Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 19 - Minutes of Proceedings, May 31, 2012

OTTAWA, Thursday, May 31, 2012
(46)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met at 10:32 a.m. this day, in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Angus, Baker, P.C., Boisvenu, Chaput, Dagenais, Di Nino, Fraser, Joyal, P.C., Runciman, Unger and White (11).

In attendance: Robin MacKay and Erin Shaw, 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 Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (citizen's arrest and the defences of property and persons).

WITNESSES:

Criminal Lawyer's Association:

Michael Spratt, Representative.

Canadian Criminal Justice Association:

Stacey Hannem, Chair, Police Review Committee (by video conference).

As individuals:

Hamish Stewart, Law Professor, University of Toronto;

Emma Cunliffe, Law Professor, University of British Columbia (by video conference);

Leo Russomanno, Criminal Lawyer.

The chair made an opening statement.

Mr. Spratt, Ms. Hannem and Mr. Russomanno each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:31 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:38 a.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Stewart and Ms. Cunliffe each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:33 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee