THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
(34)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:30 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the deputy chair, the Honourable Sharon Burey, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Burey, Cuzner, Hay, Kingston, Manning, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (10).
Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas and Mayra Perez-Leclerc, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-5, An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by health information technology vendors.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health.
WITNESSES:
Health Canada:
Elizabeth Toller, Director General, Health Care Strategies Directorate, Health Policy Branch.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:
Runa Angus, Senior Director, Marketplace Framework Policy Branch.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
Marc Chénier, Deputy Commissioner and Senior General Counsel.
Competition Bureau Canada:
Bradley Callaghan, Associate Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Planning and Advocacy Directorate.
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces:
Major-General Scott Malcolm, Surgeon General.
The minister made a statement and, together with Elizabeth Toller, answered questions.
At 5:14 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:19 p.m., the committee resumed.
Elizabeth Toller, Marc Chénier and Bradley Callaghan each made a statement and, together with Major-General Scott Malcolm and Runa Angus, answered questions.
At 6:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee