Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 12 - Minutes of Proceedings - November 30, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, November 30, 2016
(23)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 11:31 a.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, 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: Jean-Philippe Duguay and Erin Shaw, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: 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 examination of 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.) (Topic: Available economic levers to enhance respect for human rights, including the Export and Import Permits Act)

WITNESSES:

University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs:

Ronald J. Deibert, Professor of Political Science (by video conference).

European Digital Rights:

Walter Van Holst, Vrijschrift (by video conference).

Professor Deibert and Mr. Holst made statements and answered questions.

At 12:34 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:38 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the committee continued its examination of 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.) (Topic: Gender Based Analysis in the making of federal policy and legislation)

WITNESSES:

Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer:

Jean-Denis Fréchette, Parliamentary Budget Officer;

Peter Weltman, Senior Director, Costing and Program Analysis.

Department of Finance Canada:

Richard Botham, Assistant Deputy Minister, Economic Development and Corporate Finance Branch;

Martine Lajoie, Senior Advisor, Economic Development and Corporate Finance Branch;

Harriet Jackson, General Director, Economic and Fiscal Policy Branch.

Mr. Fréchette and Mr. Weltman made statements and Mr. Fréchette, answered questions.

Mr. Botham made a statement and, together with Ms. Lajoie and Ms. Jackson answered questions.

At 1:34 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 1:36 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

At 1:40 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Mark Palmer

Clerk of the Committee