THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, June 8, 2026
(23)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 4:01 p.m., in room W110, 1 Wellington St., the chair, the Honourable Paulette Senior, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Arnot, Bernard, Karetak-Lindell, McCallum, McPhedran, Robinson, Senior and Wells (Alberta) (9).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator White (1).
Participating in the meeting: Robert Mason and Madalina Chesoi, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-219, An Act to establish Judicial Independence Day.
WITNESSES:
The Honourable Senator Judy A. White, sponsor of the bill.
The Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association:
The Honourable Clayton Conlan, Justice (by videoconference).
The Honourable Senator White and the Honourable Clayton Conlan each made a statement and answered questions.
At 4:16 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 4:23 p.m., the committee resumed.
At 5:01 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:03 p.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-219.
It was agreed that title stand postponed.
It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, carry.
It was agreed that the preamble carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry.
It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-219 without amendment to the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity.
At 5:07 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:09 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business).
It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording and/or transcription 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 and/or their staff, and that the audio recording and/or transcription be destroyed by the clerk of the committee when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.
At 6:08 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Caroline Woodward
Clerk of the Committee