Taking It to the Hill: The Complete Guide to Appearing Before Parliamentary Committees

The Hearing

The Hearing It is a sobering thought that the overall quality of written submissions delivered to parliamentary committees rates about a C+.1 Some do a superb job. For others, members grit their teeth and politely bear it. Going before a committee is not an "appearance." It is a "performance ." You should aim for nothing less than an A+. ONE Before You Start GETTING THERE "I apologize for being five minutes late. I might say to you, as chair of the Transport Committee, that, if the elevator transportation in this building were a little quicker, I might be here slightly earlier." -The Hon. Paul Martin (L),Minister of Finance, Standing Committee on Transport, December 4, 1996 Go to the committee room with time to spare (e.g., 60 minutes beforehand ). On busy days it may take 30 minutes just to clear security and get to the hearing room. Many witnessesgo much earlier.They want to get the flavour of the debate and check the mood of the members. In the winter, if you have an early morning hearing, it may be wise to get to Ottawa the night before. Being snowed out and stalled on the Pearson Airport tarmac is not enjoyable. 211 CHAPTER SEVEN SECTION 212 I IT TO THE HILL TIP Novicewitnessescan familiarize themselves with a committee room and minimizeanxiety.Check with the clerk about visiting the committee room in advance,such as the day before. It takes the mystery out of the layout and where you aregoing. YOUR INTRODUCTION Introduce yourself to the clerk. He or she needs to ensure that you have shown up!The clerk can tell you what members arepresent, introduce you to the chair, and outline any last-minute details on the hearing schedule and format. Inform the clerk beforehand if you have a plane to catch. However, avoid booking flights too close to your appearance as there is always the possibility of a delay. WHAT TO DO Upon your arrival at the committee room, give the clerk copies of your opening remarks/submission (to be distributed to members, researchers, interpreters, etc). Distributing copies of your remarks can prompt members to follow along; it can also result in members having to flip through them as you read, which can be distracting. Wait for the hearing to begin before making your submission available to those in the audience. TIP If time and the occasionpermit, you should personallyintroduce yourself to all members of the committee. Shaking hands with members is a smallcourtesy. TAKING WHO'S IN THE AUDIENCE? "You will be interested to note that a number of [the finance ministers] representatives are present here in this room this morning. I urge you to take the opportunity to find out whether, indeed, there is some milk of human kindness in these individuals," - Senator David Angus (PC), Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, March 3, 1997 Committee hearings can be popular spots for a whole raft of people: competing interest groups, departmental officials, media, etc. Between witness testimonies, there may be some networking opportunities to pursue with these folks. ^^v TIP "I always try to go and see the minister when he and his staff appear on a bill, It's an opportunity to say a few words to the minister." - Elizabeth May, Executive Director, Sierra Club, Interview, June 13, 1997 SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE "First, to save money on the length of the wire for the earphonesjust about took my ear off. Perhaps that could be brought to someone's attention and something done about it." — Senator Consiglio Di Nino (CPC), Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, February 4, 2004 The realjeopardy is missing the translation. French and English simultaneous interpretation is available at the committee table (and for those in the audience). Ensure you get the earpiece ready before you commence. The Hearing WHAT TO DO Set up your earpiece as soon as you sit at the table so you can be ready to receive the French/English translation or the "floor" discussion —the latter may be helpful just to hear certain members. 213 214 I TAKING IT TO THE HILL As Interpretation Services points out, "You can help ensure the clear communication of your message" by providing interpreters with a copy of your opening remarks before you begin to speak, or in advance of your testimony. This way, they can faithfully communicate your message in the...