Evidence of meeting #47 for Justice and Human Rights in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was problem.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
No, Mr. Chair, but I would like to thank Mr. Rajotte because this is a problem that concerns me personally. And I hope the committee will take good note of the fact, not for me, but for all others like me.
Thank you.
9:55 a.m.
Bloc
The Vice-Chair Bloc Réal Ménard
All right.
Did you have a brief question to ask, Mr. Thompson? Do it quickly because we want to listen to the officials.
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
Myron Thompson Conservative Wild Rose, AB
I think a couple more people would like to go for it.
But I want to tell Mr. Rajotte how much I appreciate what he's attempting to do here. I share the frustration he's talking about. I've been sitting on this justice committee for 13 years, and I can certainly understand why clause 4 needs to be dealt with in a different way. I can understand why clauses 5 through 9 need further consideration. What I cannot understand, when it comes to issues of utmost importance that you're trying to specifically address—they have to be dealt with as quickly as possible, because they are hurting a lot of people. I know a few people it has already got to.
I believe in the military system, where justice is firm, fair, and fast. My gosh, for 13 years I've sat around wondering what is taking us so long. How many more people have to die on a highway before we really deal with drunk drivers, for example?
I share your frustration, and I'm offering to have a cup of coffee with you so we can share the frustration together in that sense.
9:55 a.m.
Bloc
The Vice-Chair Bloc Réal Ménard
That was a testimonial. Do you expect a response or would you let Mr. Moore have the—?
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
9:55 a.m.
Bloc
The Vice-Chair Bloc Réal Ménard
All right. Are you requesting a recorded vote on this, Mr. Thompson?
9:55 a.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
As you know, there was a discussion yesterday between critics and me. We were very much looking forward to Mr. Rajotte's presentation. I appreciate your presentation today, but I would like to move that in the event that Mr. Rajotte is willing to entertain further consideration of the direction described in his private member's bill, we suspend consideration of Bill C-299 until next week, when there will be an advance distribution of the government's friendly amendments to the bill to committee members, so we can better consider that package.
9:55 a.m.
Bloc
The Vice-Chair Bloc Réal Ménard
In order to give direction to the Chair, if ever committee members seconded this motion, would that nevertheless require us to hear witnesses from Justice Canada, or do you want to adjourn the committee meeting?
9:55 a.m.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
I'd like to hear from Justice Canada officials when we have the final picture of what we hope will be something we can all agree to. That would probably be more appropriate at a later time.
10 a.m.
Bloc
The Vice-Chair Bloc Réal Ménard
Would the motion be seconded by all colleagues? As notice is not necessary since this concerns committee business, I understand that no one is amending the vote, but that the motion is seconded as regards consideration of the bill. We would suspend the meeting for two minutes to enable the Justice Canada officials to take their place.
Is that it? Do you want to wait for the Justice Canada officials?
10 a.m.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
We'll hear from them later, once we have the amendments in place.
10 a.m.
Liberal
10 a.m.
Bloc
Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga, QC
On the budget, all right, because we have future business.
Mr. Rajotte, we thank you for appearing this morning. We wish you to the best of luck for the future and we shall consider your amendments.
The sitting is suspended for two minutes.
[The meeting continues in camera]
