Evidence of meeting #6 for Public Safety and National Security in the 39th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was process.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
Just as a little aside, the meeting has been adjourned, so if the witnesses wish to leave, they may do so.
Liberal
Sue Barnes Liberal London West, ON
I think both of our hands were up.
I wanted to say, I would have no problem sitting on a Tuesday morning, as we did today—if any of these witnesses can be contacted—to hear some more. We weren't aware of these people when we chose our witness list, as I understand.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
Well, we will have another meeting on future business of the committee. I'm not sure why you didn't say anything when Ms. Priddy—
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
I surely didn't, and neither did Ms. Priddy—and she was looking for support.
Liberal
Bonnie Brown Liberal Oakville, ON
I raised this because I think we have a responsibility to know what it might cost if one of these groups challenges it. Probably some of the groups are the ones who won the last time and caused this whole thing to be revised. If we can predict that they're going to do it, I think it puts a different colouration on our examination of any amendments that might come forward, because I'm sure some of the amendments will reflect the suggestions of these people.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
You have research staff, as a political party. I don't think it's fair for our staff to do that, unless this committee gives direction to them to do that, and it would take a special meeting to do that. I just don't think that—
Liberal
Bonnie Brown Liberal Oakville, ON
Okay.
Well, maybe I could hear from the researchers; maybe it isn't as onerous as you think. You're not a researcher, nor am I. Let's just take the last case that overturned—
Philip Rosen Committee Researcher
Whenever we try to get the cost of litigation, it's very, very difficult, because litigation is not necessarily costed in a way that can be provided to you simply. Remember, there are three cases. There have been numerous, numerous proceedings before the Federal Court of Appeal and, ultimately, the Supreme Court of Canada.
I think it will probably be impossible—though we can certainly try—to get an answer to this question in time for next Thursday, but the simplest way of doing it would be for a member to put a question on the order paper for the Minister of Justice, the Department of Justice, and they will provide it to you within 45 days, or whatever it is.
I know we have tried in the past to get the cost of litigation for the Correctional Service, for example. In one case I think it took us six or eight months, and we still didn't get a complete answer.
Liberal
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Garry Breitkreuz
It's not the appropriate vehicle. I just sense that it's not—
Liberal
Bonnie Brown Liberal Oakville, ON
They didn't agree with you that it wasn't the appropriate vehicle, but have explained the reality of the situation that they can't get the information, which is interesting in itself, Mr. Chair.