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Board of Internal Economy meeting

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Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 12, 2012

A meeting of the Board of Internal Economy of the House of Commons was held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., in Room 112-N, Centre Block.

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

Present: The Honourables Peter Van Loan, Gordon O'Connor and Rob Merrifield; Mr. Joe Comartin; Ms. Chris Charlton and Judy Foote

Secretary to the Board: Audrey O'Brien, Clerk of the House of Commons

Also Present: Richard Denis, Deputy Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel; Mark Watters, Chief Financial Officer; and Suzanne Verville, Secretariat

Tabling of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of February 27, 2012 were approved for tabling .

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting of March 5, 2012 were adopted.

Legal Matter

After discussion, the Board approved payment of legal fees of a Member in a complaint regarding a lease, subject to those fees being reviewed by the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel. The Board also approved a contribution of a portion of the out-of-court settlement reached in the matter.

Administration

a) Strategic and Operating Review (SOR)

Further to the meetings of February 6 and 27 , and March 5, 2012 , the Board continued consideration of the proposed strategic and operating review. After discussion, the Board approved the plan for the budget reductions of the House of Commons as well as their timing.

b) By-law modernization – Communication Strategy

Further to the adoption of the revised By-laws on December 5, 2011 , the Board took note of the communication strategy to be used prior to April 1, 2012, as a result of their coming into force.

Members' Allowances and Services

a) Member's Office Budget

The Board took note of the policy regarding the Advertising Limits and the Miscellaneous Expenditures Account. After discussion, the Board agreed to increase the limit for the purchase of a gift from $100.00 to $150.00.

b) Maximum Rate of Remuneration for Members' Employees and Accrual of Severance Credits

The Board took note of the current policy regarding the maximum rate of remuneration for Members' employees and the accrual of severance credits.

c) Chiropractic Services

The Board took note of a draft response to be sent to Members inquiring about the provision to Members of Parliament of chiropractic services within the Parliamentary Precinct.

The meeting was adjourned.

Audrey O'Brien
Secretary to the Board