The Standing Committee on International Trade met at 3:38 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Dominic LeBlanc, it was agreed, — That Leon Benoit be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Ted Menzies, it was agreed, — That Lui Temelkovski be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Guy André, it was agreed, — That Pierre Paquette be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Leon Benoit took the Chair.

On motion of Dominic LeBlanc, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of three analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

On motion of Pierre A. Paquette, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

On motion of Ted Menzies, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition and provided that if no member of the Opposition is present ten minutes after the designated start of the meeting, the meeting may proceed.

On motion of Pierre A. Paquette, it was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents and only when they exist in both official languages and that witnesses be advised accordingly.

On motion of Ron Cannan, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

On motion of Dominic LeBlanc, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding two representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

It was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

It was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That, at the discretion of the Chair, the witnesses be given up to ten (10) minutes for their opening statement. That during the questioning of witnesses, the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: On the first round of questioning , up to seven (7) minutes for the first question of each party as follows:

First round of questions of seven (7) minutes: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party.

Subsequent rounds of five (5) minutes: The sequence of the Round 1 will apply.

It was agreed, — That a meeting be held next week to receive a briefing from the Senior Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs on issues relating to International Trade.

It was agreed, — To invite the Minister of International Trade on Softwood Lumber and on the agreement between the United States and Canada in a in camera meeting.

At 4:22 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.