Michael Barrett moved, — Given that the Prime Minister has appointed Mark Carney as chair of the Liberal Party task force on economic growth, and this position shields Mark Carney from Canada’s public disclosure and conflict of interest laws, as he is not deemed a public office holder, and Canadians have a right to know about the financial and corporate interests of individuals shaping economic policy that impacts their everyday lives, that the committee call Mark Carney to testify for three hours within 14 days of this motion being adopted.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Michael Barrett, Frank Caputo, Michael Cooper, Matthew Green — 4;

NAYS: Parm Bains, Darren Fisher, Anthony Housefather, Iqra Khalid, Brenda Shanahan, René Villemure — 6.

Iqra Khalid moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108 (3)(h), the committee immediately expand its study on misinformation and disinformation while focusing on foreign interference and domestic deception to investigate:

(a) The devastating impact of malicious, artificially generated online bots used by foreign and domestic actors, including Russia's propaganda machine to manipulate the public discourse, and fake bot accounts claiming to have attended a rally held by the Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, on July 31, 2024;

(b) Russian disinformation sites posting Canadian political content;

(c) Recent reports suggesting India may be using social media bots to interfere and wage “information warfare” against Canada to influence the upcoming Canadian elections;

that the committee immediately devote the next three meetings to these critical matters and invite relevant witnesses to provide expert testimony on these subject matters; and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the main motion be amended by adding the word “electoral” before the word “misinformation”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

The motion as amended read as follows: That, pursuant to Standing Order 108 (3)(h), the committee immediately expand its study on electoral misinformation and disinformation while focusing on foreign interference and domestic deception to investigate:

(a) The devastating impact of malicious, artificially generated online bots used by foreign and domestic actors, including Russia's propaganda machine to manipulate the public discourse, and fake bot accounts;

(b) Russian disinformation sites posting Canadian political content;

(c) Recent reports suggesting India may be using social media bots to interfere and wage “information warfare” against Canada to influence the upcoming Canadian elections;

Michael Cooper moved, — That the committee expand its study on the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages by no less than four meetings; that the committee invite Elections Canada officials; representatives from Shepherd’s Care Foundation and/or the Christian Care and Support Association/ Christian Care at Home Trust; Malvina Ghaoui; officials from Edmonton Police Service; Ian Stedman assistant professor of ethics and governance at York University; Curtis James, Super Poly employee; Carla Rodych, president of Canada Medical; and any other related witnesses.

Debate arose thereon.

At 5:50 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 5:59 p.m., the meeting resumed.

The debate continued.

Brenda Shanahan moved, — That the committee do now adjourn.

The question was put on the motion and the result of the vote was announced:

YEAS: Parm Bains, Darren Fisher, Anthony Housefather, Iqra Khalid, Brenda Shanahan — 5;

NAYS: Michael Barrett, Frank Caputo, Michael Cooper, Matthew Green, René Villemure — 5.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the negative.

Accordingly, the motion was negatived.

The debate continued.