Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology

Issue 26 - Minutes

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 2:00 p.m., in Room 505 of the Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Michael Kirby presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cook, Christensen, Di Nino, Fairbairn, (5:15 p.m.), Finnerty, Kirby, LeBreton, Morin, Pearson, Poulin and Robichaud (11).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Beaudoin, Rompkey and Stollery (4).

In attendance: Jay Sinha and Benjamin Dolin, Research Officers, Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senateon Thursday, September 27, 2001 the Committee began its consideration of Bill C-11, An Act respecting immigration to Canada and the granting of refugee protection to persons who are displaced, persecuted or in danger.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Citizenship and Immigration:

Joan Atkinson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Program Development;

Dick Graham, Director, Legislative Review, Enforcement;

Mark Davidson, Director, Economic Policy and Programs, Selection;

Jennifer Lutfallah, Senior Advisor, Asylum, Refugees Branch;

David Dunbar, Senior Counsel, Legal Services.

From the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS):

Ward Elcock, Director.

From the Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

William Lenton, Assistant Commissioner;

Ray Lang, Superintendant.

From the Immigration and Refugee Board:

Peter Showler, Chairperson;

Christiane Ouimet, Executive Director;

Krista Daley, Senior General Counsel, Director-Legal Ser vices.

From the Canada Employment and Immigration Union:

Janina Lebon, National Vice-President;

Robin Kers, National Vice-President.

From the Canadian Police Association:

David Griffin, Executive Officer.

From the Canadian Chamber of Commerce:

Benjamin J. Trister, Chair, Immigration Law and Policy Task Force;

Michael Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Policy.

The Chairman made a statement.

Ms Atkinson made a statement and together with the other witnesses, answered questions.

Mr. Lenton made a statement, Mr. Elcock made a statement. The witnesses answered questions.

At 4:32 p.m. the sitting was suspended.

At 4:43 p.m. the sitting was resumed.

Mr. Showler made a statement, and together with the other witnesses, answered questions.

At 5:55 p.m. the sitting was suspended.

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

Ms Lebon made a statement. Mr. Kers made a statement. Mr Griffen made a statement. The witnesses answered questions.

Mr. Murphy made a statement. Mr. Trister made a statement. The witnesses answered questions.

At 7:52 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Catherine Piccinin

Clerk of the Committee