Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 25 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, October 20, 2003
(50)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 5 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 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; Veronica Morris, Communications Officer.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

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

At 5:35 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.

At 5:50 p.m., the committee continued its meeting.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Wiebe, — That, subject to minor editorial changes authorized by the Chair, the text of the report entitled "Canada's Coastlines: The Longest Under-Defended Borders in the World" be approved.

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

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Atkins, — That, for the release of the report, Senator Kenny be the spokesperson in English with Senator Forrestall as alternate, and Senator Meighen be the spokesperson in French with Senator Day as alternate.

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

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Banks, — That public hearings on first responders be held in Toronto and that the following project costs come from existing funds allotted to the Committee and, — That the Chair and Deputy Chair seek authority to transfer the necessary funds:

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

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Banks, — That the following supplementary budget application for the fiscal year ending March 31, 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 8:15 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.)

WITNESSES:

From the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness:

Mr. James E. Harlick, Assistant Deputy Minister;

Mr. Gary O'Bright, Director General, Operations;

Ms. Janet Bax, Director General, Programs.

Mr. Harlick made a statement and, with Mr. O'Bright and Ms. Bax, responded to questions.

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

• [Opening Remarks, James E. Harlick, Assistant Deputy Minister, Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness, October 20, 2003] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2-SS-1, 25, "131")

At 9:40 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Monday, October 27, 2003
(51)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 6:00 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 Atkins, Banks, Forrestall, Kenny, Meighen 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.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

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

At 7:25 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.

At 7:35 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.)

WITNESSES:

From the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness:

Mr. James E. Harlick, Assistant Deputy Minister;

Mr. Robert Bégin, Regional Director, Québec Regional Office;

Mr. Michel Sigouin, Regional Director, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut;

Mr. Shawn Clarke, A/Regional Director, Prince-Edward-Island.

Mr. Sigouin made a statement and, with Mr. Harlick, responded to questions.

Mr. Bégin made a statement and responded to questions.

Mr. Clarke made a statement and responded to questions.

Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, October 27, 2002, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk.

• [Opening Remarks by Michel Sigouin, OCIPEP Regional Director, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, October 27, 2003] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2-SS-1, 25, "133")
  
• [Opening Remarks by Robert Bégin, CIPEP Regional Director, Quebec, October 27, 2003] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/ N2-SS-1, 25, "134")
  
• [Opening Remarks by Shawn Clarke, OCIPEP Acting Regional Director, Prince Edward Island, October 27, 2003] (Exhibit 5900-2.37/N2-SS-1, 25, "135")
  
• [Question Taken on Notice, Appearance of Mr. Harlick, ADM (OCIPEP), October 20, 2003] (Exhibit 5900- 2.37/N2-SS-1, 25, "136")

At 9:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Barbara Reynolds

Clerk of the Committee