March 16, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario
Mr. Derek Lee
Chair, House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Dear Mr. Chair:
I would first like to congratulate you on your recent election as Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
As you know, the government tabled its Action Plan for Democratic Reform in the House of Commons on February 4, 2004. In the Action Plan, the government confirmed its support for prior parliamentary review of key positions, and committed to consult standing committees to identify which appointments should be subject to prior parliamentary review. A copy of the Action Plan is attached for your information.
Also attached is a list of key positions falling under your Committee's mandate. I would welcome, as soon as possible, the recommendations of your Committee on which of these positions should be subject to prior parliamentary review. I would also invite you to table these recommendations in the House of Commons at the same time.
I have also asked the Chair of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs to consult with parliamentarians from both Chambers, and you specifically as Chair of your Committee, on how best to proceed with prior review of appointments. I have also asked the Chair of the Procedure and House Affairs Committee to report on what changes to the Standing Orders may be needed in order to effectively implement prior review of appointments.
The Action Plan also states that the government will consult the appropriate parliamentary committees specifically on how best to implement the prior review of appointments of Supreme Court of Canada Justices. I would request that the Committee undertake a review and report to the House of Commons with recommendations on this matter as soon as possible. I would ask that you consult with the Minister of Justice and parliamentarians from both Chambers as part of this review.
Yours sincerely,
The Honourable Jacques Saada