Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights
Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Monday, June 16, 2008
(18)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 5:01 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, Dallaire, Di Nino, Jaffer, Kinsella, Munson, Oliver and Poy (8).
Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Stratton (1).
In attendance: Laura Barnett and Mary Hurley, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Chuck Strahl, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.
WITNESSES:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada:
Andrew Beynon, Acting Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction.
Department of Justice Canada:
Martin Reiher, Senior Counsel, Operations and Programs Section;
Jim Hendry, General Counsel, Human Rights Law Section.
Canadian Human Rights Commission:
Jennifer Lynch, Chief Commissioner;
Yvonne Boyer, Commissioner;
Linda Dabros, Director General, Knowledge Centre;
Ian Fine, Director General and Senior General Counsel.
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples:
Patrick Brazeau, National Chief.
Native Women's Association of Canada:
Ellen Gabriel, President, Quebec Native Women Inc.
Assembly of First Nations:
Angus Toulouse, Regional Chief;
Daniel Wilson, Strategic Policy, Planning and Law.
AFN's Women's Council:
Lisa Shaver, Chief.
As an individual:
Wendy Cornet, Consultant and President of Cornet Consulting & Mediation Inc.
The chair made an opening statement.
Mr. Strahl made a statement and, together with Mr. Beynon, Mr. Reiher and Mr. Hendry, answered questions.
At 6:06 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:10 p.m., the committee resumed.
Ms. Lynch made a statement and, together with Ms. Boyer, Ms. Dabros and Mr. Fine, answered questions.
At 6:35 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:39 p.m., the committee resumed.
Mr. Brazeau and Ms. Gabriel each made a statement and, together, answered questions.
At 7:18 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 7:20 p.m., the committee resumed.
Mr. Toulouse and Ms. Shaver each made a statement and, together with Mr. Wilson, answered questions.
At 8:00 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 8:02 p.m., the committee resumed.
Ms. Cornet made a statement and answered questions.
At 8:20 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 8:24 p.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1 carry.
It was agreed that clause 1.1 carry.
It was agreed that clause 1.2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 3 carry.
It was agreed that clause 4 carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry without amendment.
It was agreed that the bill be reported to the Senate.
At 8:26 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 8:48 p.m. the committee resumed and pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, the committee continued its consideration of issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations. (For complete text of order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e) and (f), the committee proceeded in camera to consider its draft report and discuss future business.
It was agreed that the draft report be adopted and that the steering committee be empowered to approve the final version of the report with any necessary editorial, grammatical or translation changes required.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek the permission of the Senate to table the report with the clerk if necessary in the case that the Senate has adjourned for the summer.
At 9:28 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Jessica Richardson
Clerk of the Committee