THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 30, 2022
(10)

[English]

Pursuant to the order of the Senate of November 25, 2021, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, and with videoconference, at 4:03 p.m. ET, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Dasko, Kutcher, Lankin, P.C., Moodie, Omidvar, Patterson and Petitclerc (7).

Members of the committee present by videoconference: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Bovey, Poirier and Verner, P.C. (4).

Other senators present by videoconference: The Honourable Senator Loffreda (1).

Participating in the meeting: Andrea Mugny, Procedural Clerk, Marc-André Lanthier and Lori Meldrum, administrative assistants, Committees Directorate; Laura Blackmore, Analyst, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, December 9, 2021, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-209, An Act respecting Pandemic Observance Day.

Resuming debate on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Mégie:

That Bill S-209 be amended in the preamble, on page 1,

(a) by replacing line 4 with the following:

“Whereas March 11, 2021, was designated — by”;

(b) by adding the following after line 10:

“Whereas it is important to acknowledge the multidimensional effects of the pandemic on every person in Canada;

Whereas this pandemic has worsened the various forms of inequality in Canada and has had a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable people within society and members of historically disadvantaged groups;

And whereas it is fitting that March 11 of each year be officially designated as “Pandemic Observance Day” in order to give the Canadian public an opportunity to commemorate the efforts to get through the pandemic, to remember its effects and to reflect on ways to prepare for any future pandemics;”.

And on the subamendment of the Honourable Senator Bernard:

That the motion in amendment be amended by replacing the words “its effects” with the following:

“the many losses, to engage in diverse ways of healing”.

After debate, the question being put on the subamendment, it was negatived on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Bernard, Bovey — [2]

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

Dasko, Kutcher, Mégie, Moodie, Omidvar, Patterson, Petitclerc — [7]

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

Poirier, Verner — [2]

Resuming debate on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Mégie:

That Bill S-209 be amended in the preamble, on page 1,

(a) by replacing line 4 with the following:

“Whereas March 11, 2021, was designated — by”;

(b) by adding the following after line 10:

“Whereas it is important to acknowledge the multidimensional effects of the pandemic on every person in Canada;

Whereas this pandemic has worsened the various forms of inequality in Canada and has had a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable people within society and members of historically disadvantaged groups;

And whereas it is fitting that March 11 of each year be officially designated as “Pandemic Observance Day” in order to give the Canadian public an opportunity to commemorate the efforts to get through the pandemic, to remember its effects and to reflect on ways to prepare for any future pandemics;”.

The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted.

It was agreed that the preamble, as amended, carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill carry, as amended.

It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-209, with amendment, to the Senate.

At 4:16 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:18 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-203, An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder.

WITNESSES (by videoconference):

Autistics for Autistics:

Anne Borden King, Co-founder and Community Liaison.

Autistics United Canada:

Vivian Ly, Co-Founder and Organizing Member.

Alberta Children's Hospital:

Dr. Jean-François Lemay, Developmental Pediatrician and Section Chief Developmental Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital.

As an individual:

Mackenzie Salt, CIHR Postdoctoral Health System Impact Fellow, McMaster University.

Anne Borden King and Vivian Ly each made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:08 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:10 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mackenzie Salt and Jean-François Lemay each made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:54 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:55 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business).

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

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee