THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, September 24, 2026
(48)
[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, Martin, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (9).
Participating in the meeting: Mayra Perez-Leclerc and Eleni Kachulis, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the committee continued its consideration of the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 9 and 12 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025. (Topic: Division 12)
WITNESSES:
Canadian Cancer Society (by videoconference):
Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst;
Helena Sonea, Director, Advocacy.
Heart and Stroke Foundation:
Foram Patel, Senior Specialist, Policy.
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction:
Dr. Alexander Caudarella, Chief Executive Officer.
Canadian Vaping Association:
Daniel David, Vice President.
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.:
Pascal Michel, Director, Scientific Engagement;
Danny Fournier, Director, Illicit Trade Prevention.
Rob Cunningham, Helena Sonea, Foram Patel and Alexander Caudarella each made a statement and answered questions.
At 11:35 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:41 a.m., the committee resumed.
Daniel David, Pascal Michel and Danny Fournier each made a statement and answered questions.
At 12:25 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 12:32 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report.
At 12:57 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee