MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (33) [English] The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met this day at 9:36 a.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Diane Bellemare, presiding. Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Bellemare, Busson, Cordy, Deacon (Ontario), Kutcher, Mégie, Omidvar, Ringuette, Saint-Germain and Wells (11). Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Tannas (1). Participating in the meeting: François Delisle and Erin Virgint, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to rule 12-7(2)(a), the committee continued its consideration of possible amendments to the Rules. (Topic: Committee structure and mandates) The committee considered a draft report. At 10:28 a.m., the committee suspended. At 10:31 a.m., the committee resumed. Pursuant to rule 12-7(2)(a), the committee continued its consideration of possible amendments to the Rules. (Topic: Rule 12-18) WITNESSES: The Honourable Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain, Facilitator, Independent Senators Group; The Honourable Senator Scott Tannas, Leader, Canadian Senators Group.

The Honourable Senators Saint-Germain and Tannas each made a statement and answered questions. At 11:29 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair. ATTEST: Adam Thompson Clerk of the Committee