Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 5 -- Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Friday, April 19, 1996
(7)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, met this day in Room 505, Victoria Building, at 8:30 a.m., the Chair, the Honourable Senator Sharon Carstairs, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Bryden, Carstairs, Doyle, Kinsella, Lewis, Milne, Nolin, Pearson and Roux (10).

Other Senator in attendance: The Honourable Senator Gigantès.

In attendance: Mary Hurley, Research Officer, Research Branch of the Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

From Department of Justice:

John Scratch, Senior General Counsel;

Stephen Sharzer, General Counsel.

From REAL Women of Canada:

Gwendolyn Landolt, National Vice President;

Sophie Joanou, Member of the National Board.

From the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada:

Steve Hindle, President.

From EGALE:

John W. Fisher, Executive Director;

Philip MacAdam, Barrister and Sollicitor, Member of EGALE.

From the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada:

Bruce J. Clemenger, Director of National Affairs;

Danielle Shaw, Project Coordinator;

Robert Nadeau, Legal Advisor.

From the Canadian Human Rights Commission:

Mr. Max Yalden, Commissioner.

From Focus on the Family (Canada) Association:

James Sclater, Vice President, Public Policy;

Cindy Silver, Legal Analyst.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, March 26, 1996, the Committee commenced its consideration of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (sexual orientation).

The Chair made an opening statement and filed as exhibits with the Committee letters on S-2 from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (Exhibit 5900 L1/S-2 5 "1" ) and from the Canadian Bar Association (Exhibit 5900 L1/S-2 5 "2").

Mr. Scratch made an opening statement and, together with Mr. Sharzer, answered questions.

Ms Landolt made a statement and, together with Ms Joanou, answered questions.

Mr. Hindle made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:00 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:05 a.m., the sitting was resumed.

Mr. Fisher made a statement.

Mr. MacAdam made a statement and, together with Mr. Fisher, answered questions.

At 10:45 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:50 a.m., the sitting was resumed.

Mr. Clemenger and Ms Shaw made statements and, together with Mr. Nadeau, answered questions.

It was agreed that the agenda be amended so that Mr. Max Yalden, Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission, appear prior to Focus on the Family Association.

Mr. Yalden made an opening statement and answered questions.

Mr. Yalden agreed to provide to the Committee a list of private sector firms that provide same-sex benefits.

Mr. Sclater made a statement and, together with Ms Silver, answered questions.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Nolin - THAT Bill S-2 be reported to the Senate without amendment.

The question being put on the motion, it was agreed.

At 12:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Heather Lank

Clerk of the Committee