THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
(34)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 4:15 p.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, Dalphond, Dhillon, Miville-Dechêne, Pate, Saint-Germain, Simons, Tannas and Wells (Alberta) (11).
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:
Canadian Civil Liberties Association:
Shakir Rahim, Director, Criminal Justice Program.
John Howard Society of Canada:
Catherine Latimer, Executive Director.
Aboriginal Legal Services:
Jonathan Rudin, Special Projects Director.
Indigenous Bar Association:
Victoria S.B. Perrie, Vice President (by videoconference).
Native Women’s Association of Canada:
Darlene Bowen, Board Member and Secretary;
Madeleine Redfern, Chief Executive Officer.
As an individual:
Paul Wilson (by videoconference).
Shakir Rahim, Catherine Latimer and Paul Wilson each made a statement and answered questions.
At 5:23 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:25 p.m., the committee resumed.
Jonathan Rudin, Victoria S.B. Perrie, Darlene Bowen each made a statement and, together with Madeleine Redfern, answered questions.
It was agreed that the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs draft an interim report under its general order of reference based on papers and evidence received and taken, and the work accomplished by the committee on the subject matter of Part 4 of Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, during the First Session of the Forty-fifth Parliament.
At 6:38 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Vincent Labrosse
Clerk of the Committee