Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights
Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Monday, May 25, 2009
(8)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 6:30 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, Brazeau, Jaffer, McCoy, Mitchell, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Pépin, Poy and Stratton (11).
In attendance: Julian Walker and Jennifer Bird, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 12, 2009, the committee continued its examination of the following elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009: those elements dealing with equitable compensation (Part 11). (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 6.)
WITNESSES:
Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada:
Hélène Laurendeau, Assistant Secretary, Labour Relations and Compensation Operations;
Dan Danagher, Executive Director, Program Integrity, Labour Relations and Compensation Operations.
Association of Canadian Financial Officers:
Milt Isaacs, President and Chair of the Board of Directors.
Public Service Alliance of Canada:
Patty Ducharme, National Vice-President.
As an individual:
Daphne Taras, Professor of Labour Relations, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary.
Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada:
Geoffrey Grenville-Wood, General Counsel.
Ms. Laurendeau made a presentation and, with Mr. Danagher, answered questions.
At 7:45 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 7:50 p.m., the committee resumed.
Mr. Isaacs, Ms. Ducharme, Ms. Taras, and Mr. Grenville-Wood each made a statement and together answered questions.
At 9:04 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 9:09 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(f),the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft report.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the committee continued its examination 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 the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 3.)
It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room for the in camera session.
It was agreed that the draft report be adopted as amended.
At 9:15 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e),the committee proceeded to the consideration of a draft agenda.
It was moved:
That the committee undertake a study of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325;
That such study be conducted within the ambit of the order of reference adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2009, authorizing this committee to monitor issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations; and
That the study examine Canada's role in strengthening human rights mechanisms, including equality between women and men, in selected conflict-affected countries with particular reference to Canada's:
1. implementation of United Nations Security Council Council Resolution 1325;
2. participation in relevant United Nations conflict resolution and peace mechanisms, such as the Peacebuilding Commission and Fund; and,
3. departmental programs and initiatives.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 9:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Adam Thompson
Clerk of the Committee