THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, May 28, 2026
(41)
[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 chair, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Boudreau, Burey, Cuzner, Greenwood, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (10).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Ataullahjan (1).
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, June 19, 2025, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-221, An Act to provide for the recognition of the Canada jay as the national bird of Canada.
WITNESSES:
The Honourable Senator Salma Ataullahjan, sponsor of the bill.
As an individual:
David M. Bird, Emeritus Professor of Wildlife Biology, McGill University.
At 10:34 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 10:36 a.m., the committee resumed.
The Honourable Senator Salma Ataullahjan and David M. Bird each made a statement and answered questions.
At 11:17 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:24 a.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-221.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, carry.
It was agreed that the preamble carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry, on division.
It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-221, without amendment, to the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-215.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, carry.
It was agreed that the preamble carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry.
It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-215, without amendment, to the Senate, in both official languages, at the earliest opportunity.
At 11:32 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:32 a.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 12:03 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee