About

41st Parliament, 1st Session (June 2, 2011 - September 13, 2013) Current Session

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights has the power to review and report on the policies, programs, and expenditure plans of the Department of Justice, which has the mandate to support the dual roles of the Minister of Justice (responsible for 49 statutes and areas of federal law) and the Attorney General of Canada (the chief law officer of the Crown). The Committee also has the power to study the policies, programs and legislation of the following entities:

In particular, the Committee may review proposed amendments to federal legislation relating to certain aspects of the criminal law, family law, human rights law, and the administration of justice, notably with respect to the following statutes:

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights may also undertake studies on subjects related to its mandate, either as referred to it by the House of Commons or on its own initiative. In the course of a study, the Committee holds public meetings, considers evidence from witnesses, and reviews written submissions and other authoritative documents. At the conclusion of a study, the Committee usually reports its findings and makes recommendations. The Committee may request a government response within 120 days.

Detailed information on the role and powers of House of Commons committees can be found in the Compendium of House of Commons Procedure and in Chapter XIII of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons.