Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 12 -  Minutes of Proceedings - September 27, 2016

VANCOUVER, Tuesday, September 27, 2016
(30)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 1:47 p.m., in the Cristal Room, Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Dagenais, Jaffer, McIntyre and Runciman (6).

In attendance: Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analyst, Parliament Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament and Aaron Bell, Communications Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

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 proceeding of the committee Issue No. 1.)

WITNESSES:

Vancouver Police Department:

Adam Palmer, Chief Constable.

British Columbia Crown Counsel Association:

Jennifer Lopes, Vice President.

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Government of British Columbia:

Sam MacLeod, Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

BC Justice Reform Initiatives:

Geoffrey Cowper, Chair.

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC:

Darlene Shackelly, Executive Director.

Acumen Law Corporation:

Paul Doroshenko, Lawyer.

Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia:

Richard Fowler, Fowler and Smith.

Peck and Company:

Eric Gottardi, Partner.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Cowper, Ms. Lopes, Mr. Palmer and Mr. MacLeod and each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 3:02 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:15 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Gottardi, Mr. Fowler, Mr. Doroshenko and Ms. Shackelly each made a statement and, together, answered question.

At 4:29 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee