THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, November 3, 2025
(5)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 4 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Paulette Senior, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Coyle, Housakos, McPhedran, Robinson, Senior and Wells (Alberta) (7).
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study on antisemitism in Canada.
WITNESSES:
Independent Jewish Voices:
Corey Balsam, National Coordinator;
Rabbi David Mivasair, Member (by videoconference).
As an individual:
Joshua Sealy-Harrington, Associate Professor and Chair, Palestinian Human Rights in Canada.
Corey Balsam, Joshua Sealy-Harrington and Rabbi David Mivasair each made a statement and answered questions.
At 5 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:07 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study on aging out of foster care.
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 audio 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.
The chair informed the committee that the Honourable Senator Batters has requested that her name not appear on the membership page of the aging out of foster care report.
It was agreed that the draft report, as amended, be adopted, in both official languages, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report, in both official languages, taking into consideration this meeting’s discussions, and with any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure approve a title and cover page and share them with committee members for their input.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report with the Clerk of the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity.
It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee to publicize the report with the support of the Senate Communications Directorate.
It was agreed that the chair request a complete and detailed response from the government.
It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, with the support of the Senate Communications Directorate, prepare a news release for publication on the committee’s website and for distribution upon tabling with the Clerk of the Senate.
At 7:02 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed in camera a draft agenda (future business).
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study on antisemitism in Canada.
At 7:12 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Caroline Woodward
Clerk of the Committee