Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 9, Minutes of Proceedings - May 7, 2014

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 7, 2014
(23)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met at 4:18 p.m. this day, 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, Frum, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McInnis, McIntyre, Plett, Rivest and Runciman (12).

In attendance: Robin MacKay and Julian Walker, 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 Wednesday, April 9, 2014, the committee began its study of the subject-matter of Division 5 of Part 6 of Bill C-31, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 11, 2014 and other measures.

WITNESSES:

Justice Canada:

Laurie Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Law Sector;

Catherine McKinnon, Senior Counsel, Judicial Affairs, Courts and Tribunal Policy.

Canadian Bar Association:

Fred Headon, President.

Tamra Thomson, Director, Legislation and Law Reform.

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Wright made a statement and, together with Ms. McKinnon, answered questions.

At 5:15 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:19 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Headon made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:16 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee