Michael Cooper moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights undertake a study, at the earliest opportunity, on judicial vacancies across Canada and the impact that they are having on the administration of justice;

That the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada appear before the Committee to explain the large number of judicial vacancies;

That the Committee hear from witnesses who have been affected by the lack of judicial appointments, including victims of crime where the accused’s trial was dropped by the Crown or stayed by the court due to delay;

That the Committee hear from witnesses for five meetings;

That the Committee report its findings to the House and that the Government provide a response to the recommendations made by the Committee.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 5.

Chris Podolinsky and Christine Beintema made statements and answered questions.

At 4:27 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:33 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Savannah Gentile, Dean Embry and Catherine Latimer made statements and answered questions.

At 5:26 p.m., by unanimous consent and pursuant to Standing Order 115(5), it was agreed that the Committee continue to sit.