The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the honour to present its

NINETEENTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-252, An Act respecting Jury Duty Appreciation Week, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, June 1, 2023, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the nineteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Bill S-252)

Your committee has received testimony from numerous witnesses indicating a significant lack of diversity among jurors in Canada, particularly in regard to the representation of racialized, Black and Indigenous individuals. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous authorities, explore measures aimed at improving the diversity of jurors.

Your committee heard shared experiences of vicarious trauma among jurors. Vicarious trauma is defined by Health Canada as “the experience of bearing witness to the atrocities committed against another. It is the result of absorbing the sight, smell, sound, touch and feel of the stories told in detail by victims searching for a way to release their own pain. Vicarious trauma is the energy that comes from being in the presence of trauma and it is how our bodies and psyche react to the profound despair, rage and pain.” Your committee shares concerns about the insufficient mental health supports provided before, during, and after jury duty. Your committee, therefore, urges the development of comprehensive, trauma-informed programs led by the federal government to support and safeguard the well-being of jurors before, during, and after jury duty.

Your committee heard that a significant number of Canadians experience financial barriers to serving as jurors due to potential lost wages as well as not being adequately compensated for travel, childcare and parking expenses in many jurisdictions. This financial impediment can lead to juries that may not be reflective of our diverse communities. The committee suggests that the Government of Canada explore the use of the Employment Insurance program to provide financial support for jurors while serving on a jury.