CHPC Committee Report

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

(Meeting No. 17

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met in camera at 11:06 a.m. this day, in Room 213, Wellington Building, the Chair, Gary Schellenberger, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Hon. Jim Abbott, Dave Batters, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, Hon. Michael D. Chong, Ed Fast, Luc Malo, Maria Mourani, Francis Scarpaleggia, Gary Schellenberger, Hon. Andy Scott and Bill Siksay.

Acting Members present: Hon. Larry Bagnell for Hon. Hedy Fry.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Marion Ménard, Analyst; Lara Trehearne, Analyst.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on November 15, 2007, the Committee resumed its study on the Role of a Public Broadcaster in the 21st Century.

The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted and that the Chair present it to the House.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee request that the Government table a comprehensive response to the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, the Clerk and analysts be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That the report be entitled: CBC/Radio-Canada: Defining Distinctiveness in the Changing Media Landscape.

It was agreed, — That the Committee print 175 copies in English and 175 copies in French with a distinctive cover.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee make the necessary arrangements for a press conference to be held on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., after the tabling of the Committee’s report to the House; and that Committee be represented by the Chair and a representative from each party.

At 12:25, the Committee proceeded to sit in public.

By unanimous consent, Mauril Bélanger moved, — That the Committee express its deep gratitude to Jacques Lahaie for all his excellent work and dedication to the Committee during his tenure as Clerk of the Standing Committee Canadian Heritage.

Maria Mourani moved, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage call the President of the CBC/Radio-Canada or a representative to appear as soon as possible to explain the policy regarding the right of CBC/Radio-Canada employees to communicate with Members of the House of Commons and specifically with members of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 3; NAYS: 8.

Mauril Bélanger moved, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage call for Mr. Marc Patrone, recently appointed full-time member of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to appear before the Committee as soon as possible.

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

At 1:01 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Jacques Lahaie
Clerk of the Committee