Justice Committee on June 12th, 2007
Evidence of meeting #76 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 alcohol.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- Brian Hodgson Chair, Alcohol Test Committee, Canadian Society of Forensic Science
- Shirley Treacy Chair, Drugs and Driving Committee, Canadian Society of Forensic Science
- Douglas Beirness Manager, Research and Policy, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
- Tamra Thomson Director, Legislation and Law Reform, Canadian Bar Association
- Mitchell MacLeod Executive Member, National Criminal Justice Section, Canadian Bar Association
- Louise Dehaut member, Alcohol Test Committee, Canadian Society of Forensic Science
- Jacques Lecavalier Associate, Research and Policy, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
10:30 a.m.
Bloc
10:30 a.m.
Conservative
10:30 a.m.
Liberal
Derek Lee Scarborough—Rouge River, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome back to the chair.
In your unavoidable absence the committee decided to go ahead with the experimentation with the breathalyzer equipment, managed by Mr. Hodgson. It can go on while the committee meeting is proceeding.
10:30 a.m.
Conservative
10:30 a.m.
Liberal
Derek Lee Scarborough—Rouge River, ON
There's no need to take a break to do it. Mr. Bagnell has already imbibed, and the first test has taken place.
10:30 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Art Hanger
The first test has been completed.
To point out to committee members, when the second test is conducted, those who aren't asking questions may go over there to watch, but we'll continue with the questions.
June 12th, 2007 / 10:30 a.m.
Conservative
Rick Dykstra St. Catharines, ON
On a point of clarification, I appreciate the fact that Mr. Bagnell has submitted to a test, but what are we doing?
10:30 a.m.
Conservative
10:30 a.m.
Liberal
Derek Lee Scarborough—Rouge River, ON
If I may, Mr. Bagnell has consumed an alcoholic beverage. He was tested three minutes later and then 15 minutes later. I believe there's a possibility of a third test.
Mr. Hodgson can perhaps tell us that.
10:30 a.m.
Chair, Alcohol Test Committee, Canadian Society of Forensic Science
Yes, I ran the instrument through its paces, and then I had Mr. Bagnell blow.
Unfortunately, sir, you didn't blow quite long enough and the instrument wouldn't accept the sample. It has given me an invalid sample test. We might have you start over again. If you want to drink the other half bottle of beer, you're perfectly welcome to do so, and then we can start the testing procedure.
Mr. Chair, I hope to demonstrate how the instrument operates and the external standard feature that checks whether or not the instrument is working properly. Hopefully, we can demonstrate the effects of mouth alcohol on readings.
10:35 a.m.
Conservative
10:35 a.m.
Bloc
Réal Ménard Hochelaga, QC
Mr. Chairman, it would be good to know what this device is used for, under what circumstances it is used, its reliability rating and how the test is administered. As I said before you got here, we will not support this bill if we do not have a better understanding of new detection technologies.
The more witnesses we hear from, the less convinced we are of this bill's relevancy. With regard to drugs, it seems clear that an entire aspect of the bill we are about to vote on is not relevant. So, since there are professionals here who are actually advising the department, why not take advantage of this opportunity?
10:35 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Art Hanger
Why don't those who are interested in watching Mr. Hodgson conduct the first test go over there? He will explain what he's doing while you're observing Mr. Bagnell blow into the machine.
If there are other questions to be put to the remaining witnesses, we will do so while it is happening.
The explanation will take place. Mr. Hodgson, I'm sure you can inform the committee first and then do the test.
10:35 a.m.
Chair, Alcohol Test Committee, Canadian Society of Forensic Science
Yes. Maybe I should point out that what I'm testing here is only for alcohol. I'm not doing other drug testing. It's a different matter altogether.
10:35 a.m.
Conservative