Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 8 -  Minutes of Proceedings - May 6, 2016 (Afternoon Meeting)

HALIFAX, Friday, May 6, 2016
(19)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 1:01 p.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:

As individuals:

The Honourable Pamela Williams, Chief Judge, Provincial and Family Courts of Nova Scotia;

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

Michelle Williams, Director, IB&M Initiative, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University.

Tri-County Restorative Justice:

Tanya Bain, Director.

Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network:

Paula Marshall, Program Manager.

Halifax Regional Police:

Jean-Michel Blais, Chief of Police;

James Butler, Inspector.

The chair made a statement.

Chief Judge Williams and Ms. Llewellyn each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 1:52 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 1:54 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Bain and Ms. Marshall each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 2:45 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:59 p.m., the committee resumed.

Chief Blais and Ms. Williams each made a statement and, together with Inspector Butler, answered questions.

At 3:57 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee