BILI Committee Meeting

    Colleagues, order, please.

    It's 12 noon. There's a quorum. I've been advised that quorum is six people representing the House and the Senate, and we have that.

    I'm going to turn the election over to the clerk.

    Honourable members, I see a quorum. I'm prepared to accept nominations for the position of House of Commons co-chair of the committee.

    I nominate Royal Galipeau.

    We have a nomination by Senator David Tkachuk of Mr. Royal Galipeau.

    Are there any other nominations for the position of co-chair of the joint committee?

     No other nominations being heard, I declare Royal Galipeau duly elected co-chair of the joint committee.

    That's great, colleagues.

    Are you finished?

    We have to do the position of vice-chair for the House of Commons.

    Are there any nominations for the position of vice-chair?

    I think Mauril Bélanger would be interested.

    Do we have any nominations for the position of vice-chair? The committee doesn't have to proceed with the election now.

    Did you nominate someone, Mr. Asselin?

    Mauril's name was mentioned.

    Are there any other nominations?

    I declare Mauril Bélanger elected vice-chair of the committee.

    So, the Bloc does serve a useful purpose after all!

    Congratulations to the co-chair and the vice-chair.

    We have no other business unless someone has an issue to raise. I would remind everyone of the e-mail that had gone out about the plan for the fall for various meetings. If you don't have a copy, we have a copy here.

    Is there any other business?

    Madam Bennett?

    I have to admit that I didn't see the proposed meetings, but somewhere on the agenda I think this committee should have a look at the use of technology by committees in this Parliament. Since the very important study from the subcommittee on persons with disabilities, to Michael Kirby's use of technology in mental health, we've been in a very--shall we say--stalling mode. I think that looking at other jurisdictions, like what was presented at the Library of Parliament congress a year ago, would be important for us to get this Parliament into this century.

    I will raise that with the new co-chair, who has just arrived.

    Congratulations.

    Thank you very much. I hope it's as easy as this in Ottawa-Orléans next time.

    There are no guarantees, but we'll see.

    Yes?

    Mr. Chair, I ask that you follow the agenda. We elected the chair and the vice-chair. Therefore, I move that the committee now adjourn.

    Is that agreed?

    Voices: Agreed.

    The Joint Chair (Senator Percy Downe): We'll see you on November 4. There's lunch as well.

    The meeting is adjourned.