Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 3 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 10, 2004
(6)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day, at 4:10 p.m., in room 705, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Bryden, Buchanan, P.C., Cools, Furey, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., Nolin, Pearson, Smith and Tkachuk (11).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Lynch-Staunton, St. Germain, P.C. and Stratton (3).

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament, Margaret Young.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 20, 2004, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-16, An Act respecting the registration of information relating to sex offenders. (For complete text of Order of Reference see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)

WITNESSES:

From the Canadian Professional Police Association:

Tony Cannavino, President;

David Griffin, Executive Officer.

Mr. Cannavino made a statement and together, witnesses answered questions.

The Canadian Professional Police Association submitted a brief to the committee.

At 5:25 p.m., the committee proceeded to discuss Bill C-250.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 20, 2004, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda). (For complete text of Order of Reference see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 3.)

WITNESS:

From the House of Commons:

Svend Robinson, M.P. (Burnaby—Douglas).

Mr. Robinson made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:12 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

OTTAWA, Thursday, March 11, 2004
(7)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day, at 10:50 a.m., in room 705, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable George J. Furey, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cools, Furey, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., Nolin, Pearson, Smith and Tkachuk (9).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senator St. Germain (1).

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament, Margaret Young and Robin MacKay.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 20, 2004, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-16, An Act respecting the registration of information relating to sex offenders. (For complete text of Order of Reference see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.)

APPEARING:

The Honourable Anne McLellan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

Mary Campbell, Acting Director General, Corrections and Criminal Justice Directorate.

From the Department of Justice Canada:

Doug Hoover, Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section.

The Honourable Anne McLellan, P.C., M.P. made a statement and together, witnesses answered questions.

At 12:03 a.m., the committee proceeded to discuss Bill C-250.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Friday, February 20, 2004, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda). (For complete text of Order of Reference see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 3.)

WITNESSES:

AS A PANEL

From the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association:

Dave Jones, Director, Crime Prevention Services.

From Egale:

Laurie Arron, Director of Advocacy;

Trevor Fenton, Member.

From Amnesty International (Canadian Section):

Hilary Homes, Campaigner.

Mr. Jones, Mr. Arron and Ms Homes made a statement and together, witnesses answered questions.

Mr. Jones, Mr. Arron and Ms Homes submitted a brief to the committee.

At 1:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Marcy Zlotnick

Clerk of the Committee