Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue No. 31 - Minutes of Proceedings - June 15, 2017

OTTAWA, Thursday, June 15, 2017
(76)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:31 a.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Batters, Dupuis, Joyal, P.C., MacDonald, McIntyre, Omidvar, Pate, Pratte and Runciman (9).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Gold (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 Tuesday, June 13, 2017, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-305, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (mischief).

WITNESSES:

Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament for Nepean, sponsor of the bill.

As an individual:

Rebecca Bromwich, Director, Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution Program, Department of Law and Legal Studies, Carleton University.

Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers:

William Trudell, Chair.

Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs:

Richard Marceau, General Counsel and Senior Political Advisor.

World Sikh Organization of Canada:

Mukhbir Singh, President.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

Imtiaz Ahmed, Imam.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Arya, Ms. Bromwich and Mr. Trudell each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

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

At 11:37 a.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Marceau, Mr. Singh and Mr. Ahmed each made a statement and, together, answered questions

At 12:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee