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Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology

Issue 10 - Minutes of Proceedings

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OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 2, 2001
(11)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day, in Room 705, Victoria Building, at 3:45 p.m., the Chair, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cohen, Cook, Cordy, Fairbairn, P.C., Graham, P.C., Kirby, LeBreton, Morin, Murray, P.C., Robertson, Robichaud, P.C. and Roche (12).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Lawson and Tkachuk (2).

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kevin Kerr, from the Committees and Private Legislation Directorate: Catherine Piccinin, Clerk.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, April 24, 2001, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-2, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment Insurance (Fishing) Regulations.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Jane Stewart, P.C., M.P., Minister of Human Resources Development Canada.

WITNESSES:

From Human Resources Development Canada:

Claire Morris, Deputy Minister;

Wilma Vreeswijk, Acting Director General, Labour Market Policy;

Gordon W. McFee, Director, Policy and Legislative Development;

Luc Leduc, Counsel, Legal Services.

From the Department of Finance Canada:

Réal Bouchard, Director, Social Policy Division.

From the Office of the Auditor General of Canada:

Sheila Fraser, Interim Auditor General of Canada;

Nancy Chen, Principal Director, Audit Operations Branch;

John Hodgins, Principal Director, Audit Operations Branch.

From the Canadian Labour Congress:

Kevin Hayes, Senior Economist;

Nancy Riche, Secretary-Treasurer.

From the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association:

Joyce Reynolds, Senior Director of Government Affairs;

Mike Ferrabee, Vice-President, Government Affairs.

The minister made a statement. The minister and Mr. Bouchard answered questions.

Ms Fraser made a statement and answered questions.

Mr. Ferrabee, Ms Reynolds and Ms Riche made a presentation. The witnesses answered questions from the Senators.

It was agreed - That the Chair write a letter on behalf of the committee, to the Minister of Finance with a copy to the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, asking to be involved in the consultation to take place for the rate-setting process.

After debate,

It was agreed - That the draft recommendations presented to the committee be revised as discussed, finalized and approved by the Steering Committee before being appended to the report.

It was moved by the Honourable Senator LeBreton - That the Chair report Bill C-2, without amendment but with observations, to the Senate.

The question being put on the motion - It was agreed.

The committee discussed problems occurring on Wednesdays when the Senate does not adjourn at 3:30 p.m.

It was agreed - That the Chair do a motion, when deemed necessary and appropriate, to get permission for the committee to meet while the Senate is sitting.

The following witnesses submitted a brief: Human Resources Development Canada, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Canadian Labour Congress and the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

At 6:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Josée Thérien

Acting Clerk of the Committee

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