Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 12 - Minutes of Proceedings - December 7, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, December 7, 2016
(24)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day 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 Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Gagné, Martin, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Ngo and Omidvar (8).

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 consideration 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.)

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

Richard Arbeiter, Director General, Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion;

Patricia Pena, Director General, Economic Development;

Giuliana Natale, Director, Inclusion and Religious Freedom, Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion

Pamela O'Donnell, Director and Deputy Head, Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs).

Cardus:

Andrew P.W. Bennett, Senior Fellow.

Mr. Arbeiter made a statement and, together with Ms. Pena, Ms. Natale and Ms. O'Donnell, answered questions.

At 12:43 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:47 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Bennett made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:39 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Mark Palmer

Clerk of the Committee