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Board of Internal Economy meeting

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Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A meeting of the Board of Internal Economy of the House of Commons was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 11:25 a.m., in Room 340-S, Centre Block

In the Chair: The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons

Present: The Honourables Peter Van Loan, John Duncan, and Dominic LeBlanc; Mrs. Stella Ambler; Mrs. Nycole Turmel; Mr. Philip Toone

Acting Secretary to the Board: Marc Bosc, Acting Clerk of the House of Commons

Also Present: Richard Denis, Deputy Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel; Pierre Parent, Chief Human Resources Officer; Mark Watters, Chief Financial Officer; Robin Kells, Secretariat

Harassment

The Board of Internal Economy discussed the matter of harassment complaints involving Members of the House of Commons.

With respect to Members, House Officers, National Caucus Research Offices and their employees, the Board agreed to finalize a formal complaint resolution process as soon as possible. The Board also agreed to implement immediate changes to resolve conflicts and promote and maintain a harassment-free workplace, including:

  • access to the House Administration’s Finding Solutions Together program, a confidential program that focuses on communication, collaboration and respect as a basis for resolving conflicts informally; and
  • implementation of a Harassment Prevention Program to increase awareness and help proactively stop potential harassment at its earliest stages.

With respect to allegations of personal misconduct between Members, the Board recognized that ultimately the House itself has responsibility for pronouncing on the conduct of its Members. As such, the Board asked the Speaker to write to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs requesting that it seek an order of reference to review these matters within the context of parliamentary privilege and the impact on Members’ conduct and disciplinary processes.

The meeting was adjourned.

Marc Bosc
Acting Secretary to the Board