The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Diane Marleau, presiding.

Hélène Laurendeau and Rick Burton made opening statements and, with the other witness, answered questions.

On motion of Raymond Bonin, it was agreed, — That the debate be now adjourned.

At 4:36 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:39 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Diane Bourgeois moved, — That the Committee report to the House as follows:

That, because the Committee is not convinced of the benefit of lease-backs for the taxpayer, the government place a moratorium on the sale of the proposed buildings so that the Department of Public Works and Government Services can provide the Committee with the relevant studies and information on the impact of these lease-backs.

Debate arose thereon.

Chris Warkentin moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the word “yet” after the word “not”;

That the motion be amended by replacing the words “government place a moratorium on the sale of the proposed buildings so that” with the words “Committee asks”; and

That the motion be amended by adding the after the words “provide the Committee with” the following words “additional information relevant to” before the word “studies” .

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Chris Warkentin and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 6.

It was agreed, — That the debate on the motion continue at the next meeting.

On motion of Chris Warkentin, at 5:33 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.