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

Issue No. 58 - Minutes of Proceedings - April 11, 2019

OTTAWA, Thursday, April 11, 2019
(134)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 10:30 a.m., in room W110, 1 Wellington St., the chair, the Honourable Chantal Petitclerc, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Dasko, Deacon (Ontario), Eaton, Forest-Niesing, Kutcher, Mégie, Munson, Oh, Omidvar, Petitclerc, Poirier and Seidman (12).

In attendance: Sonya Norris and Laura Munn-Rivard, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 21, 2019, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-81, An Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 56.)

WITNESSES:

Communication Disabilities Access Canada:

Barbara Collier, Executive Director.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind:

Diane Bergeron, Vice President, Engagement and International Affairs.

March of Dimes Canada:

Zinnia Batliwalla, National Manager, Government Relations and Advocacy.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance:

David Lepofsky, Chair.

BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society:

Neil Belanger, Executive Director (by video conference).

Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec:

Camille Desforges, Deputy Executive Director.

The chair made a statement.

The committee observed a moment of silence in memory of the Honourable Wilbert Joseph Keon.

Ms. Collier, Ms. Bergeron and Ms. Batliwalla made statements and answered questions.

At 11:32 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:38 a.m., the committee resumed.

The chair made a statement.

Mr. Belanger, Ms. Desforges and Mr. Lepofsky made statements and answered questions.

At 12:35 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:40 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-1(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda.

The committee considered a draft agenda.

At 12:46 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau
Clerk of the Committee