Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 5 - Minutes of Proceedings - May 11, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 11, 2016
(10)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met in camera at 11:33 a.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Jim Munson, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Cordy, Hubley, Martin, Munson, Nancy Ruth and Ngo (7).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Omidvar and Unger (2).

In attendance: Julia Nicol and Jean-Philippe Duguay, 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, April 14, 2016, the committee began its study on steps being taken to facilitate the integration of newly-arrived Syrian refugees and to address the challenges they are facing, including by the various levels of government, private sponsors and non-governmental organizations.

WITNESSES:

Refugee 613:

Louisa Taylor, Director.

As individuals:

Witness 1;

Witness 2.

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia:

Gerry Mills, Director, Operations (by video conference).

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 14, 2016, that, notwithstanding Rule 92, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be empowered to hold occasional meetings in camera for the purpose of hearing witnesses and gathering sensitive evidence, the committee heard testimony from witnesses in camera.

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting.

It was agreed, that the committee allow the transcription of the in camera portions of today's meeting, that one copy be kept in the office of the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members present or by the committee analysts; and that the transcript be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

The chair made a statement.

Witness 1 and Witness 2 each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:35 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:42 p.m., the committee resumed in public.

Ms. Taylor and Ms. Mills each made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:28 p.m., the deputy chair, the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, took the chair.

At 1:30 p.m., the chair, the Honourable Senator Munson took the chair.

At 1:46 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Mark Palmer

Clerk of the Committee