Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 33, Minutes of Proceedings - June 18, 2015

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 18, 2015
(84)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:30 a.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, Dagenais, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., MacDonald, McInnis, McIntyre, Plett, Runciman and White (11).

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

In attendance: Julian Walker and Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-35, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (law enforcement animals, military animals and service animals).

WITNESSES:

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies:

Barbara Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer.

Canadian Police Canine Association:

Stephen Kaye, President.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind:

Diane Bergeron, Executive Director, Strategic Relations and Engagement.

Criminal Lawyers' Association:

Michael Spratt, Member and Criminal Defence Counsel.

Edmonton Police Canine Unit:

Troy Carriere, Staff Sergeant, Section Commander of Canine/Flight Operations (by video conference).

Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers:

Brian Hurley, Representative (by video conference).

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Cartwright, Mr. Kay and Ms. Bergeron each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:29 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:50 a.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Spratt, Mr. Carriere and Mr. Hurley each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:36 p.m., the Honourable Senator MacDonald replaced the Honourable Senator Plett as a member of the committee.

The witnesses were excused.

At 12:59 p.m., it was agreed to proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-35, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (law enforcement animals, military animals and service animals).

WITNESSES:

Department of Justice:

Carole Morency, Director General and Senior General Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section;

Michael E. Zigayer, Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section.

The officials were called to the table and answered questions.

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 2, carry.

It was agreed that clause 3, carry.

It was agreed that clause 4, carry.

It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill carry.

It was agreed that the bill be reported to the Senate.

At 1:01 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee