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

Issue 29 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 11, 2015

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 11, 2015
(64)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:14 p.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Kelvin Kenneth Ogilvie, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beyak, Chaput, Eggleton, P.C., Enverga, Merchant, Nancy Ruth, Ogilvie, Raine, Seidman, Stewart Olsen and Wallace (11).

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

In attendance: Sonya Norris and Tanya Dupuis, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 19, 2014, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-208, An Act to establish the Canadian Commission on Mental Health and Justice.

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Senator James Cowan, sponsor of the bill.

Mental Health Commission of Canada:

Howard Chodos, Director, Mental Health Strategy for Canada;

Jennifer Vornbrock, Vice-president, Knowledge and Innovation.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:

Lori Spadorcia, Vice-president, Communications and Partnerships.

Canadian Mental Health Association:

Peter Coleridge, National Chief Executive Officer;

Mark Ferdinand, National Director, Public Policy.

The chair made a statement

The Honourable Senator Cowan made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:45 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:48 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Vornbrock, Mr. Chodos, Ms. Spadorcia and Mr. Coleridge each made a statement and, together with Mr. Ferdinand, answered questions.

At 6:10 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Jessica Richardson

Clerk of the Committee