JUST Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Ed Fast, presiding.

Dennis Prouse, Robert Tremblay, Charles Momy, Raynald Marchard, Joseph Di Luca and Jonathan Rosenthal made statements and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.

At 5:14 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:17 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The Chair presented the Second Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which read as follows:

Your Subcommittee met on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, to consider the business of the Committee and agreed to make the following recommendations:

Impaired Driving

1. That, on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the Committee proceed to consideration of a draft report on impaired driving and that the Committee provide drafting instructions to the Library of Parliament analysts;

2. That, on Monday, March 23, 2009, the Committee proceed to consideration of a draft report on impaired driving.

Supplementary Estimates

3. That for the first hour on Monday, March 9, 2009, the Committee begin consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2008-2009 and that the Minister of Justice and senior officials be invited to appear and;

Organized Crime

4. That during the second hour on Monday, March 9, 2009, the Committee begin its study on organized crime and that senior officials from the Department of Justice be invited to appear.

5. That on March 11, 25, 30 and April 1st, the Committee invite witnesses (to be determined) in relation to its study on organized crime.

It was agreed, — That the Second Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be adopted.

Brian Storseth moved, — Whereas concerns have been raised regarding the investigative techniques of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (the "Commission") and the interpretation and application of section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act (the "Act"); and

Whereas the Commission operates independently and reports to Parliament;

Be it resolved that the Justice and Human Rights Committee examine and make recommendations with respect to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and in particular:

a) review the mandate and operations of the Commission;

b) review the Commission's application and interpretation of section 13 of the Act;

c) Solicit and consider oral submissions from the Chief Commissioner and oral or written submissions from other interested persons or organizations;

d) Submit a report, including any proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act arising out of the results of the Committee’s inquiry.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

At 5:23 p.m., the Chair left the Chair

At 5:23 p.m., the Vice-Chair, Brian Murphy took the Chair.

Réal Ménard moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights devote two sittings to the study of the addition of social condition to the Canadian Human Rights Act as a prohibited ground of discrimination and that the Chair report the conclusions and recommendations to the House.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

At 5:28 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.