THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, October 20, 2025
(3)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met this day at 5:01 p.m., in room W110, 1 Wellington St., the chair, the Honourable Hassan Yussuff, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Al Zaibak, Anderson, Cardozo, Carignan, P.C., Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Ince, Kutcher, McNair, White, Youance and Yussuff (12).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Duncan and Hay (2).

Participating in the meeting: Ariel Shapiro and Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the committee began its examination issues as may arise from time to time relating to national security and defence generally, including veterans’ affairs.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety.

WITNESSES:

Public Safety Canada:

Tricia Geddes, Deputy Minister;

Talal Dakalbab, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Crime Prevention Branch.

Canada Border Services Agency:

Erin O’Gorman, President.

Parole Board of Canada:

Joanne Blanchard, Chairperson.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service:

Daniel Rogers, Director.

Correctional Service Canada:

Anne Kelly, Commissioner.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

Mike Duheme, Commissioner.

The minister made a statement and, together with Tricia Geddes and Daniel Rogers, answered questions.

At 6:05 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:12 p.m., the committee resumed.

Daniel Rogers, Tricia Geddes, Mike Duheme and Erin O’Gorman answered questions.

At 7 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ericka Paajanen

Clerk of the Committee