Thread by @Paulatics

An update on C-69. This morning, the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment & Natural Resources discussed C-69 plans for the first time. For those of you who - like me - are new to this, let me explain what happens next. (Threading.....) #ableg #cdnpoli #SenCA

The Senate Standing Committee on E,E & NR, known around here as ENEV, is an all-party committee. It includes six Conservatives, one Liberal, six Independents, and one unaffiliated Senator. From all across Canada. #ableg #cdnpoli #SenCA

The committee does the vast majority of its work in public. The public can attend our hearings. And they are live-streamed in audio and video, so people can watch us, in real time, to see what we do. #ableg #cdnpoli #SenCA

How will we tackled C-69? First, we'll put together a list of expert-ish witnesses to testify before us. From business, from environmental groups, from Indigenous groups, from regulators. We'll hear from academics, lawyers, lobbyists, NGOs, and likely from some politicians, too.

Usually, hearings take place in Ottawa. But there was considerable discussion at the committee today about holding at least some of the public hearings in other places. Alberta, most obviously. I argued that would be a great way for people to understand the process.

Certain witnesses will argue for and against the bill. Others will provide expert legal context. As committee members, we're allowed to suggest possible witnesses. So please, let me know if you think there's someone in particular we need to hear! Send me names!

Then, once we've heard from witnesses, we'll debate proposed amendments. Again, you'll be able to watch, on the live-stream at least, to see how it all works - and to see if I'm living up to your expectations of me.

Many (many) people have asked me why I vote to send the bill to committee, rather than voting to kill it now. There are two answers to that, I guess.

I believe C-69 is flawed. I would not vote to support it in its current form. But I believe sending it to committee is the best way to move forward. The industry groups I've met with don't want it "killed" - they want it amended.

So sure. I could have voted against sending it to committee, for some kind of symbolic reason. But I WANT the bill to go to committee, to be fixed. I'd look pretty silly, voting not to send it to the committee upon which I sit, no?

BTW? I l note that @jkenney has already requested to testify before our committee. I'm happy to see such strong support for our committee process from the leader of Alberta's opposition! I guess he wanted the bill sent to committee too! I was happy to oblige. #ableg #SenCA

Now, we just have to figure out when committee hearings start. I'm in favour of starting as soon as possible - the hitch is that our fancy new building isn't ready for us yet. So we're debating whether we should start committee meetings, even if the Senate isn't formally sitting.

What do YOU think? Do you agree with me that we should start the hearing process next month? Or should we wait until the new Senate chamber opens, which might not be until later in February?