THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 25, 2026
(27)
[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, Boudreau, Burey, Greenwood, Hay, McPhedran, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (11).
Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas and Laura Blackmore, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the committee began its study of matters related to the impact of artificial intelligence in Canada.
WITNESSES:
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:
Mark Schaan, Associate Deputy Minister, Department of Industry.
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat:
Dominic Rochon, Chief Information Officer of Canada;
Kara Beckles, Executive Director, Privacy and Responsible Data.
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research:
Elissa Strome, Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (by videoconference).
Mark Schaan and Dominic Rochon each made a statement and, together with Kara Beckles, answered questions.
At 5:32 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:33 p.m., the committee resumed.
Elissa Strome made a statement and answered questions.
At 6:14 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee