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

Issue 8 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, December 5, 2002
(8)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 11:05 a.m., this day, in room 705, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Callbeck, Cook, Day, Keon, Kirby, LeBreton, Léger, Losier-Cool and Morin (9).

Other senator present: The Honourable Senator Gauthier (1).

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Sam Banks, Monique Hébert, Joe Jackson and Marion Ménard.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 30, 2002, the Committee began its consideration of Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Copyright Act. (For complete text of Order of Reference see Proceedings of the Committee, Issue No. 8.)

WITNESSES:

From Industry Canada:

Mr. Bruce Couchman, Senior Legal Analyst;

Christine Hudon, Legal Counsel, Legal Services.

From Canadian Heritage:

Mr. Bruce Stockfish, Director General, Copyright Policy;

Mr. Jeff Richstone, General Counsel.

From the Canadian Association of Broadcasters:

Ms. Erica Redler, General Counsel and Senior Vice-President, Policy and Legal Affairs.

From the Canadian Film and Television Production Association:

Mr. Stephen Stohn, Chair, Copyright and International Policy Committee.

From the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors:

Ms. Susan Peacock, Senior Vice-President.

From Aliant Telecom Inc.:

Ms. Susan Harley, Director, Market Intergration.

From the Canadian Cable Television Association:

Ms. Janet Yale, President and CEO.

From the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada:

Mr. Paul Spurgeon, Vice-President.

The Chairman made a statement.

Mr. Stockfish made a statement and, together with the other witnesses answered questions.

Mr. Stohn, Ms. Redler and Ms. Peacock made statements and answered questions.

At 11:40 a.m., pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 23, 2002, the Committee continued its consideration of Bill C-8, An Act to protect human health and safety and the environment by regulating products used for the control of pests. (For complete text of Order of Reference see Proceedings of the Committee, Issue No. 1.)

It was agreed — That the committee dispense with clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-8.

It was agreed — That the Bill be reported to the Senate without amendment, that the Chair be authorized to report the Bill to the Senate.

It was agreed — That observations be attached to the Bill and that the Chair, and Senators Morin, Cook, Callbeck and Keon be authorized to approve the final draft of those observations.

At 11:45 a.m. the committee continued its examination of Bill C-11.

Ms. Harley made a statement and answered question.

Ms. Yale and Mr. Spurgeon made statements and answered questions.

It was agreed — That the Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, write a letter to the Minister to ask that the committee receive any regulations resulting from the passage of Bill C-11 and to raise the concerns expressed by Aliant Telecom Inc.

It was agreed — That the committee dispense with clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-11.

It was agreed — That the Bill be reported to the Senate without amendment, and that the Chair be authorized to report the Bill to the Senate.

At 12:15 p.m., it was agreed — That the committee continue in camera to consider a draft report. It was agreed — That staff be permitted to remain in the room.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, October 29, 2002, the committee began its consideration of the document entitled ``Santé en français — Pour un meilleur accès à des services de santé en français.''

The committee considered a draft report.

It was agreed — That the draft report be adopted as the report of the committee and that the Chair and Senator Morin be authorized to approve the final version of the report, to be tabled in the Senate next week.

It was agreed — That the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Catherine Piccinin

Clerk of the Committee