Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 18 - Minutes of Proceedings, May 9, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 9, 2012
(42)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met at 4:20 p.m. this day, in room 257, East Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Joan Fraser presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Angus, Baker, P.C., Boisvenu, Chaput, Di Nino, Fraser, Housakos, Joyal, P.C., Runciman, Unger and White (11).

In attendance: Robin MacKay Analyst, 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, April 26, 2012, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (prize fights).

APPEARING:

The Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P., Minister of State (Sport)

WITNESSES:

Canadian Heritage:

Nada Semaan, Associate Deputy Minister;

Dan Smith, Director, Policy and Planning, Sports Canada.

Edmonton Combative Sports Commission:

Patrick Reid, Executive Director.

As individuals:

Dr. Teresa DeFreitas, sports medicine consultant;

Ken Hayashi.

The deputy chair made an opening statement.

The minister made a statement and, together with Ms. Semaan and Mr. Smith, answered questions.

At 5:01 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:08 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Hayashi, Mr. Reid and Dr. DeFreitas each made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:21 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee