Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, March 7, 2005
(11)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, in camera at 4:00 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable A. Raynell Andreychuk presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Carstairs, P.C., Losier-Cool, Oliver, Pearson and Pépin (6).

Also present: Laura Barnett and Marlisa Tiedemann, Research Branch of the Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

At 4:00 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e) the committee began to consider its future draft agenda.

The Chair informed the members on the exchange of letters and information between herself and the Honourable Senator Massicotte concerning the budgets.

The Chair further informed the members on an exchange of letters between herself and the Honourable Minister Andy Scott, P.C., M.P. concerning the report entitled: ``On-reserve Matrimonial Real Property: Still Waiting'' and requested their feed-back.

It was agreed that the committee issue a short report for the Senate on its study on ``An invitation to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs to appear before the committee'' and that the Steering Committee finalize the report prior to tabling it in the Senate.

The Chair presented Carol Hilling's report entitled: ``The American Convention on Human Rights and the Inter- American Court of Human Rights — an update since May 2003'' to the members of the committee.

It was agreed that some witnesses be invited to appear before the committee and that at some point, an interim report be tabled in the Senate reinforcing the previous recommendations.

The Chair presented the report of Nicole LaViolette entitled: ``The Principal International Human Rights Instruments to Which Canada Has Not Yet Acceded: Status As At January 2005'' to the members of the committee.

It was agreed that at some point, the report should be sent to the proper authorities for comments.

At 5:00 p.m., the committee continued in public.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, November 3, 2004, the committee continued its consideration of Canada's international obligations in regard to the rights and freedoms of children (For the complete text of Order of Reference see proceedings of the committee, Issue No.3).

WITNESS:

International Social Service Canada:

Agnes Casselman, Executive Director.

At 5:10 p.m., Ms. Casselman made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:00 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Line Gravel

Clerk of the Committee