BILI Committee Meeting

The Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament met at 1:09 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing Joint Chairs pursuant to Rule 88 of the Senate and pursuant to Standing Order 106(1) of the House of Commons.

On motion of Terrance Richard Stratton, it was agreed, — That Sharon Carstairs be elected Joint Chair (Senate) of the Committee.

The Joint Clerk (House of Commons) of the Committee presided over the election of a Joint Chair (House of Commons).

On motion of Carolyn Bennett, it was agreed, — That Peter Goldring be elected Joint Chair (House of Commons) of the Committee.

The Joint Clerk (House of Commons) of the Committee presided over the election of a Vice-Chair (House of Commons).

On motion of Carolyn Bennett, it was agreed, — That Mauril Bélanger be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Peter Goldring took the Chair.

It was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Joint Chairs, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

It was agreed, — That the Joint Clerks of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That the Joint Clerks of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its subcommittees.

It was agreed, — That the following budget application in the amount of $2,145 (Senate portion) be approved and submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration:

Professional and other services $2,145.

Transportation and Communications $0.

All other expenditures $0.

Total $2,145.

The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report on the quorum and mandate of the Committee.

On motion of Louis Plamondon, it was agreed, — That the draft report be adopted and the Joint Chairs present the report to the Senate and the House of Commons.

Louis Plamondon moved, — That the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament invite the Minister of Finance, the President of the Treasury Board, the Parliamentary Librarian and the Parliamentary Budget Officer to appear before it to discuss the decision to reduce funding for the Parliamentary Budget Officer by 30%, as well as the impact of this reduction on the Parliamentary Budget Officer's ability to carry out his mandate appropriately; and that at least two meetings be set aside for these proceedings as soon as possible.

Debate arose thereon.

At 1:48 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.