C-51 committee stand-off between NDP, Tories set to resume

The ongoing battle over the government's efforts to fast-track its proposed anti-terror bill through the House is expected to get back underway behind the tightly closed doors of the public safety committee.

• In the Conservative war on terror, the first casualty is Parliament
• C-51: Conservatives demand limit on anti-terror bill expert testimony
• Critics warn C-51 not receiving the scrutiny it needs
• Confusion abounds as Tories rush anti-terrorism bill to committee

Earlier this week, the New Democrats successfully, if likely temporarily staved off a Conservative-driven attempt to limit witness testimony to just three days.

The committee is slated to reconvene this morning, at which point the filibuster may well continue — unless, that is, a compromise is worked out, or the chair calls the vote.

Meanwhile, Ottawa-area Liberal MPs David McGuinty and Mauril Belanger team up with caucus colleague Stephane Dion to add their voices to the growing call for the planned monument to the victims of communism currently slated to be installed directly across from the Supreme Court of Canada be relocated to "a suitable site."

• Jim Watson joins critics of 'victims of communism' monument location
• Ottawa communism memorial location criticized by architecture group
• Jury out for design of Ottawa's 'victims of communism' monument

Back in the Chamber, MPs are set to spend the day discussing the government's proposal to "strengthen the safety and security" of federally regulated pipelines, which is currently at second reading.

Elsewhere on the committee front:

• Newly appointed House Law Clerk Philippe Dufresne will spend an hour fielding questions on his new role at Procedure and House Affairs before the committee moves in camera to discuss unspecified business.
• Over at Veterans Affairs, members get a briefing on the "continuum of transition services," courtesy of Veterans Affairs official Michel Doiron and Melanie Witty.
• Foreign Affairs continues to explore issues surrounding the "protection of children and youth in developing countries," while the Subcommittee on International Human Rights returns to its ongoing study into human rights in Iran with an appearance by B'Nai Brith Canada representatives David Matas, Michael Mostyn and Yehuda Azoulay.

Also on the Hill this afternoon: The Council of Turkish Canadians hit the stage at the Centre Block press theatre to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I while highlighting "human suffering in Eastern Anatolia."

Outside the precinct, Canadian astronaut and author Chris Hadfield joins United Way president Jacline Nyman, MaRS advisor Tom Rand, Toronto city planner Jennifer Keesmaat and Trudeau Foundation president Morris Rosenberg at a "TED-talk style event" hosted by Canada 2020.

Out and about on the ministerial circuit:

• Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford gives a keynote address at the Canadian Nuclear Association's annual conference and trade show.
• On the other side of the river in Gatineau, Canadian Heritage Minister Shelly Glover will do the honours at the opening ceremonies for the 36th annual Salon du Livre de l'Outaouais.
• Finally, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt heads to Oakville, where she will team up with "workers, industry partners and Ford officials" to "mark an important milestone at Ford's latest global platform."

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