THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, October 2, 2025
(4)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:41 a.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 Youance (12).

Participating in the meeting: Laura Blackmore, Analyst, Library of Parliament.

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

WITNESSES:

Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada:

Biba Tinga, President and Executive Director.

TAIBU Community Health Centre:

Liben Gebremikael, Chief Executive Officer.

Sickle Cell Association of Ontario:

Ulysse Guerrier, President.

Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario:

Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, President and Chief Executive Officer (by videoconference).

As individuals:

Dr. Smita Pakhale, Professor and Senior Clinician Scientist, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital;

Denis Soulières, Hematologist and Medical Oncologist, Professor, University of Montréal (by videoconference);

Sinthu Srikanthan, PhD Student, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

Biba Tinga, Liben Gebremikael, Ulysse Guerrier and Lanre Tunji-Ajayi each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:37 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:44 a.m., the committee resumed.

Smita Pakhale and Sinthu Srikanthan each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:26 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ferda Simpson

Clerk of the Committee