Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 13 -  Minutes of Proceedings - October 19, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 19, 2016
(34)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:18 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, Dagenais, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Runciman, Sinclair and White (8).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analysts, Parliament 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 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 proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 1.)

WITNESSES:

Canadian Bar Association:

Ian M. Carter, Treasurer, Criminal Justice Section;

Gaylene Schellenberg, Lawyer, Legislation and Law Reform.

The chair made a statement

Ms. Schellenberg and Mr. Carter each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 5:35 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:37 p.m., the committee, pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that the proposed trip to Toronto for the court delays study be cancelled.

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

That the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be authorized to examine and report on the reports of the Chief Electoral Officer on the 42nd General Election of October 19, 2015 and associated matters dealing with Elections Canada's conduct of the election; and,

That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2016 and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.

At 5:52 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee