Public Safety Committee on May 31st, 2018

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

I want to thank Mr. Motz for his questions, which ran overtime again.

We have a final few minutes. Does anyone else wish to ask a question?

Ms. Damoff.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

I have a question for Ms. Bear.

We've talked a lot about guns and gangs. When we had Dr. Drummond here at the last meeting, he was quite concerned that we were not talking about suicide. My colleague Mr. Spengemann brought this up. Almost 75% of gun-related deaths in Canada are death by suicide using a gun. One thing I've asked some witnesses about, and that we've had recommended to us, is adding some criteria to the background check to include something along the lines of whether a person is a threat to themselves or others.

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on that.

[Vice-Chief Heather Bear]

I think when it comes to mental health issues, there are so many preventative measures we could take. We just released a suicide strategy and a lot of valuable resources need to go into that.

When it comes to suicide and guns, I have experienced that personally. I think it goes back to the security of storage that has to happen in the home. We have guns in our family. They're under lock and key from children. Unfortunately, that is an avenue for suicide. But you know, if a gun isn't there, they'll find something—

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

That's actually a myth. I was speaking with the emergency physicians when they were here, and it's not borne out in fact that if the gun isn't there.... It actually isn't true. I know that a lot of people think that—

[Vice-Chief Heather Bear]

I know a lot about suicide. My daughter committed suicide.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

I'm sorry. I'm not—

[Vice-Chief Heather Bear]

My experience is far too deep, like I say, but yes, I agree. With mental health, there should be some restrictions. There again, in the community we know our people.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

Thank you, Ms. Damoff.

That will conclude our questions.

To the witnesses, on behalf of the committee, thank you for your contributions. I want to apologize once again for the postponing of the entire exercise for an hour. Thank you for your accommodation.

Mr. Paul-Hus, I see you have a motion.

Sorry, Ms. Bear, did you want to say something?

[Vice-Chief Heather Bear]

Yes.

Just on the last topic, I didn't mean to.... Suicide is preventable. I wasn't saying....

I hope that didn't come out the wrong way; that's what I'm saying.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

Thank you.

Mr. Paul-Hus.

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Following the testimony delivered today by experts, and especially by the first nations representative, Ms. Bear, we are asking that the committee be granted a delay to enable it to produce more amendments that are crucial to the credibility of this study. We are asking that the clause-by-clause study of Bill C-71 begin Thursday, June 7, rather than Tuesday, June 5.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

Thank you, Mr. Paul-Hus. That matter does arise out of matters before us. I take note however that we did not receive 48 hours' notice, and that is probably a motion that could have been put in 48 hours prior. It is not in both official languages; however, it is properly before the committee.

Are you moving and tabling it?

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

I want to emphasize that this motion is being tabled today following the testimony we have just heard, which is, in our opinion, of capital importance to our work as parliamentarians. It takes into account what we learned today, especially from the first nations.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

Unfortunately, as I said at the beginning, we have a hard stop at two o'clock. It is two o'clock. I don't think the committee can give me the authority to extend beyond two o'clock, so you're welcome to raise this motion again when the committee reconvenes.

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

With the committee's permission, we could hold a deferred vote and send everything by electronic means so that this is settled by tomorrow.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

I don't think we can go to a vote, Mr. Paul-Hus, because we are past two o'clock and—

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

That is why I am asking for a deferred vote.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

—therefore, it's finished.

[Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

As you wish, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, John McKay]

With that, the meeting is adjourned.