THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, October 24, 2024
(120)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 11:30 a.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Cordy, Cormier, Dasko, Mégie, Moodie, Omidvar, Osler and Seidman (9).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Boudreau (1).

Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas, Analyst, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-284, An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care.

WITNESSES:

Health Canada:

Elizabeth Toller, Director General, Health Care Strategies Directorate, Health Policy Branch.

Canadian Council of the Blind:

Michael Baillargeon, Senior Manager, Eye Care Initiatives;

Ian White, President, Toronto Visionaries Chapter.

Fighting Blindness Canada:

Jennifer Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer;

Larissa Moniz, Director, Research and Mission Programs.

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians:

Lee Pigeau, Executive Director;

Linda Bartram, First Vice-President (by videoconference).

Elizabeth Toller made a statement and answered questions.

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

At 12:34 p.m., the committee resumed.

Michael Baillargeon, Ian White, Jennifer Jones, Larissa Moniz, Lee Pigeau and Linda Bartram each made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:21 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Emily Barrette

Clerk of the Committee