Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 44 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, December 12, 1996
(59)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, met this day, in Room 256-S, Centre Block, at 10:31 a.m., the Chair, the Honourable Senator Sharon Carstairs, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Bryden, Carstairs, Gigantès, Lewis, Lynch-Staunton, Milne, Murray, Nolin, Pearson and Stanbury (11).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Prud'homme.

In attendance: James Robertson and Mollie Dunsmuir, Research Officers, Research Branch of the Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESS:

Mr. Pierre F. Côté, C.R. Director General for Elections (Quebec), Chairman, Commission de la représentation électorale.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on, Thursday, December 5, 1996, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-63, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act, the Parliament of Canada Act and the Referendum Act. (See Issue No. 41, Monday, December 9, 1996, for full text of Order of Reference.)

The Chair made a statement.

Mr. Pierre F. Côté made a statement and answered questions.

The witness answered questions.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Lynch-Staunton -- THAT the committee dispense with clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-63.

After debate, it was agreed.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Lewis -- THAT Bill C-63 be reported to the Senate without amendment.

The question being put on the motion, it was agreed, on division.

At 12:27 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Heather Lank

Clerk of the Committee