Quorum in Committees
A quorum is the minimum number of committee members who must be present in order for a committee to make decisions. In the case of standing, legislative or special committees, a quorum in conformity with Standing Order 118(1), is a majority of the members.
Members of the House who are present at committees are not counted as part of the quorum unless they are either members of the committee or properly designated substitutes.
The Chair of a legislative committee, who is named by the Speaker from the Panel of Chairs, is not counted as part of quorum.
The quorum of the Liaison Committee is set at seven members pursuant to Standing Order 107(4).
As a courtesy, most committees do not begin their meetings until at least one member of the opposition is present, even if a quorum is present. However, committees may meet and adopt motions in the absence of one or all opposition parties, if quorum is present.
Reduced Quorum
Standing Order 118(2) allows standing and legislative committees to authorize the Chair of the committee to hold meetings when a quorum is not present, for the purpose of taking evidence. A similar provision is often included in the order by which a special committee is established.
In granting permission for such meetings, a committee usually stipulates the number of members it wishes to be present for the meeting to take place. The motion granting permission to meet with what is called a "reduced quorum" also usually indicates any other conditions the committee wishes to have met. No motions may be moved at such meetings nor may any votes be held. Committees do, however, retain the power to publish the evidence received at meetings held with a reduced quorum.
Joint Committees
The quorum for joint committees is not provided for in the Standing Orders but is established separately. Standing joint committees usually present reports to both Houses recommending the number of their members that should constitute a quorum. The quorum is set when the two Houses concur in the reports. The quorum for a special joint committee is usually set out in the order of reference that establishes it. For all joint committees, it is common to stipulate that the quorum requires the presence of members from both Houses.
Related Articles
Convening a Committee Meeting
Organization Meetings
In Camera Committee Meetings
Committee Meetings Outside the Parliamentary Precinct
Routine Motions in Committee
