THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:15 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Bernard, Burey, Greenwood, Hay, McPhedran, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc, Senior and Surette (12).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Gerba and Youance (2).

Participating in the meeting: Laura Blackmore and Mayra Perez-Leclerc, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-201, An Act respecting a national framework on sickle cell disease.

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Senator Tony Ince, sponsor of the bill.

Health Canada:

Daniel MacDonald, Director General, Office of Pharmaceuticals Management Strategies, Health Policy Branch;

Dr. Co Pham, Executive Director, Centre for Vaccines, Clinical Trials, and Biostatistics, Health Products and Food Branch.

As an individual:

The Honourable Marie-Françoise Mégie, Former Senator.

The Honourable Senator Ince and the Honourable Marie-Françoise Mégie each made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:13 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:16 p.m., the committee resumed.

Daniel MacDonald made a statement and, together with Co Pham, answered questions.

At 6:05 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:07 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that staff be allowed to remain in the room for the in camera portion of today’s meeting

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording 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 staff, and that the audio recording 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 6:12 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ferda Simpson

Clerk of the Committee