Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence
Issue 10 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Monday, June 16, 2008
(20)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 4:03 p.m. in room 256-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Mitchell, Moore, Nancy Ruth, and Tkachuk (7).
In attendance: Gaëtane Lemay, Co-clerk of the Committee, Committees Directorate; Melissa Radford, Maureen Shields and Jason Yung, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Barry Denofsky, National Security Advisor; Major-General (ret) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Superintendant Lindsey Brine, RCMP Liaison Officer; Captain (N) John Gardam, DND Liaison Officer and Sergeant Patrick Walsh, Ottawa Police Liaison Officer.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee commenced in camera to consider a draft report.
It was agreed that the committee allow transcripts to be kept of this in camera meeting.
At 5:18 p.m., the Honourable Senator Tkachuk took the chair.
At 5:20 p.m., the Honourable Senator Kenny took the chair.
At 6:06 p.m., the Honourable Senator Tkachuk took the chair.
At 6:18 p.m., the Honourable Senator Kenny took the chair.
It was moved:
That the draft report on the evacuation of wounded soldiers be adopted; and
That the chair table this report in the Senate.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
It was moved:
That the draft report on Canadian military leadership be adopted; and
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to make the changes that were discussed and approved today, as well as the minor typographical and grammatical corrections deemed necessary, without however modifying the substance of the report; and
That the chair table this report in the Senate.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
At 7:03 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Shaila Anwar
Clerk of the Committee
OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 18, 2008
(21)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, at 1:02 p.m. in room 172-E, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Comeau, Day, Kenny, Meighen, Mitchell, Moore, Nancy Ruth and Tkachuk (9).
In attendance: Shaila Anwar, Co-clerk of the Committee, Committees Directorate; Melissa Radford, and Jason Yung, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Barry Denofsky, National Security Advisor and Captain (N) John Gardam, DND Liaison Officer.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved:
That the draft report of the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs on SISIP payments be adopted;
That the chair and deputy chair of the subcommittee be authorized to make the changes that were discussed and approved today, as well as the minor typographical and grammatical corrections deemed necessary, without however modifying the substance of the report; and
That the chair or the deputy chair of the subcommittee table this report in the Senate.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Moore moved:
That the committee authorize Senator Kenny and Senator Day to travel on its behalf to attend the ICT's 8th International Conference, "Terrorism's Global Impact," to he held in Herezliya, Israel, from September 8-11, 2008;
That they be authorized to visit the Tel Aviv airport to review their security system;
That they both be considered on official business for the purposes of the Senators Attendance Policy; and
That the cost of the expenses incurred be applied to the "Conferences" budget activity.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk moved:
That the committee authorize the deputy chair to travel on its behalf to Montreal, on a date to be determined later to meet with representatives of The Gazette, in order to promote committee reports and to discuss the work of the committee;
That the deputy chair be considered on official business for the purposes of the Senators Attendance Policy; and
That the cost of the expenses incurred be applied to the "Promotion of reports, meetings and other matters related to committee business" budget activity.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk moved:
That the committee authorize the deputy chair to travel on its behalf to Vancouver and Calgary, on a date to be determined later to meet with representatives of The Vancouver Sun, The Province, the Calgary Sun, and the Calgary Herald, in order to promote committee reports and to discuss the work of the committee;
That the deputy chair be considered on official business for the purposes of the Senators Attendance Policy; and
That the cost of the expenses incurred be applied to the "Promotion of reports, meetings and other matters related to committee business" budget activity.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
At 1:29 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Gaëtane Lemay
Clerk of the Committee
OTTAWA, Thursday, June 26, 2008
(22)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 1:34 p.m. in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Meighen, Mitchell, Tkachuk and Zimmer (7).
In attendance: Gaëtane Lemay, Co-clerk of the Committee, Committees Directorate; Melissa Radford, Maureen Shields and Jason Yung, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Barry Denofsky, National Security Advisor; Major-General (ret) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor and Lieutenant- Colonel Chris Kilford, DND Liaison Officer.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee commenced in camera to consider a draft report.
It was agreed that senators' staff be authorized to remain in the room during the in camera portion of this meeting.
It was agreed that the following material be filed as exhibits with the Clerk of the Committee:
- Response to a request for information at the February 4, 2008 appearance of Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada officials regarding the safety of nuclear materials and facilities. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/ N2-SS-1-8, 11,"17")
- Five documents entitled a) Non-Binding Declaration on Mutual Aid, b) Draft Federal/Provincial/Territorial MOU on the Sharing of Information During a Public Health Emergency, c) Draft MOU on Health Emergency Management — Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada: Building Effective Working Relations, d) The Public Health Agency of Canada's Strategic Plan, and e) National Emergency Stockpile System Catalogue of Supplies, submitted by Public Health Agency of Canada in response to the committee's request for additional information at the February 4, 2008 meeting (Exhibit 5900-2.39/N2-SS-1-8, 11,"18")
It was agreed that the committee allow the transcription of this in camera meeting and that the transcript be destroyed by the clerk at the end of this parliamentary session.
It was agreed that a letter and all related in camera documents be circulated to all members of the committee and any senators who were present on May 26, 2008, in order to consider the request made by the Standing Senate Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament for in camera committee documents.
At 4:00 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, July 28, 2008
(23)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day, at 9:06 a.m. in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day, Kenny, Moore, Tkachuk and Zimmer (6).
In attendance: Maureen Shields, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Barry Denofsky, National Security Advisor; Major-General (ret) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Kilford, DND Liaison Officer; Superintendant Lindsey Brine, RCMP Liaison Officer; and Sergeant Patrick Walsh, Ottawa Police Liaison Officer.
It was agreed that the committee commence in camera, pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), to consider a draft report.
