Rules of the Legislative Assembly

WITNESSES

103 Witnesses before Committees

Witnesses may be invited to appear before any Standing or Special Committee at the discretion of the Chair.

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104 (1) Summoning of witnesses

No witness shall be formally summoned to attend before a Committee of the Assembly unless a Committee Member has filed a certificate with the Chair stating that the evidence to be obtained from the witness is in the Member’s opinion material and important.

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(2) Payment to witnesses

The Clerk, with the approval of the Speaker, may authorize payment to witnesses summoned by a Committee of a reasonable daily amount during their travel and attendance plus a reasonable amount for travelling expenses.

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(3) Payment claims certified

The claim of a witness for payment shall state the number of days during which the witness was in attendance before the Committee, the duration of necessary travel and the amount of travel expenses. The Chair and the Clerk of the Committee shall certify the claim and statement before payment.

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105 (1) Appearance of witnesses

Notwithstanding Rule 77(3), witnesses shall appear before Committee of the Whole through the adoption of a motion of approval by the Assembly.

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(2) Motion for expenditure of funds

No witness shall appear before Committee of the Whole when an expenditure of Legislative Assembly funds is required unless a motion of approval has been adopted by the Assembly.

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(3) Questions ruled out of order

Each question directed to a witness and each reply shall be made through the Chair. The Chair shall rule out of order any question which:

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(a) is of a nature that would tend to intimidate or embarrass the  witness; or

(b) constitutes a personal allegation against the witness.

 

(4 )No motions in the presence of witnesses

No motions shall be proposed in Committee of the Whole in the presence of witnesses except when bills or estimates documents are being considered.

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