Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 24 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, September 29, 2003
(46)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 5:10 p.m. in room 160-S (Subcommittee Room), Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Smith, P.C. and Wiebe (5).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson, Analyst; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Adviser; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, DND Liaison Officer; Sandeep Mukerji, Legislative Clerk, Veronica Morris, Communications Officer, Dan Turner, Editor.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(f) the committee considered its draft report.

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

At 7:50 p.m., the committee continued its meeting in public in room 160-S, Centre Block.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 30, 2002, the committee proceeded upon its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada. (See Issue No. 1, Monday, November 4, 2002, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)

WITNESS:

As an individual:

Dr. Thomas Axworthy, Chairman, Centre for Study of Democracy, Queen's University.

Dr. Axworthy made a statement and responded to questions.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 18, 2003, the committee commences its study on veterans services and benefits, commemorative activities and Veterans Charters.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Banks — That subject to a signature by an Opposition member of the committee, the study on veterans services and benefits, commemorative activities and the Veterans Charter that was referred to the Committee on National Security and Defence by the Senate on September 18, 2003 be referred to the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs; the study will examine:

(a) the services and benefits provided to veterans of war and peacekeeping missions in recognition of their services to Canada, in particular examining:

- access to priority beds for veterans in community hospitals;

- availability of alternative housing and enhanced home care;

- standardization of services throughout Canada;

- monitoring and accreditation of long term care facilities;

(b) the commemorative activities undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep alive for all Canadians the memory of the veterans achievements and sacrifices; and

(c) the need for an updated Veterans Charter to outline the right to preventative care, family support, treatment and re-establishment benefits;

and will be completed no later than June 30, 2004.

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

Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, October 28, 2002, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk.

• [Presentation by Thomas S. Axworthy, Chairman of the Centre for the Study of Democracy School of Policy Studies, Queen's university, September 29, 2003] 
  (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2-SS-1, 24, "128")
• [Material from the Montreal Police Head Quarters by Mr. Michel Sarrazin, Montréal September 26, 2003] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2-SS-1, 24, "129")
• [Material from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Criminal Intelligence Directorate] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2- SS-1, 24, "130")

At 9:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 1, 2003
(47)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, at 12:52 p.m. in room 172-E, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Day, Kenny, Meighen and Wiebe (6).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson, Analyst; Sandeep Mukerji, Legislative Clerk, Veronica Morris, Communications Officer.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 18, 2003, the committee continues its study on veterans services and benefits, commemorative activities and Veterans Charters.

The committee proceeded to consider the budget of the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Meighen, — That the budget of Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs for year 2003-2004 be concurred in, and, — That the Chair submit same to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

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

At 1:55 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Monday, October 6, 2003
(48)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 9:37 a.m. in room 160-S (Subcommittee Room), the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Cordy, Day, Forrestall, Kenny and Wiebe (6).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson, Analyst; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Adviser; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, DND Liaison Officer; Veronica Morris, Communications Officer.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(f) the committee considered its draft report.

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

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Monday, October 6, 2003
(49)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 1:30 p.m. in room 160-S (Subcommittee Room), the Deputy Chair, the Honourable J. Michael Forrestall, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Cordy, Day, Forrestall, Kenny, Meighen, Smith, P.C. and Wiebe (9).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson, Analyst; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Adviser; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, DND Liaison Officer; Veronica Morris, Communications Officer.

In accordance with rule 92(2)(f) the committee considered its draft report.

At 1:40 p.m., the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, assumed the Chair.

At 6 p.m., the Deputy Chair, the Honourable J. Michael Forrestall, assumed the Chair.

At 6:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Barbara Reynolds

Clerk of the Committee