Evidence of meeting #3 for Justice and Human Rights in the 40th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was attorney.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
Thank you, Mr. Rathgeber.
We've finished the first two rotations and we have some time left. Mr. Dosanjh wants to ask a question, and then we'll move on to Monsieur Ménard.
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
That is after we finish questions.
We'll go to Mr. Dosanjh, then Mr. Comartin.
Liberal
Ujjal Dosanjh Liberal Vancouver South, BC
Mr. Saunders, I have the same question as my other two colleagues asked. I was listening quite attentively. I didn't hear a clear answer.
The question is simple. I'm an ESL kid, so I'll explain it in very simple language. It has nothing to do with your notice or your desire to brief the minister. The question I have and my colleagues had is if the minister, to your knowledge, has ever asked your office, through you or any of the other people in the office, to advise him, or to seek a brief on a particular case from you unprompted by you.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
I cannot recall a case where that has happened.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
No, I cannot recall that. I do not think that has occurred.
Liberal
Ujjal Dosanjh Liberal Vancouver South, BC
You can't recall that this has occurred. Can you say for certain it has not occurred?
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
I do not think that has occurred is what I'm saying.
Liberal
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
I'm almost certain. The reason I'm hesitating is that I would have thought the two deputy directors would have told me had it occurred. They haven't told me, so I am assuming they have not been contacted in respect of a particular case.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
I'm a bit surprised, Mr. Saunders, you would think that would occur. I would assume that based on the legislation the Attorney General would only be speaking to you directly if he or she were asking for that type of opinion from your office.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
I'm not always in the office, and it would be open to the Attorney General in my absence to contact a deputy director. The legislation does provide that the deputy director acts for the director in the director's absence.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
You have not established any policy whereby they are then to report to you that a request has been made.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
They would report to me. I can't recall their ever doing so. I'd like to say with certainty that it has never occurred, and I could, if you wish, ask them and report back to this committee, if that's a satisfactory resolution.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
You indicated that on four or five occasions you've given verbal briefings to the Attorney General. Is that correct?
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
Yes.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
In the course of those briefings, was any request made by the Attorney General for you to alter or in some fashion change the course of conduct of the prosecution of a case?
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, As an Individual
I can say no. I think that probably I've just violated solicitor-client privilege—
