Transport Committee on Nov. 22nd, 2023

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Hope, BC]

I would simply say that if one year is more appropriate and if somebody wanted to move that subamendment, I would be more than willing to entertain it. I think it's simply not believable that this can take two years. If it takes more than a year, that means there's a problem with the system. We can't simply say that's how long it takes, because these boards are left with multiple vacancies. These are multi-, multi-million dollar port authorities that are charged with overseeing a huge part of our economy.

If six months is too short, fine. If it takes a year, they need to have these board members appointed. I think this will light a fire under the government to come up with a more efficient system to ensure that these vacancies don't drag on and on. We've heard examples in testimony of over two years at times. That is just not acceptable. If six months is too short, then 12 months; I would certainly support a subamendment to that effect.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Thank you very much, Mr. Strahl.

I see hands up from Ms. Murray, Monsieur Barsalou-Duval and Mr. Bachrach.

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Thanks, Mr. Chair.

I wanted to add a piece of context to board appointments.

Yes, as Ms. Read said, people self-select through a website. Our government has had a very strong commitment to moving away from what may historically have been—especially in, say, port boards—male-dominated boards. We have criteria called GBA+. We want to make sure there's a better gender balance. We want to make sure disabled Canadians are included to participate and contribute where appropriate. We want to make sure indigenous people are part of our boards. In some cases, bilingualism is a requirement, as is, of course, subject expertise.

I just thought it was important for the discussion here that there be an understanding that there is a shift from historically, in many cases white, male-dominated boards to having opportunities for diverse Canadians. That does take some time.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Thank you, Ms. Murray.

I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Kurek.

[Damien Kurek, Conservative, Battle River—Crowfoot, AB]

Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Certainly, I'm supportive of any common-sense initiative to ensure that government works better, and I think our amendment is that.

Mr. Chair, since it is after 9:30, I move to adjourn.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Okay.

[An hon. member]

It's dilatory.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

It's dilatory.

Are there any objections to adjourning?

Seeing none, this meeting is adjourned.