Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 2 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 17, 2016

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 17, 2016
(3)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 11:30 a.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Jim Munson, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Cordy, Frum, Hubley, Martin, Munson, Nancy Ruth and Ngo (8).

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

In attendance: Jean-Philippe Duguay and Julian Walker, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination.

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Senator James S. Cowan, sponsor of the bill.

Office of the Leader of the Senate Liberals:

Barbara Kagedan, Senior Policy Advisor.

Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness:

Bev Heim-Myers, Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness and CEO of the Huntington Society of Canada.

Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association:

Frank Swedlove, President and CEO;

Frank Zinatelli, Vice President and General Counsel.

Canadian Institute of Actuaries:

Jacques Y. Boudreau, Chair, Committee on Genetic Testing;

Bernard Naumann, Vice-chair, Committee on Genetic Testing.

The chair made a statement.

Senator Cowan made a statement and, together with Ms. Kagedan, answered questions.

At 12:18 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:23 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Heim-Myers, Messrs. Swedlove and Boudreau made statements and, together with Messrs. Zinatelli and Naumann, answered questions.

At 1:31 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Mark Palmer

Clerk of the Committee