Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 49 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, March 13, 1997
(67)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, met this day, in Room 256-S, Centre Block, at 11:00 a.m., the Chair, the Honourable Senator Sharon Carstairs, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beaudoin, Carstairs, Doyle, Gigantès, Lewis, Losier-Cool, and Milne (7).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Adams and Corbin (2).

In attendance: Kate Dunkley, Research Officer, Research Branch of the Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: Mark Audcent, Law Clerk & Parliamentary Counsel; the official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Michael A. Meighen, Senator, Sponsor of the bill;

Mr. Tim Wilson, articling student assisting Senator Meighen.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, February 18, 1997, the committee commenced its consideration Bill S-15, An Act to amend an Act to incorporate the Bishop of the Arctic of the Church of England in Canada.

The Chair made a statement and noted that the witness is called upon to prove the preamble to Bill S-15.

Senator Gigantès made a statement.

The Honourable Michael A. Meighen made an opening statement and answered questions.

Senator Corbin suggested a recommendation be added to the report.

Mr. Mark Audcent answered questions. Mr. Audcent assured the committee that Bill S-15 is in proper legislative form.

Mr. Tim Wilson answered a question.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Lewis -- THAT Bill S-15 be reported to the Senate without amendment.

The question being put on the Motion, -- it was agreed, on division (Senator Gigantès).

It was agreed, -- THAT the Steering Committee be authorized to draft a recommendation drawing the attention of the government to the concerns of the committee with respect to the types of situations in which Parliament is being asked to deal with issues of private incorporation.

The Honourable Senator Losier-Cool moved -- THAT the following budget application for the fiscal year 1997-1998 be concurred in and that the Chairman submit same to the Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration for consideration:

Professional and Other Services $ 19,600.

Transportation and Communications 30,000.

Other Expenditures 1,500

TOTAL $ 51,100.

After debate, the budget was adopted.

The committee proceeded to consider future business.

After debate, it was agreed that, having received the permission of the Senate to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings on Bill C-71, the committee allow such television coverage.

It was agreed, -- THAT the committee decide on whether to allow coverage by electronic media on a bill-by-bill basis.

It was also agreed, -- THAT the Clerk of the Committee should inform each witness of the possibility of being televised and that should the witness have any objections, the committee should respect the witness' wishes.

At 12:00 p.m., the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft report on Bill S-10.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator Nolin -- THAT the committee report to the Senate recommending that Bill S-10 not be proceeded with further at this time.

The question being put on the Motion, -- it was agreed.

At 12:10 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Heather Lank

Clerk of the Committee