The Standing Committee on Finance met at 3:39 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Garth Turner, it was agreed, — That Brian Pallister be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of Thierry St-Cyr, it was agreed, — That Massimo Pacetti be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Thierry St-Cyr, it was agreed, — That Yvan Loubier be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Brian Pallister took the Chair.

On motion of John McKay, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

On motion of Rick Dykstra, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Michael Savage, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

On motion of Garth Turner, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

On motion of Yvan Loubier, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding one representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Thierry St-Cyr, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

On motion of Diane Ablonczy, it was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

On motion of Diane Ablonczy, it was agreed, — That during the questioning of witnesses, the rounds of questioning be as follows:

1^st round (7 minutes)
— Liberal
— Bloc québécois
— NDP
— Conservative

2^nd round (5 minutes)
—Liberal
—Conservative
—Bloc québécois

3^rd round (5 minutes)
—Liberal
—Conservative

4^th round (5 minutes)
—Liberal
—Conservative
—NDP.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That all meetings of the Finance Committee be televised whenever possible.

At 4:00 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.