MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Tuesday, December 10, 2024 (50) [English] The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met this day at 9:31 a.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Michèle Audette, presiding. Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Audette, Batters, Black, Busson, Gerba, Kutcher, Martin, Mégie, Ringuette, Saint-Germain, Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Woo (13). Other senators present: The Honourable Senator McPhedran (1).

Participating in the meeting: Laura Carter and François Delisle, analysts, Library of Parliament; Chantal Lalonde, Procedural Clerk, Chamber Operations and Procedure Office. Pursuant to rule 12-7(2)(a), the committee continued its consideration of possible amendments to the Rules. (Topic: Role of non-affiliated senators) WITNESS: The Honourable Senator Yonah Martin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. The Honourable Senator Martin made a statement and answered questions. At 10:40 a.m., the committee suspended. At 10:41 a.m., the committee resumed.

It was agreed to proceed in camera to discuss a draft report. At 10:42 a.m., the committee suspended. At 10:46 a.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report. It was agreed that each committee member be allowed to have one staff person present in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting. At 11:28 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair. ATTEST: Maxime Fortin Clerk of the Committee