Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 30 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 27, 2013

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 27, 2013
(70)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day, at 4:17 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Boisvenu, Fraser, Frum, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Plett, Rivest, Runciman and White (10).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Watt (1).

In attendance: Lyne Casavant and Christine Morris, 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 Thursday, June 7, 2012, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-207, An Act to amend the Interpretation Act (non-derogation of aboriginal treaty rights).

WITNESSES:

The Honorable Senator Charlie Watt, sponsor of the Bill.

Justice Canada:

Bruce Becker, Acting Senior General Counsel, Aboriginal Law Centre;

Paul Salembier, General Counsel, Operations and Programs, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Legal Services Unit.

The chair made an opening statement.

The Honorable Senator Watt made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:58 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:03 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Becker made a statement and, together with Mr. Salembier, answered questions.

At 5:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee