Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 14 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, June 4, 2012 (16)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 1:36 p.m. in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Harb, Jaffer, Meredith, Nancy Ruth, Robichaud, Seidman, White and Zimmer (9).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Lyne Casavan, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; Ceri Au, Communications Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, the committee continued its examination of cyberbullying in Canada with regard to Canada's international human rights obligations under Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 6.)

WITNESSES:

Springbank Middle School:

Bill Belsey, Teacher (by video conference);

Samantha Hoogveld, Student (by video conference);

Mariel Calvo, Student (by video conference);

Emily Dickey, Student (by video conference);

Emilie Richards, Student (by video conference);

Molly Turner, Student (by video conference);

Katie Allan, Student (by video conference);

Shelby Anderson, Student (by video conference);

Sloane Anderson, Student (by video conference);

Oliver Buchner, Student (by video conference).

Anti-Defamation League:

Scott Hirschfeld, Director of Curriculum (by video conference);

Seth M. Marnin, Assistant Director, Legal Affairs, Civil Rights Division (by video conference).

Egale Canada:

Helen Kennedy, Executive Director.

Vidéotron:

Marie-Eve Villeneuve, Director, Corporate Communications.

UNICEF Canada:

Marvin Bernstein, Chief Advisor, Advocacy.

Canadian Red Cross:

Chris Hilton, Senior Manager, Government Relations;

Alisha Virmani, Youth Leader;

Amélie Doyon, Creating Safe Environments Officer.

Canadian Council of Provincial Child and Youth Advocates:

Christian Whalen, Acting Child and Youth Advocate, Office of the Ombudsman of New Brunswick.

Mr. Belsey, Ms. Hoogveld, Ms. Calvo, Ms. Dickey, Ms. Richards, Ms. Turner, Ms. Allan, Ms. Shelby Anderson, Ms. Sloane Anderson and Mr. Buchner each made a presentation and answered questions.

At 3 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:08 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Marnin, Mr. Hirschfeld and Ms. Kennedy each made a presentation and together answered questions.

At 4:30 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:37 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Villeneuve made a presentation and answered questions.

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

At 5:37 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Bernstein, Mr. Hilton and Ms. Virmani each made a presentation and, together, answered questions with Ms. Doyon.

At 6:52 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:54 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Whalen made a presentation and answered questions.

The Honourable Senator Meredith moved:

That the committee allow the transcription and recording of the in camera portions of meeting involving minors;

That one copy be kept in the office of the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and by the committee analysts, and

That the transcript be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

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

The Honourable Senator Meredith moved:

That senators' staff not be allowed in the room for the in camera portion of meetings involving minors.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 7:41 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee