Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
National Security and Defence
Issue 1 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 4, 2004
(1)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day at 4:15 p.m. in room 505, Victoria Building, for the purpose of holding its organization meeting, pursuant to rule 88.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Day, Forrestall, Kenny, Meighen and Munson (7).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson and Liam Price, Analysts.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to rule 88, the Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Chair.
The Honourable Senator Day moved — That the Honourable Senator Kenny be Chair of this Committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The clerk invited the Chair elect to take the Chair.
The Chair presided over the election of the Deputy Chair.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved — That the Honourable Senator Forrestall be Deputy Chair of this Committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the Deputy Chair, and one other member of the committee, to be designated after the usual consultation; and
That the subcommittee be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee with respect to its agenda, to invite witnesses, and to schedule hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the committee print 200 copies of its proceedings; and
That the Chair be authorized to set the number to meet demand.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved — That pursuant to rule 89, the Chair be authorized to hold meetings, to receive and authorize the printing of the evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that a member of the committee from both the government and the opposition be present.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved — That pursuant to rule 104, the Chair be authorized to report expenses incurred by the committee during the last session.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Atkins moved:
That the committee ask the Library of Parliament to assign research officers to the committee;
That the Chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of the committee's examination and consideration of such bills, subject matters of bills, and estimates as are referred to it;
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to retain the services of such experts as may be required by the work of the committee; and
That the Chair, on behalf of the committee, direct the research staff in the preparation of studies, analyses, summaries, and draft reports.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved:
That, pursuant to section 32 of the Financial Administration Act, authority to commit funds be conferred individually on the Chair, the Deputy Chair, and the Clerk of the Committee; and
That, pursuant to section 34 of the Financial Administration Act, and Guideline 3:05 of Appendix II of the Rules of the Senate, authority for certifying accounts payable by the committee be conferred individually on the Chair, the Deputy Chair, and the Clerk of the Committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Forrestall moved — That the committee empower the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure to designate, as required, one or more members of the committee and/or such staff as may be necessary to travel on assignment on behalf of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be authorized to:
(a) determine whether any member of the committee is on "official business" for the purposes of paragraph 8(3)(a) of the Senators Attendance Policy, published in the Journals of the Senate on Wednesday, June 3, 1998; and
(b) consider any member of the committee to be on "official business" if That member is: (a) attending a function, event or meeting related to the work of the committee; or (b) making a presentation related to the work of the committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved:
That, pursuant to the Senate guidelines for witnesses expenses, the committee may reimburse reasonable traveling and living expenses for one witness from any one organization and payment will take place upon application, but
That the Chair be authorized to approve expenses for a second witness should there be exceptional circumstances.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved:
That the Chair be authorized to seek permission from the Senate to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings; and
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to allow such coverage at its discretion.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day moved:
That the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs be established to study matters relating to veterans affairs which may be referred to it from time to time by the committee; and
That the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs consist of five (5) members, three (3) of whom shall constitute a quorum;
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Kenny moved:
That the initial membership of the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs be as follows: the Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Day, Kenny, Meighen; and
That substitution of membership be communicated to the Clerk of the subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day moved, that the Honourable Senator Meighen be Chair of this subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Atkins moved, that the Honourable Senator Day by Deputy Chair of this subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved:
That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Honourable Senators Meighen, Day and Kenny; and
That it be empowered to make decisions with respect to its agenda, to invite witnesses, and to schedule hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consultations regarding membership having taken place, the Honourable Senator Forrestall moved, that the Honourable Senator Cordy be named as the third member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 4:30 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(3)(e), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved — That the Chair be authorized to seek authority of the Senate for the following order of reference:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to examine and report on the need for a national security policy for Canada. In particular, the committee shall be authorized to examine:
(a) the capability of the Department of National Defence to defend and protect the interests, people and territory of Canada and its ability to respond to or prevent a national emergency or attack;
(b) the working relationships between the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering, and how they collect, coordinate, analyze and disseminate information and how these functions might be enhanced;
(c) the mechanisms to review the performance and activities of the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering; and
(d) the security of our borders.
That the papers and evidence received and taken during the First and Second Sessions of the Thirty-seventh Parliament be referred to the committee;
That the committee report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2004, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize the findings of the committee until July 30, 2004; and
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Forrestall moved:
That, subject to the approval of the Senate to the proposed terms of reference, that the following budget application for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004 be concurred in; and
That the Chair submit same to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.
Professional and other services
$ 51,900
Transportation and Communications
99,032
All other expenses
5,600
Total
$ 156,532
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The committee discussed a draft work plan.
At 5:40 p.m. the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, February 16, 2004
(2)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 2:10 p.m., in room 172-E, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Kinsella, Kenny, Meighen, Munson and Smith, P.C. (7).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson and Liam Price, Analysts; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, Liaison Officer, DND; Veronica Morris Communications Officer.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(f) the committee considered its draft report.
