Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 20 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 7, 2012
(48)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:31 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Angus, Baker, P.C., Boisvenu, Chaput, Di Nino, Fraser, Fortin-Duplessis, Jaffer, Runciman, Smith P.C. (Cobourg), Unger and White (12).

In attendance: Robin MacKay and Erin Shaw, 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 Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the continued its consideration of Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (citizen's arrest and the defences of property and persons). (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 19.)

The deputy chair asked that the clerk verify the translation and interpretation of the last committee meeting in order to ensure that the official transcript is accurate.

The chair made an opening statement.

It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (citizen's arrest and the defences of property and persons)

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title stand postponed.

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 clause 1, which contains the short title carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill carry.

At 10:37 a.m., it was agreed that the committee continue in camera, pursuant to rule 92 (2)(f), in order to consider a draft report (observations).

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room for the in camera portions of today's meeting.

It was agreed that the chair and deputy chair send a letter to the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the committee, outlining some observations on the bill.

At 10:49 a.m., the committee continued in public.

It was agreed that the chair report this bill to the Senate.

At 10:50 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:31 a.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the committee began its study of Bill C-310, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).

WITNESSES:

Joy Smith, M.P., Kildonan-St. Paul, Sponsor of the Bill.

Walk With Me Canada:

Robert Hooper, Chairperson, Board of Directors.

Ratanak International:

Brian McConaghy, Founding Director.

International Justice Mission Canada:

Jamie McIntosh, Founder and Executive Director.

Ms. Smith made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:20 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:25 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Hooper, Mr. McConaghy and Mr. McIntosh each made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:17 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee