Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 11 -  Minutes of Proceedings - June 16, 2016

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 16, 2016
(28)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:30 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable George Baker, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Beyak, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Plett, Runciman, Sinclair and White (12).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-217, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (detention in custody).

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Senator Bob Runciman, sponsor of the bill;

Michael Cooper, Member of Parliament, St-Albert - Edmonton.

As an individual:

Shelley Wynn.

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police:

Rachel Huntsman, Legal Counsel, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary;

David Truax, Superintendent, Ontario Provincial Police;

Lara Malashenko, Legal Counsel, Ottawa Police Service.

Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada:

Rae Banwarie, President (by video conference).

Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness:

John Muise, Director of Public Safety.

The deputy chair made a statement.

The Honourable Senator Runciman, Mr. Cooper and Ms. Wynn each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 11:32 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:40 a.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Truax, Mr. Banwarie and Mr. Muise each made a statement and, together with Ms. Huntsman and Ms. Malachenko, answer questions.

At 12:01 p.m., the Honourable Senator Beyak replaced the Honourable Senator McIntyre as a member of the committee.

At 12:37 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-217, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (detention in custody).

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 1 carry.

It was agreed that clause 2 carry.

After debate, it was agreed that clause 3 be negatived.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill carry, as amended.

After debate, it was agreed that observations be appended to the committee's report on the bill.

It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the observations being appended to the report taking into consideration today's discussion and with any necessary editorial, grammatical or translation changes as required.

It was agreed that the deputy chair report the bill, as amended, with observations, to the Senate.

At 12:42 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee