THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, November 6, 2025
(11)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:30 a.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, McPhedran, Moodie, Muggli, Osler and Senior (10).

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 Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada.

WITNESSES:

Children's Healthcare Canada:

Emily Gruenwoldt, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Young Canadians Roundtable on Health:

Raissa Amany, Executive Director.

Children First Canada:

Sara L. Austin, Founder and Chief Executive Office (by videoconference).

Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children:

Olivia Lecoufle, Board Director.

Jack.org:

Michael Braithwaite, President and Chief Executive Officer (by videoconference).

As an individual:

Lisa Wolff, Former Director, Policy and Research, UNICEF Canada (by videoconference).

Emily Gruenwoldt, Raissa Amany and Sara L. Austin each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:28 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:32 a.m., the committee resumed.

Olivia Lecoufle, Michael Braithwaite and Lisa Wolff each made a statement and answered questions.

At 12:12 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:15 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 12:27 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ferda Simpson

Clerk of the Committee