Justice and Human Rights

The committee met to elect its chair and vice-chairs for the session. Marc Miller (Liberal) was elected chair, Larry Brock (Conservative) was elected first vice-chair, and Rhéal Éloi Fortin (Bloc Québécois) was elected second vice-chair. Members made brief remarks about the committee’s tradition of respectful collaboration.

After the elections, James Maloney moved to adjourn the meeting. Larry Brock then sought to table a motion on bail reform, arguing that the committee should address rising crime and weaknesses in the criminal justice system without further delay. Several Conservative members spoke in support of debating the motion immediately, citing data on auto theft, gun violence, and gang-related homicides, and stating that Canadians expected Parliament to act.

Other members raised points of order that the motion to adjourn was not debatable and that 48 hours’ notice was required for substantive motions. The committee did not vote on the adjournment motion or on Mr. Brock’s motion before the transcript ended, leaving both unresolved.