THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, February 9, 2026
(23)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 1:59 p.m., in room B30, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Boudreau, Burey, Hay, McPhedran, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (10).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Dean and Mohamed (2).
Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas and Andrea Garland, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the committee began its consideration of the subject matter of Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada's borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures.
WITNESSES:
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada:
Manon Brassard, Chairperson;
Roula Eatrides, Deputy Chairperson, Refugee Protection Division;
Roger Ermuth, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
Canadian Bar Association:
Deanna Okun-Nachoff, Barrister and Solicitor.
David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights:
Cheryl Milne, Executive Director (by videoconference).
As an individual:
Michael Barutciski, Professor, York University.
Manon Brassard made a statement and answered questions.
At 2:53 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 3:01 p.m., the committee resumed.
Cheryl Milne, Deanna Okun-Nachoff and Michael Barutciski each made a statement and answered questions.
At 3:48 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 3:49 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 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 3:58 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee