THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, November 5, 2025
(10)

[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 deputy chair, the Honourable Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Boudreau, Burey, Cuzner, Hay, McNair, McPhedran, Moodie, Muggli, Osler and Senior (11).

Participating in the meeting: Mayra Perez-Leclerc and Diana Ambrozas, Analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada.

WITNESSES:

The Honourable Senator Rosemary Moodie, sponsor of the bill.

Employment and Social Development Canada:

Hugues Vaillancourt, Director General, Social Policy Directorate, Strategic and Service Policy Branch.

Health Canada:

Matthew Lynch, Director General, Policy Coordination and Planning Directorate, Health Policy Branch.

Indigenous Services Canada:

Tasha Stefanis, Director General, Strategic Policy, Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative;

Kirsten Mattison, Director General, Strategic and Fiscal Coordination Branch, Children, Family and Learning Sector;

Jennifer Novak, Director General, Mental Wellness and Health Promotion, Health and Social Sector;

Sacha Senecal, Director General and Chief Data Officer.

The Honourable Senator Moodie made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:06 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:12 p.m., the committee resumed.

Hugues Vaillancourt made a statement and, together with Tasha Stefanis, Jennifer Novak, Matthew Lynch, Sacha Senecal and Kirsten Mattison, answered questions.

At 6:13 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ferda Simpson

Clerk of the Committee