Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 18, Minutes of Proceedings - October 9, 2014

OTTAWA, Thursday, October 9, 2014
(44)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met at 10:30 a.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, McInnis, McIntyre, Mitchell, Plett and Runciman (10).

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 Thursday, June 5, 2014, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-279, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity).

WITNESSES:

As individuals:

Jesse Thompson.

Michael Crystal, Barrister, Crystal & Associates.

Egale Canada:

Ryan Dyck, Director of Research and Policy.

REAL Women of Canada:

Diane Watts, Resercher.

Canadian Civil Liberties Association:

Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, director, Equality Program.

Ottawa Police Service:

Superintendant Don Sweet, Criminal Investigations Directorate;

David Snoddy, Director of Community Development.

The chair made an opening statement.

Mr. Dyck and Mr. Thompson each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:16 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:24 a.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Watts and Mr. Crystal each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:22 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:33 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Mendelsohn and Superintendant Sweet each made a statement and, together with Mr. Snoddy, answered questions.

At 1:05 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee