Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Issue 21 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Thursday, April 26, 2007
(31)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 11:08 a.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 Cook, Cordy, Eggleton, P.C., Fairbairn, P.C., Keon, Munson, Nancy Ruth and Pépin (8).
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament Research Branch: Brian O'Neal, Research Analyst, Science and Technology Division.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, the committee began its study on current social issues pertaining to Canada's largest cities and pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, the committee began its study on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada's population — known collectively as the social determinants of health.
WITNESSES:
Human Resources and Social Development Canada:
Andrew Treusch, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy and Research Branch;
Bayla Kolk, Associate Deputy Minister, Homelessness and Partnering Strategy.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:
Sharon Matthews, Vice-President Assisted Housing.
It was agreed that the committee meet to study the subjects of poverty, housing and homelessness as they are of interest to both the Subcommittee on Population Health and the Subcommittee on Cities.
Mr. Treusch, Ms Kolk and Ms Matthews made statements and responded to questions.
It was moved by Senator Cook that the following budget for the Subcommittee on Cities be approved:
Summary of Expenditures
| Professionnal and Other Services | $ 120,750 |
| Transportation and Communications | $ 44,903 |
| All Other Expenditures | $ 7,000 |
| Total | $ 172,653 |
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
It was moved by Senator Cook that the following budget for the literacy study be approved:
Summary of Expenditures
| Professionnal and Other Services | $ 700 |
| Transportation and Communications | — |
| All Other Expenditures | — |
| Total | $ 700 |
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
It was moved by Senator Cook that the following budget for child care be approved:
Summary of Expenditures
| Professionnal and Other Services | $ 2,100 |
| Transportation and Communications | — |
| All Other Expenditures | — |
| Total | $ 2,100 |
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 1:05 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Thursday, May 3, 2007
(32)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 10:47 a.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, Cochrane, Cook, Cordy, Eggleton, P.C., Fairbairn, P.C., Keon, Munson, Nancy Ruth and Trenholme Counsell (10).
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament Research Branch: Brian O'Neal, Research Analyst, Science and Technology Division.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, the committee began its study on current social issues pertaining to Canada's largest cities and pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, the committee began its study on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada's population — known collectively as the social determinants of health.
WITNESSES:
National Council of Welfare:
Greg deGroot-Maggetti, Acting Chairperson;
Sheila Regehr, Director.
Caledon Institute of Social Policy:
Ken Battle, President.
National Anti-Poverty Organization (NAPO):
Rob Rainer, Executive Director;
Nancy Shular, First Vice-President, Board of Directors.
Canadian Association of Food Banks:
Shawn Pegg, Acting Director of Public Policy and Research.
Dianne Swinemear, Executive Director, Feed Nova Scotia, Member of the Board of Directors.
It was agreed that the committee meet to study the subjects of poverty, housing and homelessness as they are of interest to both the Subcommittee on Population Health and the Subcommittee on Cities.
Mr. deGroot-Maggetti and Mr. Battle made statements and, with Ms Regehr, responded to questions.
At 12:20 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 12:22 p.m. the committee resumed.
Mr. Rainer, Ms Shular, Mr. Pegg and Ms Swinemar made statements and responded to questions.
At 1:15 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Barbara Reynolds
Clerk of the Committee