Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and
Constitutional Affairs
Issue 9 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Thursday, May 2, 1996 (11)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, met this day in Room 256-S, Centre Block, at 10:32 a.m., the Chair, the Honourable Senator Sharon Carstairs, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Bryden, Carstairs, Doyle, Gigantès, Jessiman, Lewis, Losier-Cool, Milne, Nolin and Pearson (11).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Corbin (1).
In attendance: Kristen Douglas, Research Officer, Research Branch of the Library of Parliament.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
WITNESSES:
From the Department of Justice:
Richard Clair, Project Manager, Contravention Team;
Jean-Pierre Baribeau, Counsel, Contravention Team;
Gino Grondin, Counsel, Contravention Team.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 24, 1996, the Committee commenced its consideration of Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Contraventions Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.
The Chair made an opening statement.
Mr. Richard Clair made a statement and, together with Jean-Pierre Baribeau and Gino Grondin, answered questions.
Mr. Clair agreed to have the Department of Justice inform the Committee of the number of bills that have received Royal Assent, but have not come into force.
It was agreed, - THAT the Chair send a letter to the Department of Justice asking for this information.
It was agreed, - THAT the Chair also send a letter to the Department of Justice asking that legal texts be drafted in plain language, so that ordinary citizens can understand them.
It was agreed, - THAT copies of the letters sent and responses received, be distributed to members of the Committee.
Kristen Douglas answered a question.
It was moved by the Honourable Senator Lewis - THAT Bill C-16 be reported to the Senate without amendment.
At 12:00 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Heather Lank
Clerk of the Committee