Proceedings of the Standing Committee on
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

Issue 3 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 13, 2008
(4)

[English]

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament met this day at 9:35 a.m., in room 356- S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Wilbert J. Keon, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Angus, Brown, Champagne, P.C., Fraser, Furey, Joyal, P.C., Keon, Losier-Cool, McCoy, Robichaud, P.C. and Smith, P.C. (12).

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Jack Stilborn and Michel Bédard, Analysts.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 17, 2008, the committee began its examination on Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, and pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, the committee began its examination on the issue of developing a systematic process for the application of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it applies to the Senate of Canada.

WITNESSES:

Senate of Canada:

The Honourable Senator Serge Joyal, P.C., sponsor of the bill;

The Honourable Senator A. Raynell Andreychuk.

The witnesses each made a presentation and answered questions.

At 11:36 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Blair Armitage

Clerk of the committee