THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 22, 2023
(45)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:03 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Bovey, Burey, Cotter, Dasko, Kutcher, Moodie, Omidvar, Osler, Petitclerc and Seidman (11).

Participating in the meeting: Laura Blackmore and Sonya Norris, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 9, 2023, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-22, An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit and making a consequential amendment to the Income Tax Act.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.

WITNESSES:

Employment and Social Development Canada:

Krista Wilcox, Director General, Office for Disability Issues;

Elisha Ram, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch.

Canadian Mental Health Association:

Margaret Eaton, National Chief Executive Officer (by videoconference).

March of Dimes Canada:

Len Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer;

Amanda MacKenzie, National Director, Public Affairs.

Inclusion Canada:

Krista Carr, Executive Vice-President (by videoconference).

The minister made a statement and, together with Krista Wilcox, answered questions.

At 4:15 p.m., the committee suspended.

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

At 4:27 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:28 p.m., the committee resumed.

At 4:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:03 p.m., the committee resumed.

Len Baker, Margaret Eaton and Krista Carr each made a statement and, together with Amanda MacKenzie, answered questions.

At 5:58 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Emily Barrette

Clerk of the Committee