WPCx +,{j۟4W)e".y|x-ц$޼0i]I$6Zp$ _y;QN3w"\luT<*t3PD.f~8JjQv meٲ߃m{D~̨')y0u[&I$E[L3Š$Zr^: "a.S*n~@5Y CuaSq?V~D~dOc2/Y ΙN0&jކ,yjU*.n %  1m 0[ 0? 0  0 0 0I 0 0 0T 0. 0 0 0v 0v} 0 0| 0 0 0 0 0) 0< 0NL 0a! 0"% 0I,& u) 0I*- 0I. 012Ex6 0z6 1(7 7(-8 0U8 9 0=9 0F\9 0P9 19 7: 0z: 0@ ;,M<y= 0I?> 0CA D+A A MACB 0 IB%F 0>G,HJ1JK 0HL1M O 0iO=RVTYV 0\X,Z 0I=[^1_D`1`abbVUdUHfwfU6fU2-g4_gsg ugi 0i 0em 1q 7qq 0 .q B u#=u(x 1u.x 72xNx^ x mx<6X9`(Courier<6X9`(CourierXx6X@`7X@<6X9`(Courierd6X@`7@j`$0Code 3 of 9 4.6cpiBCXXj@(7X@,AUniversBoldcpiBCps7.2AArialBoldcpiBC2pPG;,AUniversBoldcpiBC//ps7/X'  0030599E 2 0jf (FINAL)&.CCPR/C/SR.1738*FINAL - 17 pages  $35;CKQYag11.(a)(i)a.(1)(a)i)a)lE0 D:Technical[1]Technical Document Style    2I.3  Ԁ     .. l:%:Technical[2]Technical Document Style   2A.3  Ԁ   .. l7!:Technical[3]Technical Document Style   21.3  Ԁ   .. l6! ):Technical[4]Technical Document Style   2a.3  Ԁ   .. l= g:Technical[5]Technical Document Style..   2(1)3  Ԁ. l= :Technical[6]Technical Document Style..   2(a)3  Ԁ. l<a~:Technical[7]Technical Document Style..   2i)3  Ԁ. l<a:Technical[8]Technical Document Style..   2a)3  Ԁ. Vc08Document[1]Document Style  @..^    2I.3  Ԁ     Ԉ V:8Document[2]Document Style   2A.3  Ԁ   VJ8Document[3]Document Style..   21.3  Ԁ   Vy8Document[4]Document Style.. . 2V 9w8Document[5]Document Style0...V 9{8Document[6]Document Style8...V& 8Document[7]Document Style0..0` ..` 1.V& 8Document[8]Document Style0..8` ..` 1.z` :Right Par[1]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..  2I.3  Ԁ..0..zs B:Right Par[2]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..  2A.3  Ԁ..0` ..` z :Right Par[3]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  ..P   21.3  Ԁ` ..` 0 .. z &:Right Par[4]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  .. ..   2a.3  Ԁ .. 0..z {j:Right Par[5]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  .. ..h..  2(1)3  Ԁ..0h..hz Ĵ:Right Par[6]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  .. ..h..h..  2(a)3  Ԁh..h0..z :Right Par[7]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  .. ..h..h....  2i)3  Ԁ..0..z :Right Par[8]Right-Aligned Paragraph Numbers..` ..`  .. ..h..h....p..  2a)3  Ԁ..0p..p0frstyleFormat standard with headers and footers definition FR     \R3'\ X  X    + 8  8 C<6X9`(CourierC    (  $(!#882   )    e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae#.."/...(!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$    "(    e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae  .. A/56/789 .. Fran ais .. Page    (!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$   $'    e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AeA/56/789Fran aisPage    (!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$  x22PleadingHeader for numbered pleading paper      &  "(        e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae  X 6b''*d66b''*d6..H1..H2..H3..H4..H5..H6..H7..H8..H9..10..11..12..13..14..15..16..17..18..19..20..21..22..23..24..25..26..27..28   jD4Tech InitInitialize Technical Style( ) ( CuyTechnicalTechnical Document Style11.11.1.11.1.1.11.1.1.1.11.1.1.1.1.11.1.1.1.1.1.11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1) 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1fE2Doc InitInitialize Document Style,( 0  (-./($0 ($0 0 (($0 0 0  A_ekqwDocumentDocument StyleI.1.A.a.(1)(a)i)a)0a)R& 8BibliogrphyBibliography0....h2landbondlandscape with bond header    \R'3\      $ 4<   $  "  )       $ e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aek9:ZJFz \ X p @X@k߄ Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5(!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$  ($     'dxd5678A<< c ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae/...(!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$    $'       $ e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aed9UEAz|P.@@X@d0landtoplandscape with header including top center pagination    \R'3\       +   $ >@   $  "  )       $ e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aek9?ZJFz \ X p @X@k ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae/... ' $'       $ e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aep9A_OKz| 0\ p @X@p ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae@..,    ڄ@..4landsuppllandscape with bottom centered pagination    \R'3\ X  H (  X C ' $'     (  X e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aep9D_OKz|\ p @X@p ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae@..,    ڄ0ukstyleFormat standard with headers and footers definition UK     \R3'\ X      + 8  8 C<6X9`(CourierC    (  $(FGH882    )UKUS., (4$/ /  +88XX$882 X$   @ u[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?A882u""W#/...  "(UKUS., (4$/ /  +88XX$882 X$   @ u[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?A882u  $'UKUS., (4$/ /  +88XX$882 X$   @ u[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?A882u4landscapecodes for tables in landscape with headers/footers     \R'3\       +   ( JMO   (  " K*       ( e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aek9LZJFz \ X p @X@k(!2$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$   ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae/... ' $'       ( e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aep9N_OKz|P.p p @X@p  ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Ae ' "(       ( e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?Aep9P_OKz|P.$# p @X@p  ;"  e[X` hp x (#%'0*,.8135@8:<H?AeR _<<_ODS_ԀJOBNO>>N0030599<<_ODS_ԀJOBNO>>  <<_ODS_ԀDOCSYMBOL1>>_CCPR_/C/SR.1738<<_ODS_ԀDOCSYMBOL1>>  <<_ODS_ԀDOCSYMBOL2>><<_ODS_ԀDOCSYMBOL2>>   L K*UKUS., (4$/ /  +88XX$882 X$  _0030599(E)""W#/... X X< XTX$XXX< *0030599*TwXTX$TwԂj`$0Code 3 of 9 4.6cpiBC,AUniversBold.2AArialBoldvx01 |I  ;"UKUS., (4$/ /  +XX$882 X$  _+/V/yD -/InternationalCovenanton  CivilandPoliticalRights (n"2&$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$  ++< X88Ҁ  0  (n"2F$ a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$  ++< X88Ҁ  0   CRight ParRight-Aligned Paragraph NumbersI.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)^a)#|d ($  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$ dHP LaserJet 4P,,,,,,0!3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)ei)y0 U a!  TRX3'X3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( 3'LetterTUKUS., fX fX (43e/ /  XX+88XX$882 X$  _  _Q *_ EUKUK.,  TRX3'X3'3'LetterX3' Letter3'Letter\ UK f f ( TXXX  ++8888 (44/ /FGH*882 882*    SWI UNITED X* NATIONS  F ?b'' hdE8h?9Z]MIz|` e* p @X@E` * ` *Wc WI Wc' 88p882' p Distr.   p GENERAL   p _CCPR_/C/SR.1738 ^0   p 7March1999    p ORIGINAL:ENGLISH  v   ~?b'' HhdE8Hh?