THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, October 23, 2023
(43)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met in camera this day at 5:04 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the deputy chair, the Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Bernard, Gerba, Jaffer, Omidvar and Pate (6).

Participating in the meeting: Robert Mason, Analyst, Library of Parliament; Amely Coulombe, Communications Officer, Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 3, 2022, the committee continued its study of such issues as may arise from time to time relating to human rights generally. (Topic: Anti-Black Racism, Sexism and Systemic Discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Commission)

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed in camera a draft report.

It was agreed that the committee allow the transcription of today’s in camera meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members or by the committee analysts, and that the transcript be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

It was agreed that the report be entitled: Anti-Black Racism, Sexism and Systemic Discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

It was agreed that the draft report, as amended, be adopted in both official languages and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report, in both official languages, taking into consideration this meeting’s discussions, and with any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required.

It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee to publicize the report with the support of the Senate Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity, and to request a complete and detailed response from the government.

At 6:09 p.m., pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the committee began its consideration of the Government response to its fourth report, entitled "Human Rights of Federally-Sentenced Persons", tabled in the Senate on June 16, 2021, during the Second Session of the Forty-third Parliament.

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed in camera a draft agenda (future business).

At 6:22 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee