Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights

HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6

Comité permanent de la justice et des droits de la personne

For immediate release

Ottawa, February 28, 2003 - The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights plans to hold extensive hearings in April 2003 across Canada to hear from organizations and individuals on the Minister of Justice’s discussion paper on Marriage and the Legal Recognition of Same-sex Unions (available at http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/dept/pub/index.html

The Committee will hold meetings in the followings cities

Vancouver, BC (April 1)

Edmonton, Alta (April 2)

Moose Jaw, Sask (April 3)

Steinbach, Man (April 4)

Halifax, NS (April 7)

Sussex, NB (April 8)

Sudbury, Ont (April 9)

Toronto, Ont (April 10 and 11)

Rimouski, Qué (April 28)

Montreal, Qué (April 29)

Iqaluit, Nunavut (April 30)

Those interested in appearing before the Committee are invited to submit their request in writing to the Committee Clerk by March 14, 2003:

Patrice Martin Room 622 180 Wellington Street House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 OR Fax: (613)992-9069 E-mail: JUST@parl.gc.ca ·

• The Committee is hoping to hear from as many groups as it can during the upcoming hearings. The Clerk will communicate with those selected to appear to provide necessary information concerning dates and times of the Committee’s hearings, the time allowed for presentations, and other details.

• Those not selected, or unable, to appear before the Committee for whatever reason may still make their views known. Written submissions may be submitted to the Clerk no later than April 10, 2003 and will be made available to members of the Committee.

• Witnesses scheduled to appear before the Committee and unfamiliar with the committee process may consult the guide for witnesses at http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoCom/documents/Witness/witness-e.htm.

• Persons and groups preparing written submissions may consult the guide for preparing briefs at http://www.parl.gc.ca and click on Committee Business.

Members of the Committee: /CommitteeBusiness/CommitteeMembership.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=37&Ses=2"1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4">