Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights
Issue 8 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Monday, June 8, 2009
(9)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 6:32 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, Campbell, Jaffer, Martin, Nancy Ruth, Pépin, Poy and Ringuette (9).
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 Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the committee continued its examination of the issues of discrimination in the hiring and promotion practices of the Federal Public Service, to study the extent to which targets to achieve employment equity are being met, and to examine labour market outcomes for minority groups in the private sector. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)
WITNESSES:
Department of Justice Canada:
John Sims, Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General of Canada;
Donna Miller, Associate Deputy Minister;
Joan Pratt, Acting Director General, Human Resources and Professional Development Directorate.
Public Service Alliance of Canada:
Patty Ducharme, National Vice-President;
Allison Pilon, Human Rights/Employment Equity Officer.
Mr. Sims made an opening statement and, with Ms. Miller and Ms. Pratt, answered questions.
At 7:45 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 7:47 p.m., the committee resumed.
Ms. Ducharme made a presentation and, with Ms. Pilon, answered questions.
At 8:20 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 8:26 p.m., the committee resumed.
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.)
WITNESSES:
EGALE Canada:
Akim Ade Larcher, Director of Policy and Research.
International Centre for Transitional Justice:
Eduardo Gonzalez, Deputy Director, Americas.
Mr. Larcher and Mr. Gonzalez each made a presentation and, together, answered questions.
At 9:10 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 9:13 p.m., the committee resumed in camera.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 12, 2009, the committee continued its examination of the elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009, dealing with equitable compensation (Part 11). (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 6.)
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee proceeded to the consideration of a draft report.
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, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to make editorial revisions without modifying the content.
At 9:26 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee proceeded to the consideration of a draft agenda.
At 9:32 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Adam Thompson
Clerk of the Committee