THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, June 15, 2026
(49)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 1:02 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, Hay, Miville-Dechêne, Osler, Oudar, Pate, Prosper and Simons (12).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta) (1).
Participating in the meeting: Dana Phillips and Allison Lowenger, 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:
Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies:
Emilie Coyle, Co-Executive Director.
Elder Justice Coalition:
Heather Campbell Pope, Lawyer.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association:
Shakir Rahim, Director, Criminal Justice Program.
Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan:
Crystal Giesbrecht, Director of Research (by videoconference).
As individuals:
Miriane Bergeron, Project Manager for a Rapid Response Team;
Alison Irons (by videoconference);
Lincoln Caylor (by videoconference).
Emilie Coyle, Heather Campbell Pope, Shakir Rahim and Lincoln Caylor each made a statement and answered questions.
At 2:10 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 2:14 p.m., the committee resumed.
Alison Irons, Crystal Giesbrecht and Miriane Bergeron each made a statement and answered questions.
At 3:12 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Vincent Labrosse
Clerk of the Committee