Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 21 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 9, 2017

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 9, 2017
(52)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:29 a.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, Boniface, Dagenais, Dupuis, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Omidvar, Pate, Pratte, Runciman, Sinclair and White (15).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Campbell (1).

In attendance: Robin Mackay 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 Thursday, December 1, 2016, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-224, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (assistance — drug overdose).

WITNESSES:

Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, sponsor of the bill;

Todd Doherty, Member of Parliament for Cariboo—Prince George.

As an individual:

Christine Padaric.

Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council:

Michael Parkinson, Community Engagement Coordinator.

Ottawa Public Health:

Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health, Office of the Medical Officer of Health.

As individuals:

Trevor Daroux, Retired Deputy Chief, Calgary Police Service;

Michael Crystal, Lawyer, Spiteri & Ursulak LLP.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. McKinnon, Ms. Padaric, Mr. Doherty and Mr. Parkinson each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 11:29, the committee suspended

At 11:35, the committee resumed.

Dr. Levy, Mr. Crystal and Mr. Daroux each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 12:31 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee