René Villemure moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h), the committee undertake a study of the RCMP’s decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following the reprimand issued by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner regarding his involvement in the SNC-Lavalin affair; that the committee devote three meetings to this study; that the committee request to appear, for one hour per witness:

(a) the former Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Mr. Mario Dion;

(b) the acting Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Mr. Konrad Winrich von Finckenstein;

(c) the RCMP Commissioner, Mr. Michael Duheme;

(d) Mr. Frédéric Pincince, Sensitive and International Investigations, Federal Policing, Ontario Division;

(e) the former advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Gerald Butts;

That this study commence after the end of the current study of the use of social media platforms for data harvesting and unethical or illicit sharing of personal information with foreign entities; that the committee report to the House; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request a comprehensive response from the government.

Debate arose thereon.

At 3:39 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 3:46 p.m., the sitting resumed.

At 4:14 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:17 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The debate on the motion continued.

By unanimous consent, after debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h), the committee undertake a study of the RCMP’s decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following the reprimand issued by the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner regarding his involvement in the SNC-Lavalin affair; that the committee devote a minimum of two meetings to this study; that the committee request to appear, for one hour per witness:

(a) the former Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Mr. Mario Dion;

(b) the acting Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Mr. Konrad Winrich von Finckenstein;

(c) the RCMP Commissioner, Mr. Michael Duheme;

(d) Mr. Frédéric Pincince, Sensitive and International Investigations, Federal Policing, Ontario Division;

(e) the former clerk of the Privy Council, Mr. Michael Wernick;

That this study commence after the end of the current study of the use of social media platforms for data harvesting and unethical or illicit sharing of personal information with foreign entities; that the committee report to the House; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request a comprehensive response from the government.

Michael Barrett moved, — That the committee order Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to provide unredacted copies of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton's “fact-finding exercise report” for Sustainable Development Technology Canada by 8:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, October 30, in both official languages, and that Doug McConnachie appear at committee for two hours on Wednesday, November 1 to answer questions regarding the report.

Debate arose thereon.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, in relation to the study of allegations related to governance and management of contributions by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the committee order Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to provide unredacted copies of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton's “fact-finding exercise report” for Sustainable Development Technology Canada no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in both official languages; that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and officials, including Doug McConnachie, Assistant Deputy Minister, appear at committee for a two-hour meeting to answer questions regarding the report; and that the Chair call a subcommittee meeting to establish a work plan for the main committee.

At 5:02 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:07 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That the request to delete three words constituting personal information from a brief submitted in relation to the study on the protection of privacy and reputation on platforms such as Pornhub in the second session of the 43rd Parliament be accepted; and that the committee clerk, in consultation with the Chair, be authorized to make the appropriate changes.

It was agreed, — That a correction be made on page 45 of the report for the study of foreign interference and threats to the integrity of democratic institutions, intellectual property and the Canadian state.