-88 P888-@(HUMANRIGHTSCOMMITTEE  @66*Sixtyfifthsession V @ !SUMMARYRECORDOFTHE1738thMEETING  @ $HeldatHeadquarters,NewYork, ^ @  "onFriday,26March1999,at3p.m. N  @ #Chairperson:Ms.MEDINA_QUIROGA_Ԉ f @\\/CONTENTS  CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE40OFTHE ^0  COVENANT(continued)  !   FourthperiodicreportofCanada v# 20 !#*   Thisrecordissubjecttocorrection. v#H%,   Correctionsshouldbesubmittedinoneoftheworkinglanguages.They $&. shouldbesetforthinamemorandumandalsoincorporatedinacopyofthe %'/ record.Theyshouldbesentwithinoneweekofthedateofthisdocumenttothe ~&P(0 Chief,OfficialRecordsEditingSection,OfficeofConferenceandSupport @')1 Services,roomDC2-794,2UnitedNationsPlaza. ()2 [  H*,5n [ [S [  @T T Themeetingwascalledtoorderat3.10p.m.  CONSIDERATIONOFREPORTSSUBMITTEDBYSTATESPARTIESUNDERARTICLE40OFTHE  F COVENANT(continued)  FourthperiodicreportofCanada(continued)(_CCPR_/C/103/Add.5) R 1.  AttheinvitationoftheChairperson,Ms.Fry,Mr.Hynes,Ms.Barnes,   Ms._Beckton_,Ms.Buck,Mr._Deslauriers_,Ms._Karman_,Ms._McClung_,Mr._Thrien_,    Mr._Tsai_,Mr.Watts,Ms._Weiser_,Ms.Whitaker,Ms.YoungandMr._Zinger_Ԁ(Canada) Z   tookplacesattheCommitteetable.  V  1a.  TheCHAIRPERSONinvitedCommitteememberstoheartherepliesofthe   Canadiandelegationtothequestionsundertheissuedheadings b  (_CCPR_/C/65/Q/CAN1). $^  Rightofselfdeterminationandtherightsofpersonsbelongingtominorities   (arts.1,27). j  2.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidthattheCharterofRightsandFreedoms,farfrom ( impedingimplementationoftheCovenant,wastheprimarymechanismforachieving  thatpurpose;indeed,theprovisionsoftheCanadianCharterwerebasedonthe r Covenant.TheCovenantwasalsoimplementedthroughtheHumanRightsAct,the 4n EmploymentEquityAct,theMulticulturalismActandanumberofotherpolicies 0 andlawsandthepreambletotheYouthCriminalJusticeBillwasbasedonboth  theCovenantandtheConventionontheRightsoftheChild. z 3.  Turningtotheissueofselfdeterminationandindigenouspeoples,she 8 reiteratedthepositionsetforthinhercountry'sstatementofOctober1996to  theWorkingGrouponthedraftdeclarationonindigenousrights,namely,that  Canadaacceptedtherightofindigenouspeoplestoselfdetermination,provided D~ thattheexerciseofthatrightdidnotunderminethepolitical,constitutional @  orterritorialintegrityofdemocraticStates. ! 4.  ShestressedthattheindigenouspeoplesofCanadawerenothomogenousand L# thateventhevariousindigenousgroups,suchasFirstNations,Inuitand_Mtis_, H$ werecomposedofmanyseparatepeoples.InthecontextofCanadianhistory,the  % rightofselfdeterminationmeantrestoringindependentgovernanceandthe  & decisionmakingpowersw_hich_Ԁthosepeopleshadenjoyedpriortocolonialism. T!' ThereportoftheRoyalCommissiononAboriginalPeoplescalledforthe "P( recognitionofselfdeterminationwithinthatmeaning. ") 5.  Mr.WATTS(Canada),elaboratingonthefollowuptothereportoftheRoyal \$ + CommissiononAboriginalPeoplesandtheimplementationoftheGathering %X!, Strengthinitiative,saidthatapproximatelyonefourthoftheRoyal %"- Commission'srecommendationshadbeendirectedatthefederalGovernment. &". Approximately75percentofthoserecommendationswerebeingimplementedeither d'#/ throughexistingprogrammesortheGatheringStrengthinitiative,whichhadbeen &(`$0 adoptedinJanuary1998.Inthatconnection,thefederalGovernmenthad ("%1 elaboratedanagendaforactionandwascurrentlyengagedinnegotiationswith )%2 theAssemblyoftheFirstNations,theCongressofAboriginalPeoples,theInuit l*&3 andthe_Mtis_. .+h'4 6.Inadeparturefrompastpractice,thefederalGovernmentwasseekingto ,(6 formpartnershipswiththeaboriginalpeoplesinimplementingprogrammesfor t-)7 _theirbenefit.AoneyearprogressreportonthefollowuptotheRoyal  Commission'sreporthadbeenreleasedinJanuary1999andwasavailablefor  consultationbyCommitteemembers.TheGatheringStrengthinitiativewhose J coregoalswererenewingpartnership,strengtheningaboriginalgovernance,  F transformingfiscalrelationsandbuildingstrongercommunities,peoplesand  economieswasseekingtoreinterprethistoricCanadiantreaties.Inthat  spirit,thefederalGovernmenthadacknowledgedinastatementofconciliation, R thecontributionsoftheFirstNationspeoplesandhadexpressedprofoundregret  N forpasterrorsandadeterminationtolearnfromthem.   7.  ThefederalGovernmenthadconcludedagreementswiththeAssemblyofFirst Z   Nationsonaframeworkforestablishingjurisdictionandintergovernmental  V  relationshipsandfordecidingmattersofsurrender,extinguishmentandtitleto    land.Recognizingtheimportanceoflandownershipandhumanandfinancial   resourcestothedevelopmentoftheFirstNationsGovernment,thefederal b  GovernmentofCanadahadsetupaprocedureforthesettlementoflandclaims, $^  whichhadbeenparticularlysuccessfulinnegotiatingtitleandbenefitsfor   FirstNationspeoplesinSaskatchewanandManitobaprovincesandtheYukon   Territory.Inaddition,theGovernmentofthenewInuitprovince,wouldhave j  controloveronefifthofCanadianterritoryandwouldbegranted$1.17billion ,f infinancialbenefits,royalties,wildlifeandharvestingrightsandtheright ( toparticipateindecisionmakingbodies.  8.InJuly1997,afteraoneyearimpasse,negotiationshadresumedwiththe 4n LubiconLakeBand.Intheeightsessionsheldthusfar,withtheparticipation 0 ofthefullLubiconCouncil,discussionshadfocusedontheLubiconproposalfor  alandsettlementagreement.Inaddition,acomprehensiveclaimspolicyhad z beenformulatedtodealwiththeDelgamuukwagreement.Ajointtechnical <v committeehadbeenestablishedin1998toreviewthefundamentalgoalsofland 8 treatiesandcomprehensiveagreements,withtheparticipationoftheFirst  Nationspeople.Withinthatcontext,ajointnationalmeetinghadrecentlybeen  heldbetweenrepresentativesoftheAssemblyofFirstNationsandthefederal D~ Government. @  9.  Anumberofreports,includingonepublishedin1994bytheStanding " CommissiononAboriginalAffairsandanotherin1996bytheRoyalCommissionon L# AboriginalPeoples,hadrecommendedthatthefederalGovernmentshouldtakean H$ alternativeapproachtoprovidingguaranteesinlandclaimagreements;the  % CanadianGovernmentwasreceptivetothoserecommendations.TheAboriginal  & peoples,fortheirpart,maintainedthattheterms"extinguishment","cede", T!' "release"and"surrender"wouldbeunacceptable. "P( 10.  Ms.BECKTON(Canada),commentingonthejudicialaspectsofaboriginal #* selfdetermination,saidthat,althoughBillC31,restoredthetribalmembership \$ + statusofwomenwhohadlostit,suchmembershipwasstillsubjecttobans.In %X!, thatconnection,theCanadiancourtswereattemptingtoestablishabalance %"- betweencustomarylawandtraditionandtherightsguaranteedbyCanadian &". legislationandtheCovenant.InnegotiatingtreatieswithAboriginalpeoples, d'#/ thefederalGovernmenthadmaintainedthattheCanadianCharterofRightsand &(`$0 Freedomsappliedequallytothosepeoples. ("%1 11.  Ms.FRY(Canada),respondingtoCommitteemembers'questionsconcerning l*&3 refugeesanddetention,saidthatCanadahadagenerousrefugeepolicy.Since .+h'4 1945,ithadwelcomedmorethat7.9millionimmigrants,andeveryyear,offered +*(5  protectiontomorethan20,000conventionrefugees.Furthermore,Canadawas_one ,(6 ofthefirstcountriesintheworldtoacknowledgeseveregenderdiscrimination  asacriterionforgrantingrefugeestatus.   12.  Mr._TSAI_(Canada),respondingtoaquestiononthelengthoftimenecessary  F forrefugeestoacquirepermanentresidencestatus,saidthattheconceptof  temporaryprotectiondidnotexistinCanada.Thecountryhostedrefugeeswith  theaimofintegratingthemintosocietyintheshortestpossibletime. R Permanentresidencewasgenerallygrantedinabout12months;permanent  N residentscouldapplyforCanadiancitizenshipthreeyearsthereafter.Thelack   ofidentificationpaperswasoneofanumberofcomplicationsthattendedto    prolongthewaitingperiod. Z   13.  InJanuary1997,theGovernmenthadestablishedanewclassofrefugees,    knownasthe"undocumentedconventionrefugees,"inordertofacilitatethe   grantingofpermanentresidencestatustorefugeesfromspecificcountries, b  currentlyAfghanistanandSomalia.Underplannedlegislativereforms,the $^  waitingperiodforthatclasswastobereducedfromfivetothreeyears.   14.  IndefinitedetentionwasprohibitedundertheimmigrationlawsofCanada. j  Aftera48hourperiod,thereasonsfordetentionwerereviewedbyan ,f adjudicator.Thatprocesswasrepeatedwithinsevendaysandevery30days ( thereafter.Thereviewswerepublicandtheadjudicatorswereattachedtothe  administrativecourt,whichfunctionedasaunitoftheCommissionof r ImmigrationandRefugeesandtookitsdecisionsindependentlyfromthefederal 4n Government.TheCommitteemightwishtoconsultthereportofthe 0 Inter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRights,whichhadrecentlyvisitedCanadian  detentioncentres.Theaveragelengthofdetentioninfederalcentreswas z 8days;theaveragelengthofdetentioninprovincialcentres,wherethosewith <v criminalrecordswereheld,was18days. 8 15.  Mr._THRIEN_(Canada)saidthatCanadahadestablishedanumberof  mechanismsforhearingthecomplaintsofthosedeniedrefugeestatusand D~ evaluatingtherisksofexpulsion,includingexposuretotortureandfamilyand @  otherhumanitarianconcerns.Inaddition,theCanadiancourtshadrendered ! decisionsinthatconnectionandtheSupremeCourthadestablishedprinciples " governingtheassessmentoftheriskoftorture.Thecomplaintsprocess L# includedafairhearingbyanindependentarbiterandanindependenttribunal H$ knownasanImmigrationRefugeeBoard,whichdecidedontheneedforprotection  % undertheGenevaConventionsandotherhumanrightsinstruments,includingthe  & ConventionagainstTortureandOtherCruel,InhumanorDegradingTreatmentor T!' Punishment.Atthemoment,theprocesswasnotlegallyenforced;however,that "P( aspectwouldbereviewedinconnectionwiththeproposedrevisionofthe ") ImmigrationAct. #* 16.  Ms.FRY(Canada)addedthattheMinisterofCitizenshipandImmigrationof \$ + Canadawascurrentlyholdingpublichearingsandseekinginputforpurposesof %X!, updatingtheCitizenandRefugeeActnowinforce. %"- 17.  Ms._BECKTON_(Canada),replyingtoquestionsconcerningextradition,said d'#/ thattheMinistryofJusticetookintoaccountinternationalstandards &(`$0 concerningthedeathpenaltyindecidingextraditioncases.Inthatcontext, ("%1 shenotedthattheCovenantdidnotprohibitcapitalpunishment. )%2 18.  Inreplytothequestionconcerningjudicialreviewasopposedtoappeal, .+h'4 shesaidthatjudicialreviewwasthepracticeofthespecialtribunals +*(5  establishedtohearcomplaintsofdiscrimination.Whileissuesoflawcouldbe ,(6 fullyreviewedbythecourts,thespecialtribunalsweredeemedtohave  expertiseinhumanrightsissues.   19.  Inresponsetothequestiononthescreeningprocess,shesaidthata  F commissiontoinvestigatecomplaintsofdiscriminationhadbeenestablishedasa  costfreealternativetoexpensivecourtprocedures.Suchcomplaintswere  generallyreferredtohumanrightstribunalsorresolvedamicably.Atthe R federallevel,directaccesstothetribunalswouldbeconsideredduringthe  N forthcomingoverallreviewoftheCanadianHumanRightsAct.   20.  Althoughthepermanenttribunalhadbeenrestructuredin1998,thepay Z   equitycaseinitiatedin1991hadbeencompletedundertheprevioussystem.  V  WhiletheSupremeCourthadheldthattherewasnoseparatecommonlawtortof    discrimination,complaintsofdiscriminationcouldbefiledthroughother   grievanceprocedures,undertheCanadianCharterorinunjustdismissal b  lawsuits.HeritageCanadadisseminatedinformationontheCovenant,the $^  CanadianHumanRightsCommissionandthetribunalswhichdealtwith   anti-discriminationissues.Thequestionofbroaderprotectioninaccordance   withtheCovenantcouldbediscussedinthecontextofthereviewtobecarried j  outbytheMinistryofJustice. ,f 21.  Ms.FRY(Canada),whoservedasSecretaryofStateoftheDepartmentfor  theStatusofWomen,saidthatagenderanalysisofallpoliciesaffecting r women'seconomicstatuswasbeingcarriedout.Sucheffortswere_focused_Ԁon 4n training,accesstoeducationandthevaluationofinformalorunpaidworkfor 0 purposesofpensionandretirementincome.Effortswerealsobeingmadeto  intensifytrainingprogrammesforwomeninthepaidworkforceandtofacilitate z womenentrepreneurs'accesstocapital.Supplementalincomeandchildbenefits <v wereofferedtoimpoverishedwomenheadsofhouseholdandachildrearingdrop 8 outarrangementensuredthatpensionsofwomenwhotooktimeofffromworkto  raisechildrenwerenotaffected.Inaddition,Canada'soldagesecurityplan  l_argely_Ԁbenefitedseniorwomen. D~ 22.  Mr._DESLAURIERS_(Canada),replyingtoquestionsconcerningthelanguage ! lawsinQuebec,saidthatpersonstemporarilyresidinginQuebecwereentitled " toenroltheirchildreninEnglishlanguageschools,providedtheyobtainedthe L# properauthorization.SubsidiesweregrantedforeducationinFrenchlanguage H$ publicorprivateschools;therewerealsoanumberofnonsubsidizedFrench  % andEnglishlanguageprivateschools.Although80percentofQuebec's  & populationwasFrenchspeaking,Englishlanguageschoolswereoperating T!' throughoutitsterritory.EnglishlanguageeducationwaspermittedinQuebec, "P( ifachild'smotherorfatherwasaCanadiancitizenandhadreceivedprimary ") educationinEnglishinCanada;ifhisorhermotherorfatherwasaCanadian #* citizenandthechildhadreceivedmostofhisorherprimaryeducationin \$ + EnglishinCanada;iftheparentswerenotCanadiancitizensbuthadreceived %X!, EnglishlanguageeducationinQuebec;orundertheabovedescribedconditionsof %"- temporaryresidence.IfachildreceivedEnglishlanguageeducationinQuebec, &". hisorhersiblingswereentitledtodosoaswell.Therewerenorestrictions d'#/ onadmissiontoEnglishorFrenchlanguageuniversities. &(`$0 23.  HehadaflyeronhumanrightsinQuebec,inbothEnglishandFrench,which )%2 hewouldbepleasedtodistributetoCommitteemembers.Inresponsetoanother l*&3 question,hesaidthatCommitteemembersmightwishtocontacttheCanadian .+h'4 CommissionontheRightsoftheIndividualforadditionalinformationonthe +*(5  statisticsonQuebecprovidedinthereport.Theymightalsowishtoconsult ,(6 thereportsoftheCommitteeontheEliminationofRacialDiscriminationinthat  connection.   24.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidthatreligiousfreedomwasenshrinedinCanadianlaw,  F andthatbothtraditionalandnontraditionalreligionswereprotectedand  encouraged.ItshouldbenotedthatthefastestgrowingreligioninCanadawas  Islam. R 25.Thelawonmulticulturalismwasintendedtowelcomeandencouragereligious   practiceandtradition,particularlyinStateinstitutions.Forinstance,Sikhs    intheCanadianarmedforcesworeturbans,andsimilarflexibilitywasexhibited Z   inotherareaswiththeaimofensuringthatallpersonslivinginCanadacould  V  implementtheirreligiousbeliefs.WhiletheCharterofRightsandFreedomsin    factsupersededallotherlegislationandpolicy,wherereligiouspracticeswere   consideredharmful,theywereidentifiedinthecriminalcode;forinstance, b  genitalmutilationwasprohibited.Inprinciple,anypracticethatcontravened $^  fundamentalrightsandprotectionswasoutlawed.   26.  AttherequestoftheCommittee,thedelegationcouldprovideacopyofthe j  courtdecisionconcerningthesecessionofQuebecfromCanada;anymemberwho ,f hadquestionscouldthenforwardthemtotheGovernmentviathePermanent ( Mission.TheCanadianGovernmentwaspreparedtorespectthefindingsofa  referendum,whichitregardedasanoptimalmeansofconsultingthepopulation. r Ithoped,however,thatQuebec,whichwasanintegralpartoftheCanadian 4n heritage,wouldremainpartofCanada. 0 27.  ThefederalGovernmenthadenactedtransferstotheprovincesintheareas z ofhealth,socialassistanceandpostsecondaryeducation.Withaviewto <v efficiency,theGovernmenthadchosenasitsvehicletheCanadaHealthand 8 SocialTransfer,whichtheprovinceshaddeemedeasytoadminister.That  approachhad,however,jeopardizedportabilityandmobilityrights.Inits  continuingefforttocreateagreementsamongthefederalGovernment,the D~ provincesandtheterritorieswhichwouldeffectivelyensureeconomicandsocial @  rights,theGovernmenthadrecentlyagreedthatthoserightsshouldbere ! evaluated.Infuture,portabilityandmobilityrightswouldformpartofthe " nationalstandard. L# 28.  Mr._THRIEN_(Canada)said,withregardtodeportationtoacountrywhere  % immigrantsriskedtorture,theGovernmentroutinelyconductedanevaluationof  & thefactstodeterminewhethersuchariskinfactexisted.Intheunusualcase T!' thatthepersoninquestionhadcommittedaseriouscrimeoranactof "P( terrorism,theGovernmentmightchoosetoexpelhimwhetherornottherewas ") sucharisk.Requestfortheestablishmentofinterimmeasuresshortof #* immediateexpulsionsubmittedtotheGovernmentbytreatybodieswereconsidered \$ + withtheutmostseriousness,butasstatedbeforetheCommitteeAgainstTorture, %X!, thepositionofCanadawasthatthoserequestswererecommendationsand %"- thereforewerenotbindingontheGovernment.Asageneralrule,however,those &". requestswerefulfilled. d'#/ Therighttolife(article6oftheCovenant) ("%1 29.  TheCHAIRPERSONreadoutthequestionsrelatingtotherighttolife l*&3 (article6):aninquiryintothedeathofMr.DudleyGeorge,anAboriginal .+h'4 activist;theratificationoftheSecondOptionalProtocol;andtheoutcomeof +*(5 theinvestigationintoabusesbyCanadiansoldiersduringa_UNOSOM_ԀIImissionin ,(6 Somalia. t-)7 Ї30.  Mr.HYNES(Canada)saidthattheresponsetothosequestionshadbeen  forwardedtothedelegationbytheGovernmentofOntario,theprovinceinwhich  theshootingofMr.DudleyGeorgehadoccurred.Itdeclaredthattheincident J at_Intuwash_Ԁhadbeenatragedyandthat,sincethereweremattersoutstanding  F beforethecourts,itwasnotatpresentinapositiontoorderaninquiry.The  GovernmentofOntariowouldconsiderotheroptionsonlyaftermattersbeforethe  courtshadbeenconcluded. R 31.  Ms.FRY(Canada),replyingtoquestion21,saidthattherehadbeenade   factomoratoriumonthedeathpenaltyinCanadasincetheearly1960s.    AmendmentstotheNationalDefenceActthathadenteredintoforcein1998had Z   removedallreferencetothedeathpenalty;Canadawasnowanabolitionist  V  jurisdictionbothdefactoanddejure.    32.  Replyingtoquestion22,shesaidthattheinvestigationintothe b  involvementofCanadianforcesinabusesduringa_UNOSOM_ԀIImissiontoSomalia $^  hadresultedinasetofrecommendations,mostofwhichhadbeenimplementedor   wereintheprocessofimplementation.Civilianmonitoringcommitteeshadbeen   establishedtoensurethatthoserecommendationswouldberespected.In j  addition,theindividualsresponsibleforthoseabuseshadbeencourt_martialled_ ,f andprosecuted. ( 33.  Inthewayoffurtheraction,theCanadianforceshadpublishedadoctrine r manualcontainingboththelawofarmedconflictandthecodeofconductfor 4n armedforcespersonnel.Educationalcoursesinthelawofarmedconflictwere 0 alsobeinggiventoarmypersonnelonaregularbasis.Inaddition,a  compendiumoftheprincipalinternationaltreatiesanddomesticlawshadbeen z madeavailabletoforcesinthefield.ACDRomwasbeingdeveloped,which <v wouldincludepublications,referencematerialsandtrainingmodules. 8 34.  Ms._BECKTON_(Canada)saidthattheCanadianCriminalCodeprovidedforthe  imprisonmentforanindeterminatetermofhighriskoffenders.Thatmeasure D~ appliedonlytoseriousviolentcrimesandwasimposedonlyafterconvictionand @  followingaspecialhearingtoassesswhethertheoffendershowedapatternof ! violentbehaviourconstitutingalongtermrisktosociety.Suchprisonerswere " guaranteedtheirrighttodueprocess,permittedtoinstituteanappealand L# allowedtoseekparole.TheSupremeCourthadruledthat_that_Ԁproceduredidnot H$ violatetheCharterofRightsandFreedomsanddidnotconstitutearbitrary  % detentionorcruelorunusualpunishment.Itwasmostoftenappliedtosex  & offenderswithlonghistoriesofviolentconduct. T!' 35.  Theanswertoquestion24appliednotjusttoNewfoundlandandNovaScotia ") buttoCanadaasawhole.TheCriminalCodesetoutthelegalgroundsforpre #* trialdetentionandestablishedthattheprosecutormustprovidejustification \$ + forsuchameasurebeforeajudicialofficer.Itwaspresumedthatanoffender %X!, wouldbereleasedpendingtrialunlesshemetthespecificcriteriasetoutin %"- thoseprovisions. &". 36.  Incasesofgravecrimessuchasmurderorpiracy,orofcrimescommitted &(`$0 byapersonwhohasbeenreleasedpendingtrial,itfelltotheaccusedto ("%1 establishwhyheshouldnotbedetainedincustody.Detainedpersonswere )%2 entitledtoareviewafterthirtydaysifheldforsummaryconvictions;and l*&3 afterninetydaysifheldforindictableoffences.Thereviewjudgeconsidered .+h'4 whethertheprosecutionhadvalidreasonsfordelay,anddeterminedwhether +*(5 continueddetentionwithoutbailwasjustified. ,(6  t-)7 _37.  Turningtoquestion26,shesaidthatthefederalGovernmentprovidedfunds  forlegalaidprogrammesthroughoutCanadaandplayedaleadershiprolein  relatedpolicydevelopment.Legalaidwasadministered,however,bythe J provincesandterritories,whichwereresponsibleforensuringthatminimum  F jointlyagreedstandardswererespectedandforestablishingeligibility  criteriaanddeliverymodels.Furthermore,theprovincesandterritorieshad  recentlyundertakenanumberofinitiativesdesignedtorenderthelegalaid R systemmoreefficientandcosteffective.Ontario,AlbertaandBritishColumbia  N wereamongthosewhichhadundertakenprogressiveeffortstoreformlegalaid   services.Inaddition,thefederalGovernmenthadsignedaccesstoservice    agreementswithboththeYukonandtheNorthwestTerritoriesinaugurating Z   programmesadaptabletotheiruniqueneeds.  V  38.  Mr.WATTS(Canada)saidthatthereplyoftheGovernmentofOntarioto   question25statedthat,asperiodicinfluxofprisonersandpoorutilization b  ratessometimesresultedinpopulationpressuresonthecorrectionsystem,the $^  Governmentofthatprovincehadinitiatedamajorrestructuringofits   correctionalinstitutions.Itsaimwastoreplaceolderstructureswithlarger,   moreefficientfacilities,andtoredistributetheprisonpopulationto j  underutilizedfacilitiesinlesspopulouspartsoftheprovince.Underthat ,f plan,theDonjailwouldbeclosedinthesummerof2000,anditsinmateswould ( betransferredelsewhere.Publicsafetywasaprimaryconsiderationinmaking  decisionswithregardtoreleaseintothecommunity. r 39.  Ms.McCLUNG(Canada)saidthattheCanadianfederalprisonsystem 0 administeredthesentencesofoffenderssentencedtotermsofmorethantwo  years.Itwasresponsiblefor20,000prisoners,7,000ofwhomwereon z conditionalreleaseintocommunities.Canadasconstitutional,statutoryand <v humanrightsframeworkprotectedtheresidualrightsandfreedomsoffederally 8 sentencedoffendersandassuredtheirrighttobetreatedinafairanddecent  mannerandnottobesubjectedtocruel,inhumanordegradingtreatmentor  punishment.Thatframeworkalsoprovidedoffenderswhoallegedthattheirhuman D~ rightshadbeenviolatedwithbothinternalandexternalremedies,including @  accesstoafairinternalgrievanceresolutionprocessandreviewproceduresand ! therighttoappealtothecourtsortosuchnonjudicialcontrolsasthe " correctionalinvestigator,whowasindependentfromthecorrectionalservices L# systemandineffectfunctionedasaprisonombudsman. H$ 40.  AsaresultoftheincidentthatoccurredatthePrisonforWomenin  & Kingstonin1994,andoftheinquirythatensued,ithadbeenestablishedthat T!' malecorrectionalworkersshouldatnotimeobserveorconductsearchesof "P( femaleprisoners,althoughinanemergencytheycouldbecalledonforsecondary ") assistance.Amemberofthejudiciaryhadbeenappointedtomonitorthe #* assignmentofmalecorrectionalworkerstocorrectionalfacilitiesforwomen. \$ + 41.  Ninetypercentofthefemaleprisonpopulationwasheldininstitutions %"- forwomenonlysoastopromoterespectfortheirsenseofhumandignity. &". Measureshadalsobeenundertakentohonourthetraditionalculturesand d'#/ ancestralrightsofAboriginalpersonsduringtheirimprisonmentwithaviewto &(`$0 theirsubsequentsocialreintegration.Itwasworthnotingthattherewerefew ("%1 womenrecidivists.The30womenoffendersnowininstitutionsharbouringmale )%2 inmatesmostofthemwomenwithseverepsychologicalproblemswereneverin l*&3 communicationwiththemaleprisonpopulation.Thecorrectionalservice .+h'4 consideredthatamixedpopulationhadanadverseeffectandshouldnotbe +*(5 envisagedasalongtermsolution. ,(6  t-)7 42.  Finally,thecorrectionalserviceacknowledgedthatAIDswasnotonlya  healthbutahumanrightsissue.OnWorldAIDsDay,theSolicitorGeneralhad  announcedanationalHIVprogrammeintheprisonstoprovidetesting,treatment J andcare.  F Righttoprivacy(article17oftheCovenant)  43.  TheCHAIRPERSONreadoutthequestionsrelatingtotherighttoprivacy  N (article17):therighttoprivacyundertheOntariosocialassistance   procedureandthecompatibilityofarticles17and24withtheYoungOffenders    Act. Z   44.  Mr.HYNES(Canada)saidthattheresponseoftheGovernmentofOntarioto    question30statedthattheprivacyrightsofsocialsecurityrecipients   continuedtobeprotectedunderprovincialandmunicipalfreedomofinformation b  andprotectionofprivacylegislation.ParticipationintheOntarioworks $^  programme,aworkforwelfareprogramme,whichprovidedfinancialandemployment   assistancetoparticipants,wasmandatory;allprocedureswereconductedin   accordancewithlaw. j  45.  Ms.FRY(Canada),replyingtoquestion31,saidthattheMinistryof ( Justicehadintroducedanewyouthcriminaljusticeactin1999,which  acknowledgedthegreaterdependencyandlessermaturityofyoungpersons.It r alsoprovidedforrehabilitationandreintegrationofyouthintothecommunity, 4n andrequiredthatpoliceofficersshouldconsiderotheralternativesbefore 0 institutingjudicialproceedings,suchaswarningsorreferralstocommunity  programmes.Suchmeasureswereconsideredacceptableiftheyoungpersonhad z notcommittedaviolentcrimeandwasnotarepeatoffender.Youthcourt <v justiceshadabroaderrangeofoptions,includingorderingayouthtomake 8 restitution,topayafine,ortobecommittedtocustody.Thelawprovided  thatyouthsundertheageof18shouldnotbeheldinadultfacilities,unless  veryparticularcircumstancesprevailed. D~ 46.  Inkeepingwitharticle17,therelevantlegislationsoughttobalancethe ! accusedyouthsneedforprivacywiththeimportanceofapublictrialaswell " asofpublicconfidenceinthejuvenilejusticesystem.Theprivacyofmost L# youngpersonswasprotectedduringandaftertheirtrials,buttheGovernment H$ nowpermittedpublicdisclosureafterconvictionincertaincases.Itproposed  % thatinfuturetheidentityofthoseyoungoffenderswhoqualifiedforserious  & adultsentencesshouldbemadepublicandthatthecasesofthoseovertheage T!' of14whohadcommittedcertaingraveoffencescouldbepublicizedevenifthey "P( didnotreceiveadultsentences;thejudgewouldhavediscretionastowhether ") theoffendersnameshouldberevealed.Finally,thenewlegislationrecognized #* theprinciplessetoutinthepreambletotheConventionontheRightsofthe \$ + Child. %X!, Rightofassociation(article22oftheCovenant) &". 47.  TheCHAIRPERSONreadoutthequestionrelatingtotherightofassociation &(`$0 (article22):therighttostrike,lockoutandcollectivebargaining,andthe ("%1 situationofagriculturalworkersinthatrespect. )%2 48.  Ms.BECKTON(Canada)saidthattheCharterofRightsandFreedoms .+h'4 guaranteedthefreedomofassociation.However,thecourtshaddeterminedthat +*(5 thatrightdidnotapplytotherighttostrikeortoengageincollective ,(6 bargainingnomatterhowfundamentaltotheassociationinquestion. t-)7 Ї49.  Therighttostrikewasneverthelessprotectedbylabourlegislationinall  theprovincesandatthefederallevel.Federallawgovernedcollective  bargainingforpublicservants;theCanadaLabourCodeestablishedtheframework J forcollectivebargaininginthefederalprivatesector.TheCodealsoprovided  F thatallpersonscouldjointhetradeunionoftheirchoiceandcould  participateinlawfulactivitiesassociatedtherewith,andguaranteedfreedomto  bargaincollectively.Federallawalsoestablishedtheconditionsunderwhich R legalstrikesandlockoutscouldbecalled,andprovidedthatthoseactivities  N shouldberestrictedorprohibitedexceptionallytoensuretheprovisionof   servicesdeemedessentialtopublicsafetyandhealth.    50.  Finally,althoughmostoftheprovincesandterritoriesincluded  V  agriculturalworkersundertheircollectivebargainingstatutes,Ontario,    AlbertaandNewBrunswickexcludedthemtovaryingdegrees.   &  Prohibitionofforcedlabourandprotectionoffamilyandchildren(articles8, $^  23and24oftheCovenant)   51.'$   Ms.FRY(Canada),replyingtoquestion33,saidthatherGovernmentwas j  committedtoprovidingchildrenwithabetterstartinlifethroughprogrammes ,f suchasthecommunityactionprogramme,theprenatalnutritionprogrammeandthe ( Aboriginalheadstartprogramme.ItwascommittedtohelpingAboriginal  childrenandchildrenlivinginpovertythosemostatriskthroughanumber r offederalinitiatives.TheCommunityActionProgrammeforChildren(CAPC), 4n withatotalfederalbudgetof$52.9millionin1997,aimingtopromotethe 0 healthandsocialdevelopmentofvulnerablechildren,developedprogrammes  designedandadministeredbyeachcommunity.HealthCanadahadprogrammesfor z Aboriginalchildrenlivinginreserves,administeredthroughtheFirstNations <v andInuitcomponentoftheChildDevelopmentInitiativeandtheCanadaPrenatal 8 NutritionProgramme.Thelatter,witha1997federalbudgetof$12.8million,  wasacomprehensiveprogrammeprovidingfoodsupplementation,nutrition  counselling,education,counsellingtopregnantmothersandthelike.An D~ expandedAboriginalheadstartprogramme,witha1997budgetof$19.4million, @  wasaimedatchildrenunderfiveinbothurbanandruralcommunitiesand,in ! consultationwithlocalAboriginalgroupsandparents,workedwithpreschool " childrentopromotetheirculture,language,education,healthandsocial L# support.AdditionalsupportwasprovidedbytheNationalChildBenefitper H$ childandtheWorkingIncomeSupplementforneedyfamilies.  % 52.  ThepreferredterminCanadaforthewordingofquestion34wasthe T!' "commercialsexualexploitationofchildren"ratherthanthe"prostitution"of "P( children.Legislationwhichhadcomeintoforcein1997hadamendedthe ") CriminalCodetoimposemandatoryjailtermsforpimpswhoexploitedyoung #* peopleandchildrenforsexualpurposesthroughviolenceandcoercionandhad \$ + provedhelpfulinapprehendingoffendersandprotectingprospectivewitnesses. %X!, Moreover,additionallegislationwaspendingintheSenate,whichwouldamend %"- theCriminalCodebymakingitacrimetocommunicatewithaviewtoobtaining &". childrenforsexualpurposes. d'#/ 53.  AtafollowupmeetinginBritishColumbiatothe1996firstWorldCongress ("%1 ofCommercialExploitationofChildrenheldinStockholm,Canadahaddevelopeda )%2 newsetofprioritiesandpoliciesbasedonareasforactionidentifiedin l*&3 particularbyparticipatingyoungpeople.Ithadlaunchedapubliceducation .+h'4 campaigntitled"StolenInnocence"inpartnershipwithcommunitygroups,former +*(5 childvictimsofsexualexploitation,andthoseintheprivatesectortourist ,(6 tradewhocouldofferassistance.VariousdepartmentsofthefederalGovernment t-)7 supportedtherehabilitationofyoungpeopleinvolvedinprostitutionthrough  nationaleducationalcampaigns,aNationalYouthNetworkConference,anda  nationallycoordinatedlawenforcementstrategy. J Righttotakepartintheconductofpublicaffairs(article25oftheCovenant)  54.  TheCHAIRPERSONreadouttherelatedquestion:generalrulefor R disqualificationofcandidatesforelectiontopublicoffice;outcomeofthe  N SupremeCourtrulingonthecompatibilityofthejudgementinHarveyv.New   BrunswickwiththeCanadianCharter.    55.  Ms.BECKTON(Canada)saidthattheSupremeCourthadruledthatthe  V  judgementintheHarveycase,whichprohibitedpersonsconvictedofillegal    electionpracticesfromsittingintheprovinciallegislatureinfringed   section3oftheCanadianCharterofRightsandFreedoms.Insofarassection1 b  oftheCharterwasconcerned,thejudgementwasjustifiedasareasonablelimit $^  onelectoralrights,giventheneedtoenhanceandmaintaintheintegrityofthe   electoralprocessandtopromotepublicconfidenceinthesystem.TheCanada   ElectionsAct,itshouldbenoted,containedsimilarprovisionstothoseupheld j  bytheSupremeCourt:itprohibitedthoseconvictedofcorruptandillegal ,f practicesrangingfrominducingfalsevotestoexceedingexpenselimitsfrom ( sittinginParliamentorrunningforofficeforfivetosevenyears.  56.  Mr.SOLARIYRIGOYEN,referringtoarticle6oftheCovenant,askedwhether 4n theGovernmenthadundertakenanofficialinvestigationofthedisturbing1995 0 caseofDudleyGeorge,apeacefulactivistwhoseemedtohavebeenexecuted  extrajudiciallybyCanadiansecurityforces,andofthereportsthatunarmed z demonstratorshadsubsequentlybeenfireduponbythepolice.Also,whilehe <v welcomedCanada'sabolitionofthedeathpenalty,hewouldliketoknowwhat 8 stepsithadtakentoensuretherighttolifeofacriminalbeingextraditedto  acountryinwhichcapitalpunishmentwasstillapplied,andwhetheritwas  possibleforCanadatoexpelarefugeetoacountrylikelytotorturethat D~ person. @  57.  Mr.LALLAHnotedthattherightsofchildrenunderarticle24hadtobe " consideredinconjunctionwiththeirrighttolifeandtherightsofthefamily L# underarticle6andarticle23,paragraph1,oftheCovenant.Hehad H$ nonethelessbeenveryimpressedbyMs.Fry'soutlineofthechildbenefit  % programmesinCanada.Itwasunclear,however,whetherthefederalGovernment  & intended,inallbuttwoprovinces,tocontinuetakingclawbacksfromitssocial T!' assistanceappropriationsforthoseprogrammes.Hewouldalsoliketoknowthe "P( percentageofpoorchildreninCanada,andhowtherighttoprotectionofthe ") familyunitunderarticle23,paragraph1,couldbeenforcedwherethechildren #* inafamilyenjoyedtherightofresidencebutthenoncitizenparentsdidnot. \$ + 58.  HeaskedforassurancethattherightsundertheLabourRelationsAct %"- outlinedinthereport(para.582)hadnotintheinterimbeentakenawayin &". Ontarioprovince.Ifthe1998OntarioBillNo.22,preventingunionizationasa d'#/ manifestationofCommunityparticipationundertheOntarioWorksActhadindeed &(`$0 becomelaw,hewouldappreciateanexplanationofthatextremerestrictionof ("%1 theAboriginalrightoffreedomofassociation,particularlyinthelightof )%2 article22,paragraphs2and3,oftheCovenant. l*&3 59.  LORDCOLVILLEsaidthathewouldwelcomecommentwithregardtotherepeal +*(5  inOntarioprovinceofthePoliceServicesActandtheconsequenteliminationof ,(6 anyciviliancontroloverthepolice(report,para.554),whichseemedtohimto  bearetrogrademeasure.   60.  Mr.ANDO,endorsingMr.Lallah'scommentswithrespecttoarticle22ofthe  F Covenant,requestedmoreinformationontherighttostrikeingeneraland  furtherexplanationofthedifferencesbetweenthevariousprovinces,and  Ontarioinparticular,inrespectoftherightofcivilservantstostrike. R Discrepanciesamongconstituentprovincesraisedarticle50issuesandhewould  N liketoknowhowthefederalGovernmentwasimplementingitsinternational   obligationsbysettingminimumstandardsinthatrespectforallitsterritories    andprovinces. Z   61.  HewouldlikeverificationofreportsthatCanadahadamendeditselection    lawstostipulatethatanypoliticalpartywhichcouldnotnominateatleast50   candidateswouldloseitsprivileges,includingitsrighttoassets;andthat b  theamendmenthadbeendeclaredincompatiblewiththeCanadianCharterofRights $^  andFreedoms.   62.  Mr.WIERUSZEWSKIsaidthathewasnotsatisfiedwiththeanswersgiven j  regardingtherightsofAboriginalpeoplestoselfgovernment,asdiscussedin ,f paragraph607ofthereport.Healsoaskedwhethertherehadbeenanylegal ( obstaclespreventingthefederalGovernmentfromcarryingoutapublicinquiry  intotheshootingdeathoftheAboriginalactivist,DudleyGeorge;apparently r theGovernmentwasempoweredtoundertakesuchaninquiryunderthefederal 4n InquiriesAct. 0 63.  ReferringtotheCommittee'sgeneralcommentonarticle6andnotingthat z therighttolifeencompassedtherighttosatisfactionofbasicneeds,asked <v whethertheabolitionoftheCanadaAssistanceProgrammehadcausedwidespread 8 homelessnessandthreatenedthelivesofvulnerablegroups.Also,hewouldlike  informationonwhattheGovernmentwasdoingtoimprovethecurrentsituationof  detainees,inparticular,Aboriginaloffenderswhowereimprisonedfarfrom D~ theirhomecommunities. @  64.  Ms.EVATTobservedthatdespitethevastfederalandprovincialstructure " erectedtodealwithrightsundertheCanadianCharter,therewasnopublic L# agencybeyondtheprivate,nonrespondingbodyreferredtointhereport H$ (para.19)thatexercisedoversightandissuedpublicreportsonCanada's  % compliancewithitshumanrightstreatyobligations.Itwashardforthe  & CommitteetoassessgapsinprotectionwithoutsuchcontinuingGovernment T!' review.Sheconcurredwithhercolleagues'commentsonwhatappearedtobethe "P( extrajudicialkillingofanindigenouspersonoverlandclaims.Furthertothe ") righttoprivacyunderarticle17oftheCovenant,shesaidthatshewould #* welcomecommentonallegationsthatallwelfarerecipientshadtobe \$ + fingerprinted,scannedforidentificationandenrolledincompulsorywork %X!, programmes,andshejoinedMr.Lallahinaskingaboutlegislationdesignedto %"- preventtheunionizationofsuchpersons. &". 65.  Thereport(paras.45to48)gaveaverypositiveresponsetothe &(`$0 Committee'sconcernsregardinginfantmortalityandmalnutritionunderarticle6 ("%1 oftheCovenant,andfurtherusefulinformationhadjustbeengivenorallyon )%2 theCommunityActionProgrammeforChildren.Nevertheless,povertyand l*&3 homelessnesswereontheriseinCanada,threateningthedisadvantagedgroups. .+h'4 DidCanadaapproachthatproblemasageneralrighttolifeAboriginalissue? +*(5   ,(6 66.  Mr.SCHEININ,notingthedisproportionatesuiciderates,lowlife   expectancy,highratesofdeathfromsubstanceabuseandtuberculosis,and  familyviolence,withinAboriginalCommunities,askedwhethertheGovernmentdid J nothaveanobligationunderarticles1,27and6oftheCovenanttogive  F Aboriginalpeoplesamoremeaningfulsayintheirownlives,asrecommendedby  theRoyalCommissiononAboriginalPeoples.  67.  Withregardtotherightsofthefamilyandofchildren,heaskedthe  N Canadiandelegationtoconfirmthatthebreakupofafamilydidnotconstitute   anobstacleinCanadatodeportationproceedings.    68.  Ms.FRY(Canada),referringtotheDudleyGeorgecase,saidthatthe  V  federalGovernmentrecognizedthatthecitizensofOntarioprovincehad    legitimatequestions,butthatittookthepositionthatonlyaninquirybythe   OntarioGovernmentheldassoonastheoutstandinglegalissueswereresolved b  couldclarifythesituation.Nofederalinquirywasplanned. $^  69.  Ms.BECKTON(Canada)saidthatthequestionwhetheranaccusedpersonwould   facethedeathpenaltyinthecountrythathadappliedforhisorher j  extraditionwasalwaystakenintoaccountwhensuchrequestswereconsidered. ,f TheSupremeCourtofCanadawascurrentlyexaminingthatissue. ( 70.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidherGovernmentagreedthatthefamilywasthe r fundamentalgroupunitofsociety,anditwascommittedtoprotectingfamilies, 4n particularlythosewithchildren.Socialservicesweredeliveredbyprovincial 0 governmentswithfundingfromthefederalGovernment,whichwasallocatedona  percapitabasis.Thetypeandscopeofservicesprovidedweredeterminedby z mutualagreementsandcontractsexecutingthem.Ministersandofficialsfrom <v thedepartmentsofsocialservicesatthevariouslevelsofgovernmentmet 8 regularlytocoordinatetheiractivities.Theyhadrecentlyadoptednewrules  toensurethemobilityandportabilityofsocialprogrammes.Sherecognized,  however,thatthesystemrequiredimprovement,andthatthedepartmentsdidnot D~ alwaysactinunison.Therewasaneedforminimumnationalstandardsandthey @  wereunderconsideration. ! 71.  Withregardtothesocalledclawbackofchildbenefit,shesaidthatthe L# provincialgovernmentshadcontractedwiththefederalGovernmenttoprovide H$ certainservicesinexchangeforaninfusionofcash.Thebeneficiarieswere  % familieslivingonincomesof$29,000perannumorless.Underthetermsofthe  & contract,someformsofdirectfinancialassistancewerebeingreplacedby T!' assistanceinkind,suchasaccesstodentaltreatmentandhelpwithchildcare. "P( 72.  Mr.THRIEN(Canada)saidthat,inaccordancewithCanadiancitizenship ") laws,childrenborninCanadaautomaticallyacquiredCanadiancitizenship, #* irrespectiveoftheirparents'legalstatus.Evenifachild'sparentswere \$ + subjecttodeportationproceedings,thechild'srightsasacitizenwerenot %X!, affected.Therewerenointernationalstandardsthatrequiredthecountryofa %"- child'sbirthtograntpermanentresidencytohisorherparents.Nevertheless, &". hisGovernmentrecognizedtheneedtobalancetheState'srighttorestrict d'#/ immigrationagainsttheinterestsoftheindividualsfacingdeportationandthe &(`$0 impactontheirfamilies.Immigrationofficersalreadyreceivedtrainingon ("%1 Canada'sinternationalhumanrightsobligations,andthenewguidelinesissued )%2 tothemexaminedtheinterestsofthefamily. l*&3 73.  Mr.HYNES(Canada)saidthatresponsibilityforensuringcomplianceby +*(5 Canadawiththeinternationalhumanrightsinstrumentstowhichitwasaparty ,(6 wassharedbetweenthefederalGovernmentandtheprovincialgovernments.An t-)7 elaboratemachinerywasinplacetoensurethatCanadametitsreporting  obligationsunderthoseinstruments.Whilethecomplexityofthatmachinery  presentedcertaindifficultieswithregardtohisdelegation'sinteractionwith J theCommittee,heconsideredthatthedivisionofpowerbetweenthefederal  F GovernmentandtheprovincesnotonlyreflectedCanada'sdemocraticcharacter,  butwasalsoamajorfactorinensuringthefullestpossiblerealizationbyall  Canadiansoftheirinternationallyrecognizedhumanrights.Hisdelegationhad R takencarefulnoteofthequestionsposedbytheCommitteeontherighttoform  N tradeunions,therighttocollectivebargaining,civilianinvolvementinpolice   complaintsproceduresandtheuseofintrusivemethodstoidentifysocial    assistancerecipients,interalia󀄀whichmightbestbeansweredbythe Z   provincialgovernments,andtheirreplieswouldbeincludedinCanada'snext  V  report.    74.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidthat,whileCanadahadanOfficeoftheOmbudsman b  whichmonitoredcompliancewiththeCharterofRightsandFreedoms,therewasno $^  analogousagencytoreviewandreportonCanada'scompliancewithits   internationalhumanrightsobligations.ShehadnotedtheCommittee'sconcerns   inthatrespect,andtheirobservationswouldbetakenintoaccountinthe j  formulationoffuturepublicpolicy. ,f 75.  Ms.BECKTON(Canada)saidthat,undertheCanadaElectionsAct,parties  mustfieldatleast50candidatesinelectionsinordertoberemainregistered, r andthosethatfailedtodosocouldnotbeidentifiedbynameonballotpapers. 4n TheActalsomadethereturnofonehalfofthe$1,000depositpaidby 0 candidatesconditionalupontheirobtainingatleast15percentofthevote.  Itfurtherprovidedthat,intheeventofderegistration,partiesmustbe z liquidated,theirdebtspaidoffandtheremainingassetsremittedtotheCrown. <v Inajudgementof10March1999inthelitigationbetweentheCommunistParty, 8 whichhadbeenderegisteredfollowingthe1993elections,andtheAttorney  GeneralofCanada,theOntarioCourt(GeneralDivision)hadruledthatallthe  provisionsoftheActcontestedbythePartyviolatedtheCharterofRightsand D~ Freedomsinamannerthatcouldnotbejustifiedundersection1(reasonable @  limits). ! 76.  Ms.McCLUNG(Canada)referringtothedetentionofAboriginalprisoners, L# saidthatthefederalGovernmenthadrecentlyconcludedagreementswithfour H$ indigenousgroupsontheestablishmentofcorrectionalfacilitieswithintheir  % communities.Some20moreagreementswereinthepipeline.  & 77.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidthat,accordingtothemostrecentstudies, "P( homelessnesshadanumberofcauses,includingmentalillness,drugaddiction, ") familyconflictandpoverty,aswellaslackofhousing.Giventhose #* complexities,herGovernmenthadconcludedthattheproblemofhomelessness, \$ + althoughofnationalimportance,couldbestbetackledatthelocallevel.The %X!, newlyappointedMinisterfortheHomelesswouldholdmeetingswithelected %"- representativesandofficialsofthosecitieswheretheproblemofhomelessness &". wasparticularlyacute,withaviewtofindingthemostappropriatesolutions. d'#/ Initiativeswerealsobeingtakenwithineachprovincetoimprovecooperation &(`$0 betweenthevariousdepartmentsworkingwiththehomeless. ("%1 78.  TheRoyalCommissiononAboriginalPeopleshadconcludedinitsfinal l*&3 reportthatcomprehensiveandfarreachingchangewasnecessaryinordertogive .+h'4 Aboriginalsagreaterstakeinthedecisionmakingprocess,andithadproposed +*(5 a20yearplantothatend.Aboriginalgroupswerecurrentlybeingconsulted ,(6 withinthecontextofthefederalGovernmentplan,"GatheringStrength",onthe t-)7 precisestepstobetaken.Somecommunitieshadexpressedalackofreadiness  forfullselfgovernment,andvariouscapacitybuildinginitiativeshad  thereforebeenimplemented.TheissueofAboriginalrightswasexaminedat J greaterlengthinthereportoftheCanadianHumanRightsCommission,whichhad  F beencirculatedinformally.  79.  Mr.LALLAHsaidthattheCanadianGovernmentmustmakegreatereffortsto R ensurethatitsStatepartyreportsweremorewidelyavailableto  N non-governmentalorganizations,whichwouldthenbeabletomakeamorefocused   contributiontotheconsiderationofthosereportsbytheCommittee.    80.  TheCHAIRPERSONthankedtheCanadiandelegationforitsdetailedreplies.  V  Shehadbeenimpressedbythefactthatthecompositionofthedelegation    reflectedCanada'sculturaldiversity.Canadawasanopensocietywithan   excellentrecordinthefieldofhumanrights,andCanadianswerefamiliarwith b  theirrightsundertheCharterofRightsandFreedoms.However,therewasno $^  publicmechanismforsupervisingCanada'scompliancewithitsinternational   humanrightsobligations,andCanadianjurisprudencedidnotfocussufficiently   ontheCovenant.Moreover,thereappearedtobealackofeffectiveremedyin j  thecaseofcertainhumanrightsviolations. ,f 81.  Theareasofparticularconcernincludedthefollowing:discrimination  againstAboriginalwomenpersisted;thedraconianrestrictionsonfreedomof r associationappearedtobeincompatiblewiththeCovenant;andCanada's 4n immigrationpolicydidnotadequatelyreflecttheprovisionsinarticles23and 0 24concerningtherightsofchildren.TheCommitteewasespeciallyconcerned  thatnationalsecurityissuesandcrimepreventionappearedtoserveas z justificationfordeportingorextraditingpersonstocountriesinwhichthey <v mightbesubjectedtotorture.Suchdeportationsandextraditionswere 8 expresslyprohibitedinarticle7oftheCovenant,fromwhichnoderogations  werepermitted.WithrespecttotheAboriginalCommunities,itseemedthatthe  problemsdescribedinparagraph279ofthereportstillobtained.TheCanadian D~ delegationhadspokenoflongtermsolutions,buttherightsofthose @  communities,particularlyinthefieldsofeducationandhealth,mustbe ! realizedintheshortterm,andAboriginalsmustbeplacedonanequalfooting " withotherCanadians. L# 82.  TheGovernmentmust,asapriority,launchacampaigntomakethe  % provisionsoftheCovenantmorewidelyknownandestablishamechanismto  & monitorcompliancewiththoseprovisions. T!' 83.  Ms.FRY(Canada)saidthatherdelegationwelcomedtheCommittee's ") constructivecriticisms,whichhaddrawnattentiontothegapsinCanada's #* complexlegislativeframework,policiesandprogrammesonhumanrights.With \$ + respecttothesituationofAboriginals,theCommitteehadchallengedher %X!, Governmenttomovefromgoodintentionstoconcreteresults.Asylumand %"- immigrationpolicyhadalsobeenidentifiedasareaswhereimprovementswere &". necessary. d'#/  0o 84.  HerGovernmentrecognizedthevitalcontributionmadebynon-governmental ("%1 organizationstowardsthefullrealizationbyCanadiansoftheirciviland )%2 politicalrights.Some250organizationshadbeeninvitedtocommentonthe l*&3 currentreportbeforeitssubmissiontotheCommittee.Therewas,however,a .+h'4 needtocommunicatestillmoreeffectivelywiththoseorganizations,toincrease +*(5 fundingandtodeveloptheirabilitytoparticipateinhumanrightsactivities. ,(6 85.  SheundertooktoensurethattheCommittee'sconcludingobservationsonthe t-)7 reportwouldbepublicizedwidely.Acopywouldbesenttoeverymemberof 6.p*8 Parliament.Sheintendedtoholdapressconferenceuponherreturnto_Canada .2+90n atwhichshewouldreportfranklyontheCommittee'scommentsandcriticisms.  ShewouldrecommendthattheCanadianHumanRightsCommissionshouldbe  empoweredtoraisepublicawarenessoftheinternationalinstrumentstowhich J CanadawasapartyandtoadviseParliamentontheimplicationsforCanada's  F internationaltreatyobligationsofallproposedlegislation.Parliamentary  hearingswouldbeheldtodiscussallfuturereportstotheCommittee.  @BB%Themeetingroseat5.55p.m.   ________________