THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 29, 2024
(100)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:15 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Burey, Cordy, Cormier, Dasko, McPhedran, Mégie, Moodie, Omidvar, Petitclerc and Seidman (11).

Participating in the meeting: Laura Blackmore, analyst, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, May 9, 2024, the committee continued its consideration of the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 3, 4, 5, 14, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32 and 38 of Part 4 of Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024. (Topic: Divisions 23, 31, and 32)

WITNESSES:

Health Canada:

Sonia Johnson, Director General, Tobacco Control Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch;

Celia Lourenco, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Products and Food Branch;

David K. Lee, Chief Regulatory Officer, Health Products and Food Branch.

Employment and Social Development Canada:

Russell Sharpe, Manager, Policy Analysis and Initiatives, Employment Insurance Policy Directorate, Skills and Employment Branch;

Benoit Cadieux, Director, Policy Analysis and Initiatives, Employment Insurance Policy Directorate, Skills and Employment Branch.

Sonia Johnson, Celia Lourenco and Benoit Cadieux each made a statement and, together with David K. Lee, answered questions.

At 5:20 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ericka Dupont

Clerk of the Committee