JUST Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 3:39 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Myron Thompson, it was agreed, — That Art Hanger be elected Chair of the Committee in absentia.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, it was agreed, — That Derek Lee be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Carole Freeman, it was agreed, — That Réal Ménard be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Derek Lee took the Chair.

On motion of Brian Murphy, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

On motion of Joe Comartin, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.

On motion of Michael Ignatieff, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes for the first questioner of each party; starting with the Opposition parties; and that thereafter, five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner until every member has spoken once.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Réal Ménard, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person, as designated by the member, at an in camera meeting.

On motion of Patrick Brown, it was agreed, — That, when a Private Members' Business Bill is referred to the Committee, it be placed on the Agenda and that its sponsor be invited to appear before the Committee.

On motion of Joe Comartin, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

On motion of Rob Moore, it was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the Committee hold a briefing session pertaining to sections 25.1 to 25.4 of the Criminal Code (protection of persons administering and enforcing the law).

At 4:04 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.