JUST Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 28

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 3:36 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Art Hanger, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Hon. Larry Bagnell, Hon. Sue Barnes, Patrick Brown, Art Hanger, Derek Lee, Réal Ménard, Rob Moore, Brian Murphy, Daniel Petit and Myron Thompson.

Acting Members present: Omar Alghabra for Hon. Sue Barnes, Raynald Blais for Carole Freeman, Yvon Godin for Joe Comartin and Marc Lemay for Carole Freeman.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Robin MacKay, Analyst ; Dominique Valiquet, Analyst.

Witnesses: As an individual: Nathalie Des Rosiers, Dean, Faculty of Law, Civil Law, Ottawa University. Law Commission of Canada: Yves Le Bouthillier, President. Canadian Constitution Foundation: John Carpay, Executive Directeur. Canadian Taxpayers Federation: John Williamson, Federal Director. Women's Legal Education and Action Fund: Chantal Tie, Member, National Legal Committee. Federation of Associations of French-speaking Jurists of Common Law : Rénald Rémillard, Executive Director; Christian Monnin, President.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, the Committee commenced its study of the effects of the abolition of the Law Commission of Canada.

Nathalie Des Rosiers made a statement and answered questions.

Yves Le Bouthillier made a statement and answered questions.

John Carpay made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:45 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:47 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, the Committee commenced its study of the effects of the abolition of the Court Challenges Program on the development of minority rights.

John Williamson made a statement and answered questions.

John Carpay made a statement and answered questions.

Chantal Tie made a statement and answered questions.

Rénald Rémillard made a statement and answered questions.

Christian Monnin made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:31 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.

Réal Ménard moved, — Whereas 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the execution of Wilbert Coffin.

Whereas several observers, including former journalist and Senator Jacques Hébert, have shed light on irregularities surrounding the accusation, conviction and execution of Wilbert Coffin.

Whereas Wilbert Coffin’s sister, Mary Coffin, and his son Jimmy Coffin are seeking an official judicial review under Part XXI.1 of the Criminal Code

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights recommend that the government act with diligence and speed in the matter of the late Wilbert Coffin and that the Committee report the adoption of this motion to the House as quickly as possible.

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

At 5:37 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Diane Diotte
Clerk of the Committee

2006/11/10 1:20 p.m.