Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings - October 3, 2011

OTTAWA, Monday, October 3, 2011
(2)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 4:05 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Patrick Brazeau, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Brazeau, Hubley, Nancy Ruth and Zimmer (6).

In attendance: Julian Walker, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament and Jean-Pierre Morin, Communications Officer, Communication Directorate.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, the committee began 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. (Federal programs supporting sports and recreational activities for children and youth with disabilities)

WITNESSES:

Accessible Sport Council London and Area:

Darda Sales, Co-Chair.

Paralympic Sports Association:

Kim McDonald, Executive Director.

Parasport Ontario:

Brian MacPherson, Director.

AlterGo:

Monique Lefebvre, Executive Director.

Ms. Sales, Ms. McDonald, Mr. MacPherson and Ms. Lefebvre each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 5:18 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:31 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Senator Zimmer moved that the following budget application for the special study on issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations in the amount of $ 219,645 be approved for submission to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration:

Summary of Expenditures:

Professional and Other Services	$ 6,000
Transportation and Communications	200,410
All Other Expenditures	13,235
TOTAL	$ 219,645

After debate, the question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 5:33 p.m., the committee pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), continued in camera to consider a draft agenda.

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

It was agreed that senators be permitted to submit proposals for new studies to the clerk of the committee by October 11, 2011.

At 5:37 p.m., the committee, pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), considered a draft report.

It was agreed that the draft report be adopted; and

That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to make any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required.

At 5:41 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee