Types of Committees Chairs and Vice-Chairs Routine Motions in
Committee Witnesses Appearing Before a Committee As with other
large deliberative assemblies, the House of Commons has taken
advantage of the greater flexibility available in committees to
carry out functions that can be better performed in smaller
groups, including the examination of witnesses and detailed
consideration of legislation, estimates and technical matters.
Committee work provides detailed information to parliamentarians
on issues of concern to the electorate and often provokes
important public debate. In addition, because committees
interact directly with the public, they provide an immediate and
visible conduit between elected representatives and Canadians.
Committees are extensions of the House, created by either
standing or special orders, and are limited in their powers by
the authority delegated to them. There are several distinct
types of committees: - subcommittees; and - committees of the
whole. Standing committees are provided