HUMA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Vice Chair, Raymonde Folco, presiding.

Jeff Watson made a statement and answered questions.

At 3:56 p.m., Candice Hoeppner took the Chair.

Laura Eggertson and Barbara MacKinnon made statements and answered questions.

At 5:07 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:08 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Tony Martin moved, — That this Committee, following its study of adoption issues, conduct a major study on a topic specific to barriers that impede the quality of life of persons with disabilities, determining at the outset the exact parameters of the study to ensure a clear focus with specific goals and a commitment to providing solutions with a high probability of success.

Debate arose thereon.

Ed Komarnicki moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “determining at the outset the exact parameters of the study to ensure a clear focus with specific goals” with the words “and/or their participation in a labour market and economy with”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Ed Komarnicki and it was agreed to.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That this Committee, following its study on adoption issues, conduct a major study on a topic specific to barriers that impede the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and/or their participation in a labour market and economy, with a commitment to providing solutions with a high probability of success.

On motion of Michael John Savage, it was agreed, — That two groups representing persons with disabilities, The Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Canadian Association of Community Living, be invited to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.

Tony Martin moved, — That, in relation to the Committee study on the federal role in poverty reduction, that, the Treasury Board Secretariat should prepare and provide to the Committee a list of all expenditure programs, including tax expenditures, of the government of Canada for 2010-2011, which are anticipated to directly or indirectly: support the basic human needs of Canadians such as nutrition, clean water, health care, clothing, and shelter who are unable to afford them; increase the disposable income of Canadians that have fewer resources or less income than the Canadian average.

Debate arose thereon.

It was agreed, — That the debate on the motion be adjourned until such a time the Clerk of the Committee reports back to the Committee, after consultation with the Treasury Board on the timeline it would take to compile the requested information.

At 5:38 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.