The Standing Committee on National Defence met at 11:10 a.m. this day, in Room 362, East Block, the Chair, Rick Casson, presiding.

The Chair presented the Second Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which read as follows:

On Tuesday, November 27, 2007 the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure agreed:

1. That, in relation to its study of Procurement and associated processes, the Minister of National Defence be re-invited to appear before the Standing Committee; and that, if necessary, the Standing Committee meet outside its regular meeting times (Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 11a.m. to 1p.m.) in order to accommodate the Minister’s schedule.

2. That the draft itinerary for the Standing Committee’s travel to Afghanistan and Belgium be adopted.

On motion of Denis Coderre, it was agreed, — That the Second Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on National Defence be adopted.

At 11:48 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:04 p.m., the sitting resumed in public.

The Minister Peter MacKay made a statement and, along with General R.J. Hillier, answered questions.

At 12:54 p.m., the second Vice-Chair, Claude Bachand, took the Chair.

At 12:57 p.m., Rick Casson took the Chair.

The Chair called Vote 1a under NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Vote 1a under NATIONAL DEFENCE carried.

The Chair called Vote 5a under NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Vote 5a under NATIONAL DEFENCE carried.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report Votes 1a and 5a, under NATIONAL DEFENCE to the House.

At 1:07 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.