MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1997
(Meeting No. 38)
(Meeting No. 38)
[Text]
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 9:31 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Mark Assad, Morris Bodnar, Bonnie Brown, Tony Ianno, Walt Lastewka, Ian Murray, Geoff Regan, Werner Schmidt, Alex Shepherd and David Walker.
Acting Members present: Pierre de Savoye and Benoît Sauvageau for Nic Leblanc.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson, Nathalie Pothier and Daniel Brassard, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Industry: Vinita Watson, Director General; Jean-Baptiste Renaud, Analyst; David Waite, Senior Analyst.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to its Study of Credit Cards Interest Rates
Vinita Watson made an opening statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
The Chairman presented the Third Report of the Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure, which is as follows:
1. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to its Study of Credit Cards Interest Rates
Thursday, February 6, 1997 -- 9:30 a.m to 12:00
Officials from the Department of Industry;
Tuesday, February 11, 1997 -- At 3:30 p.m.
Canadian Bankers Association;
Wednesday, February 12, 1997 -- At 3:30 p.m.
Consumers Association of Canada;
«L'Association coopérative d'économie familiale (ACEF) de l'Outaouais»;
Consumer Aid Services (CAS) of Shawinigan;
Federation of Family Economics Cooperative Associations of Quebec;
Democracy Watch
Thursday February 13, 1997 -- At 9:30 a.m.
Retail Council of Canada.
2. Order of Reference relating to Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment Act 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993)
a) Issuance of a Press Release with regard to hearings;
b) WEDNESDAY, February 19, 1997 -- 3:30 p.m.
Appearance of the Honourable John Manley, M.P., P.C., Minister of Industry.
3. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), a Review of the Canadian Tourism Commission
THURSDAY, February 20, 1997 -- At 9:30 a.m.
Officials from the Canadian Tourism Commission
On motion of Walt Lastewka, the Third Report of the Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure was concurred in.
At 11:50 o'clock a.m., the Committee met in camera.
Pursuant to Standing Order 82(2), the Committee proceeded to consider its Draft Report on the Review of Science and Technology and the Innovation Gap in Canada.
It was agreed,--That the Draft Report be concurred in as the Fourth Report of the Committee.
It was agreed:
a) That the Committee authorize the printing of dissenting opinions of the Bloc Québécois and the Reform Party as an appendix to this report, immediately following the signature of the Chair;
b) That the dissenting opinions be limited to not more than 10 pages;
c) That the dissenting opinions be delivered to the Clerk of the Committee not later than 12:00 o'clock p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 1997; and
d) That the dissenting opinions be provided to the Clerk in both official languages.
It was agreed,--That the Committee print 550 copies of its Report.
It was agreed,--That the Chair be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes including additional text as discussed.
It was agreed,--That the Chairman table the Report as the Fourth Report to the House.
At 12:20 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned until 3:30 o'clock p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 1997.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1997
(Meeting No. 39)
(Meeting No. 39)
The Standing Committee on Industry met in a televised session at 3:31 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Bonnie Brown, Tony Ianno, Walt Lastewka, Ian Murray, Geoff Regan, Alex Shepherd and David Walker.
Acting Members present: Joe Fontana for Mark Assad; Pierre de Savoye for Nic Leblanc and Ed Harper for Werner Schmidt.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
Other Members present: Raymond Bonin and Brenda Chamberlain.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Canadian Bankers Association: Raymond Protti, President and Chief Executive Officer; Mark Weseluck, Vice- President, Banking Operations; Jane Fershko, Senior Vice-President, Card Products, Card Services and Point of Sale, Royal Bank of Canada; Paul Vessey, Executive Vice-President, Personal Lending Products, CIBC; Rob Pearce, Senior Vice-President, Electronic Banking Services, Bank of Montreal.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its study of credit cards interest rates (See Minutes of Proceedings and Evidence, dated Thursday, February 6. 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 38).
Raymond Protti and Mark Weseluck made statements.
The witnesses answered questions.
At 5:25 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Santosh Sirpaul
Clerk of the Committee
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1997
(Meeting No. 40)
(Meeting No. 40)
The Standing Committee on Industry met in a televised session at 3:35 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Tony Ianno, Walt Lastewka, Ian Murray, Alex Shepherd and David Walker.
Acting Member present: Pierre de Savoye for Nic Leblanc.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From Consumers' Association of Canada: Rosalie Daly Todd, Executive Director. From the ``Association coopérative d'économie familiale (ACEF) de l'Outaouais'': Gilles-André Paquin, Coordinator. From Consumer Aid Services (C.A.S.) of Shawinigan: Madeleine Plamondon, President. From the Federation of Family Economics Cooperative Associations of Quebec: Ronald O'Narey, Member of the Executive. From Democracy Watch: Duff Conacher, Coordinator.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), a study of credit cards interest rates (See Minutes of Proceedings and Evidence, dated Thursday, February 6, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 38).
Rosalie Daly Todd, Gilles-André Paquin, Madeleine Plamondon and Ronald O'Narey each made a statement and answered questions.
Duff Conacher made a statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 5:25 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1997
(Meeting No. 41)
(Meeting No. 41)
The Standing Committee on Industry met in a televised session at 9:37 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Bonnie Brown, Walt Lastewka, Ian Murray, Werner Schmidt, Alex Shepherd and David Walker.
Acting Members present: Paul DeVillers for Tony Ianno and Pierre de Savoye for Nic Leblanc.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Retail Council of Canada: Peter Woolford, Senior Vice-President; Robert Hogan, Senior Vice-President, Credit & Financial Marketing Services, Hudson Bay Company; Stephen Knight, National Manager, Operations and Innovation, Hudson Bay Company; Bruce Clark, Eaton Credit Corporation; Alan Goddard, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Tire Limited; Marco Marrone, Vice-President, Customer Development, Canadian Tire Acceptance Limited.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its study of credit cards interest rates (See Minutes of Proceedings and Evidence, dated Thursday, February 6, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 38).
Peter Woolford made a statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 11:45 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1997
(Meeting No. 42)
(Meeting No. 42)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 7:04 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Nic Leblanc, Ron MacDonald, Philip Mayfield, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Acting Members present: Pierre Brien for Maurice Godin and Grant Hill for Jay Hill.
Other Members present: Tony Ianno and Pauline Picard.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers.
Appearing: The Honourable David Dingwall, Minister of Health; The Honourable John Manley, Minister of Industry.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee commenced a Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993).
The Honourable David Dingwall and The Honourable John Manley each made a statement and answered questions.
At 8:56 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1997
(Meeting No. 43)
(Meeting No. 43)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 9:41 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 705, La Promenade, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Walt Lastewka, Philip Mayfield, Werner Schmidt, and David Walker.
Other Member present: Andy Mitchell.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Canadian Tourism Commission: Doug Fyfe, President; Francine C. Boivin, Vice-President, Industry Competitiveness.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 32(5), a Review of the 1995-96 Annual Report of the Canadian Tourism Commission.
Doug Fyfe made a statement and with the other witness, answered questions.
At 10:39 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Susan Baldwin
Clerk of the Committee
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1997
(Meeting No. 44)
(Meeting No. 44)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 3:35 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Acting Members present: Mauril Bélanger for Nick Discepola and Grant Hill for Jay Hill.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
Other Members present: Carolyn Parrish and Tony Ianno.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers; Allan S. Alexandroff, Advisor.
Appearing: The Honourable David C. Dingwall, Minister of Health.
Witnesses: From the Department of Health: André Juneau, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Consultation Branch; Dann M. Michols, Director General, Drugs Directorate, Health Protection Branch.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed a Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (See Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).
On motion of Morris Bodnar, it was agreed,--That the Committee retain the services of Allan S. Alexandroff as Advisor effective from March 4, 1997 to April 30, 1997, to assist in its consideration of Section 14 of the Patent Act and that the contractor be paid at a daily rate of $599.00 in accordance with the contracting policy of the House of Commons up to a maximum of $30,000.
The Hon. David C. Dingwall made an opening statement and with the witnesses, answered questions.
At 5:15 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 1997
(Meeting No. 45)
(Meeting No. 45)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 7:35 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Philip Mayfield, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
Other Member present: Carolyn Parrish.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers; Allan S. Alexandroff, Advisor.
Witnesses: From Patented Medicines Prices Review Board: Robert G. Elgie, Chairperson; Wayne Critchley, Executive Director. From the Canadian Health Coalition: Kathleen Connors, Chairperson; Dr. Joel Lexchin, Medical Reform Group; John Dillon, Ecumenical Coalition for Economic Justice; Rev. Bill Jay, Board Member, United Church of Canada; Ross Chapman, Retired ADM, Food & Drugs; Barry Appleton, Appleton & Associates, International Lawyers; Michael McBane, Co-ordinator.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed a Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (See Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).
Robert G. Elgie made an opening statement and with the witness, answered questions.
Kathleen Connors, Ross Chapman, Joel Lexchin, John Dillon and Barry Appleton made opening statements and with the witness, answered questions.
At 10:50 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1997
(Meeting No. 46)
(Meeting No. 46)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 3:31 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
Other Member present: Carolyn Parrish.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers; Allan S. Alexandroff, Advisor.
Witnesses: From the Canadian Drug Manufacturers' Association: Brenda Drinkwalter, President; Dr. Joseph Kerba, Vice-President, Plant Operations, Novopharm Québec; Dr. Barry Sherman, Chairman and CEO - Apotex Inc.; Leslie Dan, Chairman and CEO - Novopharm Ltd.; Jim Keon, Vice-President, Research & International Affairs.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (See Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).
Brenda Drinkwalter, Joseph Derba and Barry Sherman made opening statements and with the witnesses, answered questions.
At 5:48 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1997
(Meeting No. 47)
(Meeting No. 47)
The Standing Committee on Industry met at 7:00 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Bonnie Brown, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Acting Member present: Carolyn Parrish for Bernard Patry.
Associate Member present: John Solomon.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers; Allan S. Alexandroff, Advisor.
Witnesses: From the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada: Joyce Groote, President; Dr. Graham Strachan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allelix Biopharmaceuticals Inc.; Dr. Dan Drucker, Physician and Researcher, University of Toronto; Dr. Michael Winther, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etamol Research.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (See Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).
The witnesses made opening statements and answered questions.
At 9:00 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1997
(Meeting No. 48)
(Meeting No. 48)
The Standing Committee on Industry met on a televised session at 3:15 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, David Walker, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Morris Bodnar, Pierre Brien, Nick Discepola, Walt Lastewka, Ron MacDonald, Réal Ménard, Ian Murray, Bernard Patry, Werner Schmidt, Joseph Volpe and David Walker.
Other Member present: Carolyn Parrish.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Antony Jackson and Nathalie Pothier, Research Officers; Allan S. Alexandroff, Advisor.
Witnesses: From the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association of Canada: The Hon. Judy Erola, P.C., President; Paul Lucas, President and Chief Executive Officer,--Glaxo Wellcome Inc.; André Marcheterre, President--Merck Frosst Canada Inc.; Nelson M. Sims, Chairman of the Board, and President--Eli Lilly Canada Inc.; Emma Grell, Gowling, Strathy & Henderson, Barristers & Sollicitors.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its Review of Section 14 of the Patent Act Amendment 1992 (Chapter 2, Statutes of Canada, 1993) (See Minutes of Proceedings dated February 17, 1997, Issue No. 4, Meeting No. 42).
Nelson M. Sims, Hon. Judy Erola, Paul Lucas and André Marcheterre made opening statements and with the witness, answered questions.
At 5:30 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Eugene Morawski
Committee Clerk