Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology

Issue 10 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 27, 2003
(11)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met at 11:05 a.m., this day, in room 705, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Michael Kirby, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators, Cook, Cordy, Kirby, LeBreton, Léger, Milne, Morin, Murray, P.C., Pearson, and Roche (10).

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Howard Chodos.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday February 11, 2003, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-13, An Act to amend Statistics Act.

WITNESSES:

From Statistics Canada:

Ivan P. Fellegi, Chief Statistician of Canada;

Mike Sheridan, Assistant Chief Statistician, Social, Institutions and Labour Statistics Field;

From the National Archives of Canada:

Ian E. Wilson, National Archivist.

From the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada:

Alan Leadbeater, Deputy Information Commissioner.

From the Canada Census Committee:

Gordon Watts, Co-Chair.

As an individual:

Terry Cook, Professor.

Mr. Wilson, Mr. Fellegi and Mr. Leadbeater made statements and together with the other witness answered questions.

At 12:10 p.m., Mr. Watts and Mr. Cook made statements and answered questions.

It was agreed that the clause-by-clause study of Bill S-13 be postponed to a later date.

It was agreed that the Chair writes to the Privacy Commissioner to find out his position on the bill.

Senator Cordy tabled 2 possible amendments in relation to Bill S-13.

At 12:45 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Line Gravel

Acting Clerk of the Committee