Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 32 - Minutes of Proceedings - August 7, 2018

EDMONTON, Tuesday, August 7, 2018
(66)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 6:08 p.m., in the Main Hall, ACT Recreation Centre, the chair, the Honourable Wanda Elaine Thomas Bernard, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Bernard, Cordy and Pate (4).

In attendance: Maxime Charron-Tousignant and Dominique Montpetit, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; Sarah Dea, Communications Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

Also present: The official reporter of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, December 15, 2016, the committee continued its study on the issues relating to the human rights of prisoners in the correctional system. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 14.)

WITNESSES:

As individuals:

Lisa Neve;

Clare McNab, Retired, Warden of Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge and former Deputy Warden of Bowden Institution, Correctional Service Canada;

Toni Sinclair;

Travis Dugas.

John Howard Society of Alberta:

Chris Hay, Executive Director.

Correctional Service Canada Regional Ethnocultural Advisory Committee:

Anoush Newman;

Maria Morales.

Correctional Service Canada:

Sue Coatham, Parole Officer Supervisor, Calgary Area Parole Office.

Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta:

Arthur Noskey, Grand Chief.

The chair made a statement.

It was agreed that photography and filming be authorized during this meeting.

It was agreed that, for the purpose of receiving testimony during the committee's public hearings on August 7 and 11, 2018, quorum be any two members of the committee.

Ms. Neve and Mr. Hay made statements and answered questions.

At 7 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:16 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Newman, Ms. Morales, and Ms. Coatham made statements and answered questions.

At 8:10 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:18 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. McNab and Mr. Noskey made statements and answered questions.

At 9:20 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 9:26 p.m., the committee resumed.

The committee invited the public to make statements in a town hall format.

Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Dugas made statements and answered questions.

At 9:51 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Joëlle Nadeau
Clerk of the Committee