Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Issue No. 52 - Minutes of Proceedings - December 6, 2018
OTTAWA, Thursday, December 6, 2018
(124)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:32 a.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Chantal Petitclerc, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Eaton, Forest-Niesing, Mégie, Mockler, Munson, Oh, Omidvar, Petitclerc, Ravalia and Seidman (12).
In attendance: Sonya Norris and Mayra Perez, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.
Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-243, An Act respecting the development of a national maternity assistance program strategy.
WITNESSES:
As an Individual:
Dr. Nicola Cherry, Professor, Tripartite Chair of Occupational Health, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta.
Canada's Building Trades Unions:
Robert Blakely, Director, Canadian Affairs.
Engineers Canada:
Jeanette Southwood, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships.
The chair made a statement.
At 10:33 a.m., the Honourable Senator Eaton replaced the Honourable Senator Wells as a member of the committee.
Dr. Cherry, Mr. Blakely and Ms. Southwood made statements and answered questions.
At 11:39 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:47 a.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-243.
It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 3 carry.
It was agreed that clause 4 carry.
After debate, it was agreed that clause 1 carry.
It was agreed that the preamble carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry.
It was agreed that the following observations be appended to the committee's report on the bill:
"The preamble to Bill C-243 notes that Canada "does not have a long-term comprehensive national strategy to allow pregnant and nursing women to continue working and to financially support them in cases where they are unable to work during their pregnancy''.
The Committee therefore suggests that consultations to develop a national maternity assistance program should not be restricted to pregnant workers but extend to nursing workers.''
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to report the bill with observations in the Senate.
At 11:56 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Daniel Charbonneau
Clerk of the Committee