It was agreed that the committee allow the transcription of the in camera portions of today's meeting, that one copy be kept in the office of the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and that the transcript be destroyed by the clerk at the end of this parliamentary session.
It was agreed, on division, that senators' staff be excluded from the meeting room during the in camera portions of today's meeting.
It was agreed, on division, that the decision to adopt a draft report on the evacuation of wounded soldiers, made on June 16, 2008, be reviewed for the purposes of discussing a revised draft report on the evacuation of wounded Canadian soldiers.
It was agreed that, with the exception of the clerk, all electronic devices be excluded from the meeting room during the in camera portions of today's meeting.
At 9:37 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 10:06 a.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee continue in camera in order to discuss draft reports and that the committee proceed in public at a later time in order to consider the adoption of those draft reports.
It was agreed that correspondence and notes from honourable senators be circulated in their original language for the purposes of today's discussion only and that the clerk have these documents translated as soon as possible for further reference.
At 11:32 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:35 a.m., the committee resumed its consideration of a draft report.
At 1:28 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 1:52 p.m., the committee resumed its consideration of a draft report.
At 2:38 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed in public.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That in light of events and information which have overtaken it, the committee's approval of the draft report on the evacuation of wounded soldiers, previously adopted on June 16, 2008, be rescinded.
After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
At 2:47 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed in camera, pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), to consider a draft report.
It was agreed, on division, that senators' staff be excluded from the meeting room during the in camera portions of today's meeting.
At 3:58 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 4:08 p.m., the committee resumed in public.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the committee's approval of the draft report on Canadian military leadership, entitled Four Generals and an Admiral, previously adopted on June 16, 2008, be rescinded.
With leave, it was agreed that the Honourable Senator Banks withdraw his motion.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the authority granted, on June 16, 2008, to the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure to make changes without modifying the substance of the report entitled Four Generals and an Admiral be rescinded; and
That the authority to make changes without modifying the substance of the report be returned to the full committee.
After debate, with leave, it was agreed that the Honourable Senator Banks withdraw his motion.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the committee's approval of the draft report on Canadian military leadership, entitled Four Generals and an Admiral, previously adopted on June 16, 2008, be rescinded.
After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following recorded division:
YEAS: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day and Moore — 3
NAYS: The Honourable Senator Tkachuk — 1
At 4:27 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed in camera, pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), to consider a draft report.
At 7:15 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed in public.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the draft report on national emergencies in Canada be adopted, as amended; and
That the chair table this report in the Senate or file it with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to the authority granted by the Senate on June 18, 2008.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day moved:
That the draft report on Canadian military leadership, entitled Four Generals and an Admiral: The View from the Top, be adopted, as amended; and
That the chair table this report in the Senate or file it with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to the authority granted by the Senate on June 18, 2008.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Moore moved:
That the draft report on the evacuation of wounded Canadian soldiers, entitled Canadians Wounded in Afghanistan: How Well Does Canada Rescue, Treat and Rehabilitate? be adopted, as amended; and
That the chair table this report in the Senate or file it with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to the authority granted by the Senate on June 18, 2008.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The committee discussed matters related to committee business.
The Honourable Senator Moore moved:
That the committee authorize the chair to certify as payable an invoice for Jessica Post, dated June 30, 2008, in the amount of $937, from the committee's budget.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the following material be filed as exhibits with the Clerk of the Committee:
- Notes and letters from the Honourable Senator Tkachuk addressed to the Honourable Senator Kenny, dated July 2 and July 17, 2008, regarding the draft report on national emergencies in Canada. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/ N2-SS-1-8, 10,"17")
- Notes and emails from the Honourable Senator Banks addressed to the Honourable Senator Kenny, dated July 25, 2008, regarding the draft reports on National Emergencies in Canada. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/N2-SS-1-8, 10,"18")
- Response to a question taken on notice at the June 2, 2008 appearance of LGen Natynczyk, regarding Canadian Forces Recruitment at Pride Events. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/N2-SS-1-8, 10,"19")
- Responses from Public Health Agency of Canada to follow up questions from the Library of Parliament on August 14, 2006. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/N2-SS-1-8, 10,"20")
- Responses from Public Safety Canada to follow up questions from the Library of Parliament on August 30, 2006. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/N2-SS-1-8, 10,"21")
- Response from Brian MacDonald to Senator Colin Kenny regarding the future ratio of military spending to gross domestic product. (Exhibit 5900-2.39/ N2-SS-1-8, 10,"22")
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The Honourable Senator Day moved:
That the expenses incurred for framing of photographs of committee members from their trip to Afghanistan in March/April, 2008, in the estimated amount of $1,300, be applied to the line item for "office supplies" and "miscellaneous" from the "General Expenses" section of the committee's budget.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on June 18, 2008, authorizing the Honourable Senators Kenny and Day to travel to a conference in Herezliya, Israel, the committee also authorizes Senator Kenny and Senator Day to attend additional meetings with Israeli police representatives, airport security officials at Ben Gurion International Airport, as well as site visits to the counter-terrorism school of the IDF and Israeli SWAT school, the port of Ashdod, the passenger terminal at the port of Haifa, to Northern Israel for a demonstration of advanced security technologies, to the Command and Control Centre of the IDF Home-front, to the Western Galilee medical centre and to a land border crossing;
That they both be considered on official business for the purposes of the Senators Attendance Policy; and
That the additional costs, up to $5,000 of expenses incurred, be applied to the "Promotion of reports, meetings and other matters related to committee business" budget activity.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on the following recorded division:
YEAS: The Honourable Senators Banks, Day and Moore — 3
NAYS: The Honourable Senator Tkachuk — 1
At 8:14 p.m., it was agreed that the committee continue in camera, pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), to consider a draft agenda.
At 8:25 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Shaila Anwar
Clerk of the Committee