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

Issue No. 39 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 28, 2018

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 28, 2018
(89)

[Français]

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:13 p.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Art Eggleton, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Deacon, Dean, Eggleton, P.C., Manning, Mégie, Munson, Omidvar, Petitclerc, Poirier, Raine, Seidman and White (12).

In attendance: Mireille Aubé, Procedural Clerk, Senate Committees Directorate, Sonya Norris and Marlisa Tiedemann, 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 22, 2018, the committee began its examination of Bill C-45, An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P., Minister of Health;

Bill Blair, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and to the Minister of Health.

WITNESSES:

Health Canada:

Eric Costen, Director General, Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat;

John Clare, Director, Policy, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs.

Department of Justice Canada:

Diane Labelle, General Counsel;

Paul Saint-Denis, Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section.

The chair made a statement.

Minister Petitpas Taylor made a statement and, together with Mr. Blair, answered questions.

At 5:12 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:48 p.m., the committee resumed.

The officials were invited to the table and, together with Mr. Blair, answered questions.

At 6:38 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Shaila Anwar
Clerk of the Committee