THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, February 9, 2026
(10)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met this day at 4 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Hassan Yussuff, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Al Zaibak, Cardozo, Carignan, P.C., Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Dean, Hay, Kutcher, White, Youance and Yussuff (11).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Moncion, Moodie, Osler and Woo (4).
Participating in the meeting: Ariel Shapiro and Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the committee began its examination of Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada's borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety;
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
WITNESSES:
Public Safety Canada:
Shannon Grainger, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Portfolio Affairs and Communications;
Mike McGuire, Director General, International and Border Policy;
Chad Westmacott, Director General, Community Safety, Corrections and Criminal Justice;
Kristin McLeod, Director, Drug Policy, Crime Prevention Branch.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police:
Bryan Larkin, Senior Deputy Commissioner;
Jamie McGowan, Chief Superintendent, Federal Policing, Border Integrity.
Canada Border Services Agency:
Erin O'Gorman, President;
Graeme Hamilton, Director General, Traveller, Commercial and Trade Policy Directorate.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:
Jason Hollmann, Director General, Asylum;
Tara Lang, Director General, Integrity Policy and Programs.
Health Canada:
Jennifer Pelley, Director, Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Controlled Substances and Opioid Response Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch.
Canadian Coast Guard:
Ryan Tettamanti, Senior Director, Maritime Security Force Development.
The ministers each made a statement and, together with Jason Hollmann and Bryan Larkin, answered questions.
At 5:07 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:19 p.m., the committee resumed.
Graeme Hamilton, Tara Lang, Ryan Tettamanti, Jennifer Pelley, Mike McGuire, Bryan Larkin, Jamie McGowan, Kristin McLeod and Chad Westmacott answered questions.
At 6:33 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:39 p.m., the committee resumed in camera.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on November 26, 2025, the committee continued its study on the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 19, 20 and 21 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed a draft report.
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 or staff present; and that the recording and/or transcript 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 draft report be adopted, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report, taking into consideration this meeting’s discussions, and with any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate, or if the Senate is not then sitting, with the Clerk, at the earliest opportunity.
At 6:50 p.m., pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada's borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee considered a draft agenda (future business).
At 7:54 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Andrea Mugny
Clerk of the Committee