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

Issue 21 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, September 25, 2003
(31)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 11:06 a.m, this day, in room 257, East Block, the Chair, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Callbeck, Cook, Kirby, LeBreton, Morin and Roche (6).

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Odette Madore and Howard Chodos.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, June 19, 2003, the committee continued its study on the infrastructure and governance of the public health system in Canada, as well as on Canada's ability to respond to public health emergencies arising from outbreaks of infectious disease.

WITNESSES:

As an individual:

Dr. David Butler-Jones, Former Chief Medical Officer for Saskatchewan.

From the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ontario:

Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Commissioner of Health, Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister.

From the Insitut national de santé publique du Québec (by videoconference):

Dr. Richard Massé, Chief Executive Officer.

From the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control:

Mr. Ron Zapp, Provincial Executive Director.

Colin D'Cunha, Richard Massé, Ron Zapp and David Butler-Jones each made a presentation and answered questions.

At 1:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee