Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 8 - Minutes of Proceedings - June 22, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 22, 2016
(16)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 11:32 a.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Jim Munson, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Gagné, Hubley, Martin, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Ngo and Omidvar (9).

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 Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the committee continued its study to monitor issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 3.)

WITNESSES:

As an individual:

Vu minh Khanh, Human Rights Advocate.

VOICE Canada:

Hoi Trinh, Executive Director.

Global Affairs Canada:

Evelyn Puxley, Director, South East Asia and Oceania Relations Division.

The chair made a statement.

Ms. Khanh and Mr. Trinh each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:26 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:32 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Puxley made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:27 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 1:32 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft report.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 14, 2016, the committee continued 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. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 4.)

It was agreed that senators' staff be allowed to remain in the room.

At 1:53 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Mark Palmer

Clerk of the Committee