Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Banking, Trade and Commerce

Issue 32 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, November 6, 2003
(51)

The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce met at 11:10 a.m., this day, in room 505, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Richard H. Kroft, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Angus, Biron, Hervieux-Payette, P.C., Kelleher, P.C., Kroft, Moore, Prud'homme, P.C., and Tkachuk (8).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Mr. Alexandre Laurin, Analyst.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, September 17, 2003, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-249, An Act to amend the Competition Act.

WITNESSES:

From the Canadian Bar Association:

Tim Kennish, Executive Member, Competition Law Section.

As individuals:

Brian A. Facey, Blake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP;

Neil Finkelstein, Blake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP.

Peter G. C. Townley, Professor of Economics, Acadia University.

All of the witnesses made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:05 pursuant to the rule 92(2)f) the committee continued the meeting in camera.

It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister of Industry with regards to Bill C-249.

It was also agreed that the committee propose to the Senate amendments to the Committee's report on Bankruptcy and Insolvency tabled in the Senate on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 concerning its findings on the Workers' Compensation Board Premiums and Appendix E — Witnesses and submissions.

At 12:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Denis Robert

Clerk of the Committee