JUST Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met in a televised session at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Ed Fast, presiding.

The Chair called Vote 1b under JUSTICE.

The Minister made a statement and answered questions.

Vote 1b under JUSTICE carried.

The Chair called Vote 5b under JUSTICE.

Vote 5b under JUSTICE carried.

The Chair called Vote 30b under JUSTICE.

Vote 30b under JUSTICE carried.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report Votes 1b, 5b and 30b under JUSTICE to the House.

Rob Moore moved, — That the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights do a full review of the issue of impaired driving including consideration of: the advisability of lowering the criminal blood alcohol concentration limits; innovative approaches in use in other countries, such as Randomized Breath Testing; the implications of advances in technology to enforce the laws; the Criminal Code sanctions for impaired driving and how they interrelate with provincial licensing measures.

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

On motion of Réal Ménard, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights devote four sittings to the study of the state of organized crime in Canada and the consequential legislative amendments that should be made and that the Chair report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.

On motion of Réal Ménard, it was agreed, — That the evidence heard and documentation received by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in relation to its comprehensive review of matters related to Impaired Driving during the 2nd Session of the 39th Parliament, be taken into consideration by the Committee in this session.

At 5:15 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:18 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

The Chair presented the First Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which read as follows:

Your Subcommittee met on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, to consider the business of the Committee and agreed to make the following recommendations:

1. That the Committee begin consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2008-09 on Monday, February 9, 2009, and that the Minister of Justice and senior officials be invited to appear.

2. That, pursuant to the Order of Reference from the House, the Committee consider the proposed appointment of Brian J. Saunders as the Director of Public Prosecutions on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

3. That beginning on February 23, 2009, the Committee schedule three (3) meetings for the consideration of a study on matters related to impaired driving.

After debate, it was agreed, - That the first report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be adopted.

At 5:24 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.