JUST Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 11:17 a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That Art Hanger be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That Brian Murphy 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.

Art Hanger took the Chair.

On motion of Derek Lee, 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 Derek Lee, 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 Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee and only when the documents are available in both official languages.

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

On motion of Derek Lee, it was agreed, — That, when a Private Member's 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 Derek Lee, 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 Derek Lee, 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.

Derek Lee moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be established and composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

Rob Moore moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after “the two Vice-Chairs” the following: “the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, a second member of the Liberal Party and the member from the New Democratic Party”.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

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

Derek Lee moved, — That witnesses from an organization be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; and 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; and that thereafter five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner (alternating between Government and Opposition parties) until all Members have had a chance to participate, after which, if time permits, a new round will commence.

Rob Moore moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words after “That” with the following : “the witnesses from any one organization shall be given 10 minutes for their opening statements. During the questioning of witnesses, there shall be allocated seven minutes for the first round of questioning and thereafter five minutes shall be allocated to each questioner in the second and subsequent rounds of questioning”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

Marlene Jennings moved, — That the motion be amended in the English by adding the words “up to” after the following: “that witnesses from an organization be given”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Marlene Jennings and it was agreed to.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That witnesses from an organization be given up to ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; and 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; and that thereafter five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner (alternating between Government and Opposition parties) until all Members have had a chance to participate, after which, if time permits, a new round will commence.

Derek Lee moved, — 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.

Réal Ménard moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “as designated by the member” the following: “as well as one person representing the Party Leadership in the House”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Réal Ménard and it was agreed to.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person, as designated by the member, as well as one person representing the Party Leadership in the House at an in camera meeting.

At 11:58 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.