Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 8 -  Minutes of Proceedings - May 6, 2016

HALIFAX, Friday, May 6, 2016
(18)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 8:07 a.m., in Compass Room Main Floor, Four Points by Sheraton Halifax, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Dagenais, Jaffer, McIntyre, Runciman and White (7).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament and Stéphanie Fillion, Communications Officer, Senate Communications Directorate.

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 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:

Province of Nova Scotia:

Jocelyn Yerxa, Acting Director, Department of Seniors.

Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women:

Stephanie MacInnis-Langley, Executive Director.

Nova Scotia Barristers' Society:

Emma Halpern, Equity and Access Officer.

Cumberland Restorative Justice Society:

Jennifer Furlong, Executive Director.

As an individual:

Jennifer Llewellyn, Professor, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University.

Council of Parties for the Restorative Public Inquiry into the Home for Colored Children:

Tony Smith, Co-chair.

Chignecto-Central Regional School Board:

Scott Milner, Director, Education Services.

The chair made a statement.

Ms. Llewellyn made a statement and led a discussion in the style of a restorative justice sharing circle with Mr. Yerxa, Ms. MacInnis-Langley, Ms. Halpern, Ms. Furlong, Mr. Smith and Mr. Milner. The witnesses then answered questions.

At 10:07 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee