Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs has completed its review of Bill 38, An Act to amend the Jury Act. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill. The bill permits the sheriff to obtain names of prospective jurors for a French or bilingual trial from a jury list compiled in accordance with the regulations. It also exempts from jury duty employees of the Public Prosecution Services of Canada and the Department of Justice of the Government of Canada.
The public hearing on the bill was held on February 2, 2015. The committee heard from the executive director of the Federation Franco-Tenoise, who indicated general support for the bill. The committee’s clause-by-clause review was also held on February 2, 2015. Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 38 to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 38. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you.