of Reference dated March 7, 1996 relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997, being read as follows:
ORDERED,--That Vote 130 under CANADIAN HERITAGE, Vote 1 under GOVERNOR GENERAL, Vote 1 under PARLIAMENT, Votes 1, 5, 10, 35 under PRIVY COUNCIL, Votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES and Votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 under TREASURY BOARD be referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations.
The Chair called Vote 30 (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
Marc Rochon made a statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 12:05 o'clock p.m., the meeting was suspended.
At 12:08 o'clock p.m., the meeting resumed.
The Committee proceeded to discuss its future business.
Bill Gilmour moved,--That the Standing Committee on Government Operations study Vote 1 under the heading ``Parliament'' of the Main Estimates, and that the Committee invite the Chair of the Senate's Board of Internal Economy to appear as a witness.
After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was by a show of hands, agreed to: Yeas: 4; Nays: 3.
At 12:22 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1996
(Meeting No. 6)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 6)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met in camera at 4:24 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson and Gurbax Malhi.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
The Committee considered its future business.
It was agreed,--That officials from the Department of Revenue Canada be invited to appear before the Committee in relation to John Bryden's Private Members Bill C-262 entitled ``Charitable and Non-Profit Organization Director Remuneration Disclosure Act.''
It was agreed,--That the Draft Report in relation to the study of the Senate Main Estimates be concurred in and that the Chair present it to the House as the First Report of the Committee.
It was agreed,--That representatives from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, be invited to appear before the Committee in relation to its study of government contracting.
At 5:17 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1996
(Meeting No. 7)
(Meeting No. 7)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 3:46 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson and Gurbax Malhi.
Other Member present: John Williams.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Appearing: The Honourable Marcel Massé, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure.
Witness: From the Treasury Board Secretariat: W.E.R. Little, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Comptroller General, Financial and Information Management Branch.
The Committee resumed consideration of its Order of Reference dated Thursday, March 7, 1996 relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, April 30, 1996, Issue No. 1).
By unanimous consent, the Chair called Votes 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 under TREASURY BOARD SECRETARIAT.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(7), the Committee considered the Outlook Document for the said department.
The Minister made a statement, and with the other witness, answered questions.
At 4:56 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1996
(Meeting No. 8)
(Meeting No. 8)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 3:40 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Paul Crête, Gilbert Fillion, Bill Gilmour, Albina Guarnieri, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams, Research Officer.
Appearing: The Honourable Diane Marleau, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Receiver General for Canada
Witnesses: From the Department of Public Works and Government Services: Ranald Quail, Deputy Minister and Deputy Receiver General; Alan Williams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Supply Operations Services Branch; Michael Nurse, Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Services Branch.
The Committee resumed consideration of its Order of Reference dated Thursday, March 7, 1996 relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, April 30, 1996).
By unanimous consent, the Chair called Votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(7), the Committee considered the Outlook Document for the said department.
The Minister made a statement and with the other witnesses, answered questions.
John Bryden moved,--That the testimony of March 26, April 16 and May 8, 1996 that was received in camera be taken out in camera and be put on the public record.
After debate, it was agreed to.
Paul Crête moved,--That the Committee obtain from the Minister of Public Works and Government Services a copy of the Radwanski Report as soon as the latter receives it and that if the Minister should fail to produce the Report within five days of receiving it, the Committee invite Mr. George Radwanski to appear and present his Report.
After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was agreed to by a show of hands, YEAS: 6; NAYS: 1.
At 4:45 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1996
(Meeting No. 9)
(Meeting No. 9)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 3:39 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Albina Guarnieri, Dick Harris, John Harvard, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
Acting Members present: Roy Cullen for Eugène Bellemare; Ken Epp for Dick Harris.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From Canada Post Corporation: Georges C. Clermont, President and Chief Executive Officer; Ian Bourne, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer; Hank Klassen, Vice President, Administration.
The Committee resumed consideration of its Order of Reference dated Thursday, March 7, 1996 relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, April 30, 1996, Issue No. 1).
The Chair called Vote 35 (Canada Post Corporation) under PUBLIC WORKS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
Georges C. Clermont made a statement and with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 5:02 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1996
(Meeting No. 10)
(Meeting No. 10)
The Standing Committee on Government Operations met at 3:38 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, Albina Guarnieri, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: John Bryden, Gilbert Fillion, Albina Guarnieri, Ovid Jackson, Gurbax Malhi and Dan McTeague.
Acting Members present: Raymond Bonin for Eugène Bellemare; Paul DeVillers for John Harvard; Michel Bellehumeur for Paul Crête; Ken Epp for Bill Gilmour; Stephen Harper for Dick Harris.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Eric Adams and Bill Young, Research Officers.
Appearing: The Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
Witness: From the Canadian Centre for Management Development: Janet Smith, Principal.
The Committee resumed consideration of its Order of Reference dated Thursday, March 7, 1996 relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997. (See Minutes of Proceedings, Tuesday, April 30, 1996).
By unanimous consent, the Chair called Votes 1, 5, 10 and 35 under PRIVY COUNCIL.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(7), the Committee considered the Outlook Document for the said department.
The Minister made a statement and with the other witness, answered questions.
At 4:58 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Diane Diotte
Clerk of the Committee