Evidence of meeting #169 for Public Safety and National Security in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rcmp.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Jacques Talbot Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Justice
Here, the persons who are subject to the current provision are the members of the RCMP, the members of the force.
Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Justice
Yes.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
So this amendment would apply to all CBSA employees, as you said, summer students.
That answers my question, thank you.
NDP
Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Thank you, Chair.
I'll support Mr. Manly's amendment because I think it refers to a pretty important inconsistency.
Two big issues come to mind. One, which I think we heard in the testimony previously and through Mr. Eglinski's questions in particular, is the importance of building trust. I just feel that the inequity that this would create in this newly named commission would be problematic for building that trust.
Two, again, we're using such a specific example of a summer student working three months at the agency, when the reality is that the loophole would allow someone who is in a much more conflicted position to be there. Unfortunately, I don't have wording to entertain an amendment to the amendment, to make that exemption appear, but again, just for the record, I think it's a pretty stark inconsistency, and so I'll support Mr. Manly's amendment.
Conservative
Jim Eglinski Conservative Yellowhead, AB
First of all, I couldn't support this amendment.
However, Mr. Talbot, I'd like you to clarify what you said a moment ago.
When you referred to RCMP officers, were you referring to past and present?
Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Justice
I'm referring to the current regime.
Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Justice
I'm talking about the current regime.
Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Justice
Oh, I'm referring also to the past members, the people who were subject to the former regime. As you know, a few years ago, we introduced a new piece of legislation that changed the statute for employees of the RCMP, particularly for—
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Are there any other questions on the amendment?
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 3 agreed to)
(Clauses 4 to 14 inclusive agreed to)
(On clause 15)
We have amendment PV-2. It is deemed to be in front of us. Notwithstanding, there's no one here to speak to it unless someone wants to speak to it. Does anyone want to speak to it, in favour or against amendment PV-2?
Conservative
Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB
I have a question for the officials. I'm just curious to know whether this would work and if it's even necessary, given what we heard in the previous hour, that this complaints commission does not deal with matters of deportation. Is this amendment PV-2 even necessary in this legislation?
Acting Director General, Law Enforcement and Border Strategies Directorate, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Amendment PV-2, as I understand it, relates to consultation and co-operation.
Conservative
Glen Motz Conservative Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB
That could mean that I'm deported to another country, and I'm going to then employ the services of some agency in another country to fight my deportation.
Acting Director General, Law Enforcement and Border Strategies Directorate, Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
If I understand your question correctly, the bill is not meant to interfere with the removal or extradition process. Complaints can be continued and can be brought from outside of Canada. Any person who felt they had a complaint could bring that forward, whether they were in Canada or not.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Is there any other commentary?
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Amendment PV-3 is before us. Does anyone want to ask questions of the officials or speak to PV-3?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
No, I can't skip it. It's properly before the committee so we have to deal with it.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
It's deemed moved.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 15 agreed to)
(Clauses 16 to 35 inclusive agreed to)
Shall the title carry?
