THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, May 4, 2026
(17)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 4:03 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Paulette Senior, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Arnot, Bernard, Karetak-Lindell, McCallum, McPhedran, Robinson, Senior and Wells (Alberta) (9).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Ince (1).
Participating in the meeting: Robert Mason and Madalina Chesoi, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the committee continued its study on the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights and economic security in Canada, especially in relation to vulnerable groups and the international human right to work.
WITNESSES:
Mentor Canada:
Tracy Luca-Huger, Executive Director.
As individuals:
Kristen Thomasen, Associate Professor and Senior Chair in Law, Robotics, and Society, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor (by videoconference).
Katie Szilagyi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba (by videoconference).
Suzie Dunn, Assistant Professor, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University (by videoconference).
Tracy Luca-Huger and Kristen Thomasen each made a statement and answered questions.
At 5:01 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:04 p.m., the committee resumed.
Katie Szilagyi and Suzie Dunn each made a statement and answered questions.
At 5:57 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:05 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report.
It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording and/or transcription of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or staff, and that the audio recording and/or transcript be destroyed by the clerk of the committee when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.
At 6:41 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee discussed a draft agenda (future business).
At 7:26 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Caroline Woodward
Clerk of the Committee