Status of Women committee  For each group that has declined it is for a different reason. Some have said that they don't have any studies or information or research that would provide any insight to committee members. Some have said that on the issue on which they were previously lobbying they no longer feel they have to lobby.

Status of Women committee  Honourable members of the committee, I see that we have quorum. We can now proceed to the election of the chair. I am ready to receive motions to that effect.

Status of Women committee  It has been moved by Susan Kadis that Yasmin Ratansi be elected as chair of the committee.

Status of Women committee  Are there any further motions? Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion? (Motion agreed to)

Status of Women committee  Ms. Ratansi is duly elected as chair of the committee.

Status of Women committee  I can tell you that there were a great number of witnesses who were requested who, for scheduling purposes, could not appear. As you might have noticed, there are only a few meetings left, so in the interest of not having groups being able to speak for only two minutes, we've agreed to--

Status of Women committee  We'll actually have Julie compiling the list. In order for the analysts to be able to compile a list on an informed basis, they've indicated to me that they would be requesting a brief from each of the groups that was recommended by the members so that they could have a representative cross-section to bring to the committee.

Status of Women committee  If members have specific questions about witness groups, you can always feel free to contact me in the office directly.

Status of Women committee  Ms. Mourani, may I make a clarification?

Status of Women committee  There are two different situations. The names on the list are those of groups that requested to appear before the committee. The committee must decide at some point—perhaps not today—if it will accept briefs or briefing notes from groups that are unable to appear before the committee.

Status of Women committee  Ms. Mourani, the reason why it does not appear on the schedule is because I have not yet been able to set a date when a representative of the Montreal Police Force could appear before the committee.

Status of Women committee  I contacted Mr. Gauthier and was told that he would not be the one to appear before the committee on this issue. The Montreal Police Force would send another representative. As soon as I receive confirmation of the date, I will clearly indicate it in the schedule. If you have other questions regarding witnesses, feel free to call me directly at my office.

Status of Women committee  I can read an excerpt: An amendment must be relevant to the main motion. It must not stray from the main motion but aim to further refine its meaning and intent. An amendment should take the form of a motion to: leave out certain words in order to add other words; leave out certain words; or insert or add other words to the main motion.

Status of Women committee  Motions, you are correct, Ms. Guergis, are not supposed to be argumentative. What the committee should be speaking to right now is what is in bold at the bottom of the motion, which is the actual motion. The preamble--in other words, the sentences that begin with “whereas”--becomes part of the report based on this motion.

Status of Women committee  The Comité d'action contre le trafic humain interne et international.