Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Issue 22 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Thursday, February 22, 2007
(56)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:50 a.m., in room 257, East Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Baker P.C., Bryden, Cowan, Di Nino, Fraser, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Nolin and Stratton (11).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Adams, Corbin, Gill, Hubley and Watt (5).
In attendance: Margaret Young, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to rule 88, the clerk of the committee presided over the election of the Chair.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved that the Honourable Senator Milne, be made Acting Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for the meeting of Thursday, February 22, 2007.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Milne took the chair and made a statement.
The Honourable Senator Di Nino moved that the next meeting of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, when the Senate rises but not before 4:00 p.m. with the first item of business for the committee to elect a new chair.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 10:55 a.m., pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 1, 2006, the committee began its consideration on the implications of including, in legislation, non-derogation clauses relating to existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
WITNESSES:
Department of Justice Canada:
Andrew Saranchuk, Acting Director and Senior General Counsel, Aboriginal Law and Strategic Policy;
Charles Pryce, Senior Counsel, Aboriginal Law and Strategic Policy.
Mr. Saranchuk made a statement and, with Mr. Pryce, answered questions.
At 12:40 p.m., the committee adjourned pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee earlier today until Wednesday, February 28, 2007 when the Senate rises but not before 4 p.m.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 28, 2007
(57)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4 p.m., in room 257, East Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Bryden, Hubley, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Nolin, Oliver, Ringuette and Stratton (9).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Corbin, Day and Stollery (3).
In attendance: Margaret Young, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to rule 88, the clerk of the committee presided over the election of the Chair.
The Honourable Senator Nolin moved that the Honourable Senator Oliver, be made Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Oliver took the chair and made a statement.
At 4:09 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e) the committee considered its draft agenda in camera.
It was agreed that the Chair seek authorization from the Senate to have all papers and evidence received and taken and the work accomplished by the Special Senate Committee on Senate Reform by referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
It was agreed that the clerk arrange for distribution of these documents to all committee members.
It was agreed that committee members submit proposed witness lists to the clerk by Friday, March 2, 2007.
At 4:42 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Shaila Anwar
Clerk of the Committee