By Denis Carmel
OTTAWA – Even though next week was supposed to be devoted to constituency work, the members of the Heritage Committee have worked out a deal and have agreed to devote five hours to start hearing witnesses on Bill C-11 on Tuesday, May 24, on autopilot (and the following week for five hours on the 30th, five hours on the 31st and five hours either on June 1 or 2, depending on the availability of rooms and personnel.)
This equals a total of 20 hours for witnesses, the list for which must be submitted to the clerk by tomorrow (May 19) before 5 p.m. (Most of the list should be ready by now, one would think.)
Considering Monday is a holiday, and that all parties seem to agree, it augurs well on future debates on C-11 but the tone of some Conservatives during the earlier meeting of the chair of the CRTC on main estimates, suggests it might not be as smooth as one might think.
The meeting started almost one hour late due to dilatory votes in the House.
Usually, the minister speaks first but if he is not available, department officials will make them available. The Liberal members suggested the minister appear last, if he is not available.
A strong spirit of collaboration transpired from the meeting, held earlier today.
Cartt.ca will keep you update on the workings of the committee.
