THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, April 16, 2026
(33)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:32 a.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable David M. Arnot, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Batters, Clement, Dhillon, Miville-Dechêne, Oudar, Pate, Prosper, Saint-Germain, Simons, Tannas and Wells (Alberta) (12).
Participating in the meeting: Dana Phillips and Michaela Keenan-Pelletier, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing).
WITNESSES:
Criminal Lawyers’ Association:
Cassandra Richards, Criminal Lawyer.
Canadian Bar Association:
Melanie J. Webb, Chair, Criminal Justice Section (by videoconference).
Barreau du Québec:
Eva Sikora, Lawyer, Secretariat of the Order and Legal Affairs (by videoconference);
Nicholas St-Jacques, Member, Criminal Law Expert Group (by videoconference);
Francis Savaria, Member, Criminal Law Expert Group (by videoconference).
Ontario Crown Attorneys' Association:
Lesley Pasquino, President (by videoconference);
Ian Bulmer, Vice-President, Collective Bargaining (by videoconference).
Canadian Association of Black Lawyers:
Sabrina Shillingford, Member, Criminal Justice and Police Reform Committee.
As individuals:
Ari Goldkind, Criminal Defence Lawyer (by videoconference);
David Cole, Retired Judge, Ontario Court of Justice (by videoconference).
Cassandra Richards, Melanie J. Webb, Ari Goldkind and Eva Sikora each made a statement and, together with Nicholas St-Jacques and Francis Savaria, answered questions.
At 11:29 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:34 a.m., the committee resumed.
Lesley Pasquino, Ian Bulmer, Sabrina Shillingford and David Cole each made a statement and answered questions.
At 12:28 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Vincent Labrosse
Clerk of the Committee