Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 34 - Minutes of Proceedings - April 17, 2013

OTTAWA, Wednesday, April 17, 2013
(79)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:16 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Fraser, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Plett, Rivest, Runciman, and White (12).

In attendance: Lyne Casavant, 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 Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Criminal Code. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 31).

WITNESSES:

Government of Manitoba:

The Honourable Andrew Swan, M.L.A., Minister of Justice and Attorney General (by video conference).

Manitoba Victim Services:

Suzanne Gervais, Executive Director (by video conference).

Canadian Bar Association:

Ian Carter, Representative, Partner, Bayne Sellar Bosall;

Tamra L. Thomson, Director, Legislation and Law Reform.

The chair made an opening statement.

Minister Swan made a statement and, together with Ms. Gervais, answered questions.

At 5:02 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:05 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Thomson and Mr. Carter each made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:45 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:52 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-309, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (concealment of identity).

WITNESS:

Blake Richards, M.P., Wild Rose, sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Richards made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:32 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee