Evidence of meeting #36 for Public Safety and National Security in the 40th Parliament, 3rd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was toronto.
A recording is available from Parliament.
As an Individual
I think you'd have to ask them. I'm sorry, but you would have to ask them.
Conservative
Brent Rathgeber Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
Do you not believe that they knew you were going to get arrested?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
Thank you very much, Mr. Rathgeber. Your time is up.
We will now move back to Ms. Mendes or Mr. Kania.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Thank you for being with us and for your evidence. I can't even imagine what you went through. I also took part in demonstrations for a certain time, but fortunately I was never arrested.
I'd like to know whether you know why the Montreal police department was there at the outset.
As an Individual
Those police officers were there when we were arrested, but not at the detention centre. They told me in the gymnasium, at the time of the arrest, that they were there because they had specific expertise in managing demonstration cases.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
The so-called riots.
Was it also to provide linguistic assistance?
As an Individual
Perhaps, since it was the Montreal police officers who informed us of our charge of participating in a riot. However, they didn't communicate with us much. So I can't be sure of that.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
They didn't at all accompany you through the ensuing process. Is that correct?
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
With regard to the detention centre where you were placed, didn't you have an idea of what it was when you arrived?
As an Individual
No, nothing was really explained to us. We didn't know where we were going or why.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
I can only repeat my colleague's remarks. We think that what you experienced is entirely unacceptable. That really isn't the Canada we think is ours.
If I may, Mr. Small, I'd like to ask you a question on the responsibility of the different security bodies that were supposed to supervise the detainees at the detention centres. Who had responsibility for what? Why were these young ladies detained in a centre where, supposedly, your department had no jurisdiction?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Adult Institutional Services and Organizational Effectiveness Division, Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Before I answer that question, I want to clarify something the member said. I'd like to clarify that I'm appearing here voluntarily, rather than via summons. On two occasions I was asked...I sought clarification as to why I was coming. After I received that clarification I volunteered to come here. I am not under summons. I respect the work of this committee and I would not refuse to come.
To answer your question, individuals who are arrested by the police are detained by the police in a location. After they're processed they're brought to our correctional facilities. Generally, they're brought from a holding facility to the court to be remanded in custody and then brought to our correctional facilities.
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
May I interrupt you for just two seconds because I want to clarify something with Madame Des Rosiers.
In terms of the international legislation or protocols that regulate international gatherings, if there are arrests--and sometimes it involves foreign nationals--who is responsible for the detainees?
General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
It depends, and it's a local arrangement. The country is responsible for--
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Okay, so it's not something that is provided for by the protocols.
I'm sorry, Mr. Small, I interrupted you, but I just wanted to make sure that there was nothing....
Assistant Deputy Minister, Adult Institutional Services and Organizational Effectiveness Division, Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
That's my response.
Liberal
Liberal
Alexandra Mendes Liberal Brossard—La Prairie, QC
What was the scope and nature of communications advice or any other such communications between the government and your ministry with regard to the G-20 summit? Were there any preparatory communications between the government and your department?
Assistant Deputy Minister, Adult Institutional Services and Organizational Effectiveness Division, Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
As I indicated, we were part of a working group with a number of law enforcement agencies. But beyond that, I'm not aware of any communication between governments.
Conservative
Conservative
Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to all the witnesses for coming.
Despite what is politically...[Inaudible--Editor]