Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 30, Minutes - May 6, 2015

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 6, 2015
(70)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:15 p.m., in room 257, East Block, the chair, the Honourable Bob Runciman, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Baker, P.C., Batters, Boisvenu, Dagenais, Fraser, Jaffer, Joyal, P.C., McInnis, McIntyre, Plett, Runciman and White (12).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Martha Butler, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, April 23, 2015, the committee began its examination of Bill C-2, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health;

The Honourable Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

WITNESSES:

Health Canada:

Hilary Geller, Assistant Deputy Minister, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch;

Diane Labelle, General Counsel, Legal Services;

Jacqueline Gonçalves, Director General, Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

Chief Superintendent Eric Slinn, Director General, Support Services, Federal Policing.

Public Safety Canada:

Trevor Bhupsingh, Director General, Law Enforcement and Border Strategies Directorate.

The chair made a statement.

The ministers each made statements and answered questions.

At 5:17 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:22 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Geller, Ms. Labelle, Mr. Bhupsingh and Chief Superintendent Slinn answered questions.

At 6:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee