Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence
Issue 2 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 25, 2004
(5)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, at 12:20 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Buchanan, P.C., Cordy, Day, Forrestall, Kenny and Munson (8).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson, Analyst and Liam Price, Research Officer; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, Liaison Officer, DND; Veronica Morris Communications Officer.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 13, 2004, the committee continued its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada. (See Issue No. 1, Monday, February 16, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
WITNESSES:
From Transport Canada:
Mr. Marc Grégoire, Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security Group;
Mr. Gerry Frappier, Director General, Security and Emergency Preparedness;
Mr. John A. Read, Director General, Transport Dangerous Goods.
Mr. Grégoire made a statement and, with MM. Frappier and Read, responded to questions.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 23, 2004, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk:
- Opening remarks and biography for Mr. Marc Grégoire, excerpts from ``The Responsibility to Protect'' and report on proposed ``Marine Transportation Security Regulations'' from Transport Canada, February 25, 2004 (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 2, ``5'').
At 1:30 p.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, March 29, 2004
(6)
[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 Atkins, Forrestall, Kenny, Meighen and Munson (5).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Dr. Grant Dawson, Analyst; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Veronica Morris, Communications Officer.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e) the committee considered its draft agenda.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 13, 2004, the committee continued its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada. (See Issue No. 1, Monday, February 16, 2004, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved, that the following order of reference adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2004, be referred to the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs:
That the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to undertake a study on:
(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;
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament be referred to the committee;
That the committee report no later than June 30, 2004.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 5:58 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.
At 6:00 p.m., the committee continued its meeting in public in room 160-S, Centre Block.
WITNESSES:
From the International Joint Commission:
The Right Honourable Herb Gray, P.C., Chair and Commissioner, Canadian Section;
Mr. Rudy Koop, Research Adviser, Canadian Section.
The Right Honourable Herb Gray made a statement and, with Mr. Koop, responded to questions.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 23, 2004, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk:
- ``Questions Taken on Notice from the Appearance of LGen Macdonald'' from the Department of National Defence, February 23, 2004 (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 2, ``6'')
- ``In Canada Asylum Claimants by Inland, Land Border, and Airport For Calendar Years 2001 to 2003'', ``Safe Third Country Agreement — Backgrounder'', ``List of Officials working on Biosecurity'', ``Smart Border Action Plan Status Report — March 2003'' as well as a letter dated March 12, 2004 from Mr. Rob Wright, of the Privy Council Office, to Senator Kenny (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 2, ``7'')
- Letter received March 15, 2004 from Mr. Marc Grégoire, of Transport Canada, with attachments on ``awarding of the Requests for Proposals related to the Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC); the ratio between flight attendants and passengers; and a comparison of Canadian and U.S. transportation security initiatives'' (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 2, ``8'')
- Letter from Mr. Alain Jolicoeur, of the Canada Border Service Agency, with responses to questions made by the committee during February 16, 2004 meeting (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 2, ``9'')
At 7:25 p.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Barbara Reynolds
Clerk of the Committee