Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence

Issue 13 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 4, 2013

OTTAWA, Monday, March 4, 2013
(25)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day at 4 p.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Pamela Wallin, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Boisvenu, Campbell, Dallaire, Day, Manning, Mitchell, Nolin, Plett and Wallin (9).

In attendance: Holly Porteous and Martin Auger, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliamente.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, the committee continued its study of Canada's national security and defence policies, practices, circumstances and capabilities. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1.)

WITNESSES:

Centre for Strategic and International Studies:

James Andrew Lewis, Senior Fellow, Director of the Technology and Public Policy Program (by video conference).

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Lewis made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:48 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:50 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, November 8, 2012, the committee continued its study on harassment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

WITNESSES:

RCMP External Review Committee:

Catherine Ebbs, Chair;

David Paradiso, Executive Director and Senior Counsel.

The chair made a statement.

Ms. Ebbs made a statement and, together with Mr. Paradiso, the witnesses answered questions.

At 5:58 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:05 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room for today's meeting.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority of the Senate for the following order of reference:

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to examine and report on military bases in Canada; to receive briefings from senior officers and other personnel; examine training and other facilities; and observe training simulations and exercises.

At 6:21 p.m., the committee resumed its meeting in public.

It was agreed that the following budget application (Canada's defence and security relationships with the United States) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 be approved for submission to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

Summary of Expenditures

General Expenses	$ 0
Activity 1: Washington, D.C.	38,020
TOTAL	$38,020

It was agreed that the following budget application (Veterans Affairs) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 be approved for submission to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration:

Summary of Expenditures

General Expenses	$ 700
Activity 1: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (Qc)	3,990
Activity 2: Charlettetown (Veterans Affair Canada)	19,780
TOTAL	$24,470

At 6:23 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Josée Thérien

Clerk of the Committee