Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 5 -  Minutes of Proceedings - March 23, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 23, 2016
(10)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:18 p.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, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Fraser, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Plett, Runciman and White (11).

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, January 28, 2016, the committee continued its study on matters pertaining to delays in Canada's criminal justice system. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1).

WITNESSES:

Canadian Police Association:

Tom Stamatakis, President (by video conference).

As an individual:

Raymond Wyant, Former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba (by video conference).

British Columbia Civil Liberties Association:

Josh Paterson, Executive Director.

The committee observed a minute of silence in memory of Jim Hillyer, M.P.

The chair made a statement.

It was agreed that the article entitled "Des délais intenables'' published in the newspaper Le Devoir on Monday, March 21, 2016 presented by the Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., be filed as an exhibit (Exhibit 362109-42.1/LCJC- SS1, 2 "3'').

Mr. Stamatakis made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:12 p.m., the committee suspended.

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

Mr. Wyant and Mr. Paterson each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 6:17 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:18 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved:

That the following special study budget application (Study on matters pertaining to delays in Canada's criminal justice system) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, in the amount of $218,417 be approved for submission to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

Summary of Expenditures

Activity 1: Toronto $ 27,977

Activity 2: Montreal 20,774

Activity 3: Vancouver, Calgary
and Saskatoon 104,326

Activity 4: Halifax 65,340

TOTAL $ 218,417

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

At 6:23 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee