THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Friday, June 12, 2026
(46)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 9:34 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, Dalphond, Dhillon, Miville-Dechêne, Oudar, Prosper, Simons, Tannas and Wells (Alberta) (11).
Participating in the meeting: Allison Lowenger and Dana Phillips, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the committee continued its consideration of the subject matter of Bill C-16, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters (child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures).
WITNESSES:
Macdonald-Laurier Institute:
Peter Copeland, Deputy Director, Domestic Policy (by videoconference).
Canadian Bar Association (by videoconference):
Melanie J. Webb, Chair, Criminal Justice Section;
Katherine Batycky, Barrister and Solicitor.
Criminal Lawyers’ Association:
Cassandra Richards, Criminal Lawyer.
Ontario Crown Attorneys' Association:
Lesley Pasquino, President (by videoconference).
BC Crown Counsel Association (by videoconference):
Adam Dalrymple, President;
Mark Bussanich, Director.
As individuals (by videoconference):
Colton Fehr, Assistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan;
Emma Cunliffe, Professor of Law, University of British Columbia;
Colton Fehr, Emma Cunliffe and Peter Copeland each made a statement and answered questions.
At 10:28 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 10:33 a.m., the committee resumed.
Cassandra Richards, Melanie J. Webb, Katherine Batycky, Lesley Pasquino and Adam Dalrymple each made a statement and, together with Mark Bussanich, answered questions.
At 11:42 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Vincent Labrosse
Clerk of the Committee