The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics met at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 307, West Block, the Chair, Paul Szabo, presiding.

Carole Freeman moved, — That the Committee recommend that the government introduce in the House, by March 31, 2009, a new, stronger and more modern Access to Information Act, drawing on the work of the Information Commissioner Mr. John Reid and that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee Chair promptly report the adoption of this motion to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

Pierre Poilievre moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “March 31,” with the words “the end of the year”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment and the result of the vote was announced: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 5.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the negative.

Accordingly, the amendment was negatived.

Pierre Poilievre moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “John Reid” the following: “While taking into consideration the cautions on the subject made by Auditor General Sheila Fraser”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

Bob Dechert moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words “drawing on the work of the Information Commissioner Mr. John Reid and that,”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment and the result of the vote was announced: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 5.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the negative.

Accordingly, the amendment was negatived.

On motion of Pierre Poilievre, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “March” with the word “May”.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and the result of the vote was announced: YEAS: 5; NAYS:5.

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the affirmative.

Accordingly, the motion, was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the Committee recommend that the government introduce in the House, by May 31, 2009, a new, stronger and more modern Access to Information Act, drawing on the work of the Information Commissioner Mr. John Reid and that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) the Committee Chair promptly report the adoption of this motion to the House.

Tom Pulcine made a statement and with the other witness answered questions.

The Chair called Vote 45b under JUSTICE.

Vote 45b under JUSTICE carried.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report Vote 45b, under JUSTICE to the House.

At 5:20 p.m, the Committee proceeded to sit in camera.

Rob Walsh answered questions.

At 5:30 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.