Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 2 -  Minutes of Proceedings - February 17, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 17, 2016
(4)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:16 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Fraser, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Plett, Runciman and White (11).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament; and Marcy Galipeau, Committees Liaison Officer, Communications Directorate, Senate of Canada.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, January 28, 2016, the committee continued its examination of a study on matters pertaining to delays in Canada's criminal justice system. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceeding of the committee, Issue No. 1.)

WITNESSES:

Public Prosecution Service of Canada:

Brian Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions;

George Dolhai, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Saunders made a statement and, together with Mr. Dolhai, answered questions.

At 5:23 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:25 p.m., the committee resumed and considered a draft agenda (future business).

The chair made a statement.

The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved:

That the following legislative budget application for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, in the amount of $2,300 be approved for submission to the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

Summary of Expenditures

General Expenses	$ 2,300
TOTAL	$ 2,300

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Baker, P.C., that the committee proceed in camera.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

At 5:26 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that submissions from non-governmental witnesses could be distributed in the language received with the translation to follow.

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

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee