While there is no specific format that a submission to a committee must take, you should endeavour to present your written submission in a format that is easy to read. Oral presentations provide witnesses with the opportunity to summarize key points of their written submissions and allow the committee to discuss the ideas presented. Since committee public hearings are open to the general public and the media, witnesses may wish to arrive early and observe other presentations. Committee rooms are usually arranged with committee members sitting at a table at the front of the room. The committee Chair sits at the center of the members' table, next to the Clerk of the committee.
Witnesses sit across from the committee members at the witness table.
Individuals accompanying witnesses sit directly behind the witness table, along with members of the public. Hansard staff usually sit behind the committee members. If possible, witnesses are asked to give 15 copies of their submission to the Clerk of the committee at the public hearing. The Clerk will distribute a copy to each committee member, and to all committee staff. Following the oral presentation, the committee may wish to ask witnesses some questions to discuss aspects of their presentation or clarify certain points.