THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, September 22, 2025
(2)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 4:01 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Paulette Senior, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Coyle, Robinson, Senior and Wells (Alberta) (5).

The committee discussed a draft agenda (future business).

At 4:31 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:34 p.m., the committee resumed.

It was agreed that, notwithstanding the motion adopted on June 26, 2025, the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the chair, the deputy chair, and two other members of the committee, to be designated after the usual consultations; and that the subcommittee be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee with respect to its agenda, to invite witnesses, and to schedule hearings, and that the committee have opportunity for input and be kept informed.

At 4:43 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:44 p.m., the committee, pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that, for the duration of the session, members’ staff be allowed to attend in camera meetings, unless otherwise agreed to by the committee.

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in-camera portion of today's 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 recording 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 chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for an order of reference to examine and report on aging out of foster care.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for an order of reference to examine and report on antisemitism in Canada.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to move the adoption of the eighth report of the Standing Senate on Human Rights, entitled Ripped from Home: The Global Crisis of Forced Displacement, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on December 3, 2024, during the First Session of the Forty Fourth Parliament, and that the chair be authorized to request a complete and detailed response from the government.  

It was agreed that the chair work with the analysts to develop an order of reference to examine and report on AI, human rights and economic security in Canada.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for an order of reference to examine and report on such issues as may from time to time relating to human rights in general.

At 5:36 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Caroline Woodward

Clerk of the Committee