Evidence of meeting #53 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 powers.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Ziyaad Mia  Chair, Advocacy and Research Committee, Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association
Carmen Cheung  Counsel, British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
Eric Vernon  Director, Government Relations and International Affairs, Canadian Jewish Congress
Nathalie Des Rosiers  General Counsel, Canadian Civil Liberties Association

10:45 a.m.

Director, Government Relations and International Affairs, Canadian Jewish Congress

Eric Vernon

With great respect, I'm not sure that my attitude toward what they did is particularly relevant here.

I think there's a huge gap between the kind of intelligence that's gathered through torture and the kind of intelligence that's proposed to be gathered through these two measures that are part of the bill today. There's a lot of daylight between them.

I think it does us a disservice to lump all of that together into the category of—

10:45 a.m.

Bloc

Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC

Do you have an opinion on this matter?

10:45 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

Go very quickly, Ms. Mourani.

10:45 a.m.

Bloc

Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC

It is your opinion I would like to hear. When you saw footage of this young boy being questioned, what did you think?

10:45 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

Thank you, Madame Mourani.

Go ahead, Mr. Vernon.

10:45 a.m.

Director, Government Relations and International Affairs, Canadian Jewish Congress

Eric Vernon

My opinion is that what happened to him is unfortunate. But I suppose there are situations in which these things will happen, and we have to do what we can to make sure that these sorts of activities aren't repeated.

That being said, he's been accused of some very serious charges. We need to let the justice system work its way through.

10:45 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson

Thank you very much.

I want to thank all witnesses for appearing before our committee on this very important piece of legislation. Certainly your input is appreciated here today.

Seeing our time is up, the meeting is now adjourned.