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

Issue 15 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, January 31, 2007
(21)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 4:05 p.m., this day, in room 2, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Art Eggleton, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Callbeck, Champagne, P.C., Cochrane, Cook, Eggleton, P.C., Fairbairn, P.C., Hubley, Keon, Nancy Ruth, Pépin and Trenholme Counsell (11).

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament Research Branch: Sonya Norris, Science and Technology Division.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, the committee began its review of the proposed Regulations under section 8 of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 27, 2006.

WITNESSES:

Health Canada:

Hélène Quesnel, Director General, Policy Development Directorate, Health Policy Branch;

Francine Manseau, Acting Director, Assisted Human Reproduction Implementation Office, Policy Development Directorate, Health Policy Branch.

Dalhousie University:

Françoise Baylis, Professor, Departments of Bioethics and Philosophy.

Hélène Quesnel and Francine Manseau each made a statement and together answered questions.

At 5:15 p.m., Françoise Baylis made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:45 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(f) of the Rules of the Senate, the committee met in camera for the consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed that staff be permitted to stay in the room.

It was agreed that the steering committee approve the final report incorporating comments made by the committee and that the Chair table the report in the Senate.

At 5:14 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Josée Thérien

Clerk of the Committee