Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 5 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 31, 2014

OTTAWA, Monday, March 31, 2014
(7)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 5:01 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Eggleton, P.C., Hubley, Ngo, Seidman and Unger (7).

In attendance: Julia Nicol and Shauna Troniak, 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, February 27, 2014, the committee continued its study of the international mechanisms toward improving cooperation in the settlement of cross-border family disputes, including Canada's actions to encourage universal adherence to and compliance with the Hague Abductions Convention, and to strengthen cooperation with non-Hague State Parties with the purpose of upholding children's best interests. (For the complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 3.)

WITNESSES:

Justice Canada:

Laurie Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Law Sector;

Marie Riendeau, Counsel, International Private Law Section;

Sandra Zed Finless, Senior Counsel, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, Legal Services.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada:

William Crosbie, Assistant Deputy Minister, Consular, Security and Legal Branch, Chief Security Officer and Legal Adviser;

Béatrice Maillé, Director General, Consular Policy Bureau;

Leslie Scanlon, Director General, Consular Operations Bureau.

Missing Children Society of Canada:

Amanda Pick, Executive Director.

International Social Service — Canada:

Dick Chamney, Board President;

Sylvie Lapointe, Director of Services.

International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children:

Ernie Allen, President and CEO (by video conference).

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Wright and Mr. Crosbie each made a statement and, together with Ms. Riendeau, Ms. Zed Finless, Ms. Maillé and Ms. Scanlon, answered questions.

At 6:34 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:53 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Pick, Messrs. Chamney and Allen each made a statement and, together with Ms. Lapointe, answered questions.

At 7:46 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee