THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, September 25, 2025
(3)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs met this day at 10:32 a.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable David M. Arnot, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Batters, Boyer, Clement, Miville-Dechêne, Oudar, Pate, Prosper, Saint-Germain, Simons, Tannas and Wells (Alberta) (12).

Participating in the meeting: Michaela Keenan-Pelletier and Dana Phillips, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Monday, June 16, 2025, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures).

WITNESSES:

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada:

Dr. Diane Francoeur, Chief Executive Officer;

Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, President.

Canadian Medical Association:

Dr. Margot Burnell, President (by videoconference).

Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck and Margot Burnell each made a statement and, together with Diane Francoeur, answered questions.

At 11:42 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:48 a.m., the committee resumed.

It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-228.

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.

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, on division.

It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-228, without amendment, to the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for the following order of reference:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, in accordance with rule 12-7(9), be authorized to examine and report on such issues as may arise from time to time relating to legal and constitutional matters generally; and

That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than October 10, 2027.

At 12 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Vincent Labrosse

Clerk of the Committee