Proceedings of the Special Committee on
Bill C-20

Issue 6 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 15, 2000
(10)

[English]

The Special Senate Committee on Bill C-20 met this day in room 505, Victoria Building, at 6:09 p.m., the Chair, the Honourable Joan Fraser presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Bolduc, Chalifoux, Christensen, Fraser, Hervieux-Payettte, P.C., Kenny, Kinsella, Kroft, Lynch-Staunton, Milne, Murray, P.C., Poulin and Sibbeston (14).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Cools, Cordy, Finestone, P.C., Grafstein, Joyal, P.C., Pitfield, Prud'homme, P.C., and Taylor (8).

In attendance: Mollie Dunsmuir and Brian O'Neal, Research Officer, Research Branch, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted in the Senate on Thursday, May 18, 2000, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-20, An Act to give effect to the requirement for clarity as set out in the opinion of the Supreme Court of Canada in the Quebec Secession reference. (For full text of the Order of Reference please refer to Issue No. 1).

WITNESSES:

As individuals:

Justice Willard Estey;

Professor David Smith.

The Chair made an opening statement where she noted the committee had received from the Minister's office a list of examples of legislation where Par4liament has given the House of Commons a role different than that of the Senate.

Justice Willard Estey made a statement and answered questions.

At 7:45 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:55 p.m., the committee resumed.

Professor David Smith made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:35 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Heather Lank

Clerk of the Committee