The Honourable Senator Smith moved, that, subject to minor editorial changes authorized by the Chair, the text of the report entitled "National Emergencies: Canada's Fragile Front Lines — An Upgrade Strategy" be approved.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Meighen moved:
That Senator Meighen would seek the authority for the following order of reference:
That the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to undertake a study on:
(a) the services and benefits provided to veterans of war and peacekeeping missions in recognition of their services to Canada, in particular examining:
- access to priority beds for veterans in community hospitals;
- availability of alternative housing and enhanced home care;
- standardization of services throughout Canada;
- monitoring and accreditation of long term care facilities;
(b) the commemorative activities undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep alive for all Canadians the memory of the veterans achievements and sacrifices; and
(c) the need for an updated Veterans Charter to outline the right to preventative care, family support, treatment and re-establishment benefits;
That the evidence taken during the Second Session of the Thirty-Seventh Parliament be referred to the committee.
That the committee report no later than June 30, 2004.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Smith moved:
That the Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs be authorized to send for persons, papers and records, whenever required, and to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it;
That the committee's power to permit coverage by electronic media of meetings be conferred on the subcommittee;
That, pursuant to Section 32 of the Financial Administration Act, the committee's authority to commit funds be conferred on the subcommittee;
That, pursuant to Section 34 of the Financial Administration Act and Guideline 3:05 of Appendix II of the Rules of the Senate, the committee's authority for certifying accounts payable be conferred on the subcommittee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 5:45 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, February 23, 2004
(3)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 9:30 a.m., in room 160-S (Subcommittee), Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Cordy, Day, Forrestall, Kenny and Munson (7).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson and Liam Price, Analysts; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, Liaison Officer, DND; Veronica Morris Communications Officer.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e) the committee considered its draft agenda.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved — That material received from individuals and organizations during hearings or fact-finding visits be filed as an exhibit with the Clerk.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 9:55 a.m., the committee suspended its sitting.
At 10:00 a.m., the committee continued its meeting in public in room 160-S, Centre Block.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 13, 2004, the committee proceeded upon its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada.
WITNESSES:
From the Privy Council Office:
Mr. Robert A. Wright, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and Associate Secretary;
Mr. Graham Flack, Director of Operations, Borders Task Force.
From the Canada Border Services Agency:
Mr. Alain Jolicoeur, President, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada;
Ms. Debra Normoyle, Head, Immigration Enforcement;
Mr. Mark Connolly, Head, Customs Contraband, Intelligence and Investigations.
Mr. Wright made a statement and, with Mr. Flack, responded to questions.
At 11:32 a.m., the committee suspended its hearing.
At 11:37 a.m., the committee resumed its hearing.
Mr. Jolicoeur made a statement and, with Ms. Normolye and Mr. Connolly, responded to questions.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 23, 2004, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk:
"Notes for an Appearance" and background material from Robert A. Wright, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and Associate Secretary, February 23, 2004](Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 1, "1")
"Opening Statement to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence" and "Briefing Note for the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence on the Smart Border Action Plan" by Alain Jolicoeur, President, Canada Border Services Agency, February 23, 2004(Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 1, "2")
At 1:22 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Monday, February 23, 2004
(4)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence met this day in camera, at 1:30 p.m., in room 160-S (Subcommittee), Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Colin Kenny, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Atkins, Banks, Cordy, Day, Forrestall, Kenny and Munson (7).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament: Grant Dawson and Liam Price, Analysts; Major General (Ret'd) Keith McDonald, Senior Military Advisor; Superintendent Gerry Doucet, RCMP Liaison Officer; Commander Gerry Powell, Liaison Officer, DND; Veronica Morris Communications Officer.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e) the committee considered its draft agenda.
The committee reviewed the material prepared for the afternoon's hearings. The Secretariat reviewed possible areas of questioning.
At 1:58 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.
At 2:00 p.m., the committee continued its meeting in public in room 160-S, Centre Block.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 13, 2004, the committee proceeded upon its examination on the need for a national security policy for Canada.
WITNESSES:
From the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade:
Mr. James R. Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Global and Security Policy;
Mr. Paul Chapin, Director General, International Security Bureau.
From the Department of National Defence:
Lieutenant-General George Macdonald, Vice Chief of Defence Staff;
Major-General Pierre Daigle, Special Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff (Homeland Security Issues);
Rear-Admiral Drew W. Robertson, Director General, International Security Policy.
Mr. Wright made a statement, and with Mr. Chapin, responded to questions.
At 3:40 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.
At 3:42 p.m., the committee resumed its meeting.
Lieutenant-General Macdonald made a statement and, with Major-General Daigle and Rear-Admiral Robertson, responded to questions.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 23, 2004, the following material was filed as exhibits with the Clerk:
"Notes for James R. Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Security Policy to Senate Committee on National Security and Defence" from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, on February 23, 2004 (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 1, "3")
Speaking notes for Lieutenant General George Macdonald, Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Department of National Defence, on February 23, 2004 (Exhibit 5900-3.37/N2-SS-1, 1 "4")
At 5:15 p.m., the committee suspended its sitting.
At 5:16 p.m., the committee continued its meeting in camera in room 160-S (Subcommittee Room), Centre Block.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e) the committee considered its draft agenda.
The committee reviewed the day's hearings and discussed material required for the Washington trip.
At 5:22 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Barbara Reynolds
Clerk of the Committee