Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology

Issue No. 24 - Minutes of Proceedings - May 18, 2017 (afternoon)

OTTAWA, Thursday, May 18, 2017
(55)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 2:14 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Kelvin Kenneth Ogilvie, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Cormier, Dean, McIntyre, Ogilvie, Petitclerc, Stewart Olsen and Woo (7).

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Monday, May 8, 2017, the committee continued its examination of the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 5, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 16 of Part 4 of Bill C-44, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures.

WITNESSES:

Canadian Labour Congress:

Barbara Byers, Secretary-Treasurer;

Chris Roberts, Director, Social and Economic Policy.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business:

Monique Moreau, Vice President, National Affairs.

Vanier Institute of the Family:

Nora Spinks, Chief Executive Officer (by video conference).

Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC):

Pierre Laliberté, Commissioner for Workers;

Judith Andrew, Commissioner for Employers.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC):

Andrew Brown, Executive Director, Employment Insurance Policy;

Rutha Astravas, Director, Special Benefits, Employment Insurance Policy;

Margaret Hill, Senior Director, Strategic Policy and Legislative Reform, Labour Program;

Charles Philippe Rochon, Acting Manager, Labour Standards and Wage Earner Protection Program, Workplace Directorate, Labour Program;

Duncan Shaw, Director, Employment Insurance Part II Benefits and Measures, Employment Programs Policy and Design, Skills and Employment Branch;

Rose Young, Manager, Employment Insurance Part II Benefits and Measures, Employment Programs Policy and Design.

The chair made a statement.

Ms. Byers made a statement and, together with Mr. Roberts, answered questions in relation to Division 11.

At 2:38 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:40 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Andrew and Mr. Laliberté each made a statement and answered questions in relation to Division 11.

At 2:56 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:58 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Spinks and Ms. Moreau each made a statement and answered questions in relation to Division 11.

At 3:31 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:33 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Andrew and Mr. Laliberté each made a statement and answered questions in relation to Division 14.

At 3:52 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:56 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Brown made a statement and, together with Ms. Hill, answered questions in relation to
Division 11.

At 4:23 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:24 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Shaw made a statement and, together with Ms. Young, answered questions in relation to Divisions 11 and 14.

At 4:35 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:36 p.m., the committee resumed in camera.

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room for the in camera portion of the meeting.

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed a draft report.

It was agreed that the committee recommend the approval of Divisions 11 and 14 of Bill C-44, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures.

It was agreed that the steering committee approve the final version of the text relating to Divisions 11 and 14 of Bill C-44, taking into account today's discussion.

At 4:48 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar

Clerk of the Committee