Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 20 - Minutes of Proceedings

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met at 3:37 p.m., this day, in room 257, East Block, the Honourable Senator Milne, Chair, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Joyal, P.C., Milne, Moore, Nolin, Pearson, and Rivest (7).

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Nancy Holmes and David Goetz.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, November 6, 2001, the committee proceeded to study Bill C-15A, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to amend other Acts.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Anne McLellan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Justice:

Mr. Howard Bebbington, Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section;

Ms Lisette Lafontaine, Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section;

Ms Mary McFadyen, Senior Counsel, Conviction Review Group;

Ms Carole Morency, Coordinator, Children Law Policy Unit, Family, Children and Youth Section.

From the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted:

Mr. Melvyn Green, Board Member.

From the Innocence Project, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University:

Ms Dianne Martin, Professor.

From the Canadian Police Association:

Mr. David Griffin, Executive Agent;

Mr. Sandy Brohman, President of Peel Regional Police Association.

From the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police:

Mr. Mike Shard, Member;

Mr. Vince Westwick, Legal Advisor, Law Amendments Committee.

The minister made a statement and, together with the officials answered questions.

The minister tabled a document entitled "A handbook for police and crown prosecutors on criminal harassment." (Evidence No. 5900-1.37/L1-C-15A, 20 "1")

Mr. Green and Ms Martin each made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:17 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 6:25 p.m., the sitting was resumed.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, November 20, 2001, the committee proceeded to study Bill C-40, An Act to correct certain anomalies, inconsistencies and errors and to deal with other matters of a non-controversial and uncomplicated nature in the Statutes of Canada and to repeal certain provisions that have expired, lapsed or otherwise ceased to have effect.

The Honourable Senator Moore moved - That the committee make the necessary steps to instruct the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel to correct the printing error in the parchment.

The question put on the motion, it was agreed.

It was agreed - That the committee move to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-40.

It was agreed - That clause 1 stand postponed.

It was agreed - That clauses 2 to 84 carry.

It was agreed - That clause 1 carry.

It was agreed - That the Title carry.

It was agreed - That this Bill be adopted.

It was agreed - That the Chair report this Bill without amendment, but noting the parchment error, at the next sitting of the Senate.

At 6:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 6:35 p.m., the sitting was resumed. The committee continued its study of Bill C-15A.

Mr. Westwick and Mr. Shard made a statement. Mr. Griffin and Mr. Brohman made a statement. The witnesses answered questions.

At 7:17 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair

ATTEST:

Josée Thérien

Clerk of the Committee