(Chair) in the chair.

[English]

Honourable senators, I begin by welcoming members of the committee and members of the public watching our proceedings. My name is Ratna Omidvar, senator from Ontario, and I am chair of this committee.

Let us introduce ourselves to the public and our witnesses.

Gigi Osler from Manitoba.

Sharon Burey, senator from Ontario.

Stan Kutcher, Nova Scotia.

[Translation]

Chantal Petitclerc from Quebec.

[English]

Wanda Thomas Bernard, Nova Scotia.

[Translation]

Marie-Françoise Mégie from Quebec.

[English]

Colleagues, we will proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents).

Before we begin, I would like to remind senators of a number of points. If at any point, a senator is not clear where we are in the process, please ask for clarification. I want to always ensure that we all have the same understanding of where we are in this process.

As chair, it is my job to do my utmost to ensure that all senators wishing to speak, have the opportunity to do so. For this, I need to depend, however, on your cooperation. I ask all of you to consider other senators and to keep your remarks to the point and as brief as possible.

Should we overlook your hand in our lineup of speakers, please don’t hesitate to do whatever you think is necessary to catch our attention.

Finally, I wish to remind honourable senators that if there is any uncertainty as to the results of a voice vote or a show of hands, the most effective route is to request a roll call vote, which obviously provides unambiguous results. Senators are aware that any tied vote negates the motion in question.

Are there any questions on process? If not, we can now proceed.

Colleagues, is it agreed that the committee proceeds to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents)?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Thank you. Shall the title stand postponed?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall clause 2 carry?

May I ask a question, chair?

Of course.

I have a possible observation. Should I wait until you’re finished with everything and then ask? Thank you. That’s the clarification.

Shall clause 3 carry?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall clause 4 carry?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall clause 5 carry?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, carry?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Shall the title carry?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.