THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, October 1, 2026
(49)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:28 a.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Anderson, Arnold, Boudreau, Burey, Cuzner, Hay, Moodie, Muggli, Osler, Petitclerc and Senior (11).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Ouellette (1).
Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas, Analyst, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-234, An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
WITNESSES:
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Michael Collins, Vice-President, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch;
Tammy Bell, Director General, Centre for Healthy Living, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch.
Indigenous Services Canada:
Jennifer Novak, Director General, Community Wellbeing Branch, Health and Social Sector.
Canada FASD Research Network:
Audrey McFarlane, Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives (by videoconference).
Elsipogtog Eastern Door Centre:
Dr. Lori Vitale Cox, Director.
New Brunswick Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Centre of Excellence:
Dr. Nicole LeBlanc, Founder and Medical Director;
Noel Milliea, Elder.
As an individual:
Dr. Catherine Lebel, Professor of Radiology, University of Calgary.
Michael Collins made a statement and, together with Tammy Bell and Jennifer Novak, answered questions.
At 11:25 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:32 a.m., the committee resumed.
Audrey McFarlane, Catherine Lebel, Lori Vitale Cox and Nicole LeBlanc each made a statement and, together with Noel Milliea, answered questions.
At 12:31 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Ferda Simpson
Clerk of the Committee