Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 22 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 16, 2017

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 16, 2017
(54)

[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, Boisvenu, Boniface, Carignan, P.C., Dagenais, Dean, Dupuis, Joyal, P.C., McIntyre, Pate, Pratte, Sinclair and White (14).

In attendance: Maxime Charron-Tousignant, Analyst, 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, December 14, 2016, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code (protection of journalistic sources).

WITNESSES:

Quebec Federation of Professional Journalists:

Stéphane Giroux, President of the Board of Directors;

Caroline Locher, Executive Director.

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression:

Tom Henheffer, Executive Director.

Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers:

William Trudell, Chair.

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP:

Mark Bantey, Partner (by video conference).

Canadian Media Lawyers Association:

Christian Leblanc, Chair, Protection of Sources Committee;

Iain MacKinnon, Media Lawyer.

The deputy chair made a statement.

Mr Henheffer, Mr. Giroux and Ms. Locher each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:31 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:36 a.m., the committee resumed.

The deputy chair made a statement.

Mr. Trudell, Mr. Leblanc, Mr. MacKinnon and Mr. Bantey each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:40 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

At 12:43 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee