Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy And Ethics (ETHI)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics studies matters related to the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada, and certain issues related to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.

Summary of Committee Activity

On July 17, 2020, at the request of four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), the committee held its first meeting during the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020. In all, the committee held seven meetings during this period. On July 22, 2020, it adopted a motion to study the safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest in federal government expenditure policies. It heard 10 witnesses on this topic, including two government ministers and the Clerk of the Privy Council. The committee also adopted a motion to undertake a second study, this time on the policies, procedures and practices surrounding ethical conduct and avoidance of conflicts of interest within the Prime Minister’s Office. However, this study had not yet begun when the 1st Session of the 43rd Parliament ended.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 16 meetings. The committee began the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament by electing David Sweet as Chair. It continued the session by agreeing to commence a study on questions of conflict of interest and lobbying in relation to pandemic spending. The committee heard 15 witnesses on this study, including government officials and representatives from the private sector. During this period, the committee also agreed to a motion to undertake a study on the protection of privacy and reputation on online video platforms such as Pornhub. No hearings from witnesses on this study has taken place during this period.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

David Sweet (Chair), Brenda Shanahan (Vice-Chair), Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Vice-Chair), Charlie Angus, Michael Barrett, Han Dong, Greg Fergus, Jacques Gourde, Patricia Lattanzio, Francesco Sorbara, Chris Warkentin

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food studies bills, government activities and expenditures, and issues related to Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 29 and of May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to conduct its meetings by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, the committee held 16 meetings during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020. During this period, the committee undertook a study of the Canadian response to the COVID-19 pandemic, holding eight meetings and hearing from 65 witnesses on this matter. The committee also held one meeting to study the subject matter of the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21. The committee completed its study of business risk management programs holding seven meetings and hearing from 45 witnesses on the topic. In response to a request from four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), the committee also held a meeting on August 5, 2020, during which it adopted a motion to conduct a study of support measures for Canadian poultry and egg farmers.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 12 meetings. The committee held its first meeting of the session on October 8, 2020, and elected Pat Finnigan as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee resumed its study on Business Risk Management, after having completed hearings on this study during the 1st Session of the 43rd Parliament, in order to consider and table a report. The committee also considered the Main Estimates 2020-21, undertook a study on processing capacity, and held a briefing on the topic of poultry and egg compensation.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Pat Finnigan (Chair), Lianne Rood (Vice-Chair), Yves Perron (Vice-Chair), Lyne Bessette, Kody Blois, Francis Drouin, Neil R. Ellis, Dave Epp, Richard Lehoux, Tim Louis, Alistair MacGregor, Warren Steinley

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage studies the policies and programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the organizations within the portfolio. These organizations are active in the fields of culture, heritage and human rights.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met a total of 11 times. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 14, 2020, the committee elected Scott Simms as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee commenced a study of the challenges and issues faced by the arts, culture, heritage and sport sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which the committee held six meetings and heard from 31 witnesses. The committee studied the Main Estimates 2020-21 and the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21, which included an appearance by the Minister. The committee reported all estimates back to the House on November 25, 2020. The committee also studied Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), and reported the Bill back to the House, without amendment, on November 25, 2020.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Scott Simms (Chair), Alain Rayes (Vice-Chair), Martin Champoux (Vice-Chair), Scott Aitchison, Lyne Bessette, Julie Dabrusin, Anthony Housefather, Marci Ien, Tim Louis, Heather McPherson, Martin Shields, Kevin Waugh

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration studies matters related to immigration and citizenship. It has oversight of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and monitors federal multiculturalism policy.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held one meeting, on June 17, at the request of four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), to study the spending priorities of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 12 meetings. On October 14, 2020, it met to elect Salma Zahid as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee commenced a study of the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system. It held eight meetings on this study, heard from 48 witnesses and commenced consideration of a draft report. The committee also studied the Main Estimates 2020-21 and the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 on November 25, 2020, and presented reports on both studies to the House on November 26, 2020. The committee received a briefing on COVID-19 and departmental staffing levels from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on December 2, 2020.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Salma Zahid (Chair), Raquel Dancho (Vice-Chair), Christine Normandin (Vice-Chair), Dean Allison, Sukh Dhaliwal, Anju Dhillon, Jasraj Singh Hallan, Jenny Kwan, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Hon. Geoff Regan, Bob Saroya, Marc G. Serré

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development studies the programs and legislation of Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, as well as reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 10 meetings. On October 8, 2020, it met to elect Yasmin Ratansi as Chair of the committee. During this period the committee undertook a study on zero emissions vehicles, which lasted four meetings during which it heard from 18 witnesses. The committee then undertook a study on the implementation of the Enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and held one meeting on this matter. During this period the committee also studied the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 and the Main Estimates 2020-21 and invited the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on both of these studies. The committee also received a briefing from the Auditor General of Canada and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. During this period, Yasmin Ratansi resigned as Chair and on November 18, 2020, Francis Scarpaleggia was elected in this role.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Francis Scarpaleggia (Chair), Dan Albas (Vice-Chair), Monique Pauzé (Vice-Chair), Yvan Baker, Laurel Collins, Joël Godin, Matt Jeneroux, Lloyd Longfield, Brad Redekopp, Raj Saini, Ya'ara Saks, Peter Schiefke

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Finance (FINA)

Mandate

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Finance is to study and report on all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of selected federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency, and to conduct pre-budget consultations.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held 37 meetings. Pursuant to the Order adopted by the House of March 24, 2020, the committee was authorized to conduct its meetings by teleconference or videoconference and undertook a study of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee held 26 meetings and heard from 351 witnesses on this matter. Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 11 and of May 26, 2020, the committee continued its meetings by teleconference or videoconference and also studied the Main Estimates 2020-21. On July 16, 2020, the committee began a study of Government spending, WE and the Canada Student Service Grant. During this study, the committee heard from 31 witnesses, including the Prime Minister.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 13 meetings. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 8, 2020, the committee elected the Hon. Wayne Easter as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee resumed two studies from the 1st Session of the 43rd Parliament, the study of Government spending, WE and the Canada Student Service Grant and the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2021 Budget. The committee also held a meeting on the Monetary Policy Report of the Bank of Canada.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. Wayne Easter (Chair), Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Vice-Chair), Gabriel Ste-Marie (Vice-Chair), Julie Dzerowicz, Ted Falk, Peter Fragiskatos, Sean Fraser, Tamara Jansen, Peter Julian, Pat Kelly, Annie Koutrakis, Michael V. McLeod

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans studies and reports on matters related to the federal role in the management of Canada’s fisheries and the safeguarding of its waters.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Order adopted by the House of May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to conduct its meetings by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, the committee held ten meetings during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020. The committee held a briefing on the Government’s response to the Big Bar landslide during which it heard from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. The committee also held a briefing on the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which it also heard from the minister. The committee commenced its study of the impacts of COVID-19 on the fishing industry stakeholders and held three meetings and heard from 17 witnesses on this matter. Finally, the committee resumed its study of the state of the Pacific salmon and held four meetings and heard from 17 witnesses on this matter during this period.

The committee held 14 meetings between September 23 and December 31, 2020. On October 14, 2020, during the first meeting of the session, Ken McDonald was elected Chair of the Committee. During this period, the Committee began its study on the implementation of Mi’Kmaq treaty fishing rights to support a moderate livelihood. As part of this study, the committee held 11 meetings and heard from 45 witnesses. Lastly, the committee resumed its study on the state of the Pacific salmon, which it had undertaken during the previous session.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Ken McDonald (Chair), Richard Bragdon (Vice-Chair), Marilène Gill (Vice-Chair), Mel Arnold, Jaime Battiste, Terry Beech, Blaine Calkins, Serge Cormier, Ken Hardie, Gord Johns, Dan Mazier, Robert J. Morrissey

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development studies matters related to international affairs, including Canada’s foreign policy and development assistance. The government department under the committee’s scrutiny is the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the same period, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR) held 4 meetings. The first meeting of the period took place on July 9 when the subcommittee elected Mr. Peter Fonseca as Chair. The subcommittee conducted a study of the human rights situation of the Uyghurs, and heard 14 hours of testimony from 23 witnesses over the span of two meetings. The subcommittee then dedicated another 3 hours to the consideration of a press release and drafting instructions for a report.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 12 meetings. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 13, 2020, Sven Spengemann was elected Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee heard from officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development during briefings on the situations in Nagorno-Karabakh and in Belarus. On November 17, 2020, the Minister of International Development appeared before the committee to discuss the Main Estimates 2020-21 and her mandate letter.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs appeared on November 24, 2020, also on the Main Estimates 2020-21. In addition, the committee held meetings on vulnerabilities created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the granting of arms export permits.

During the same period, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR) held seven meetings. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 20, 2020, Peter Fonseca was elected Chair of the subcommittee. Also, on October 20, 2020, the subcommittee adopted a news release on the human rights situation of the Uyghurs, which built from work previously conducted in the 42nd Parliament and the 1st Session of the 43rd Parliament. During this period, the subcommittee also heard from a variety of witnesses on the current situations in Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and published further news releases on these topics. Finally, the subcommittee began a study of the impact of COVID-19 on displaced persons from Venezuela and Myanmar.

Membership of FAAE (as of December 31, 2020)

Sven Spengemann (Chair), Hon. Michael D. Chong (Vice-Chair), Stéphane Bergeron (Vice-Chair), Kerry Diotte, Peter Fonseca, Hon. Hedy Fry, Garnett Genuis, Jack Harris, Marty Morantz, Robert Oliphant, Ruby Sahota, Ya'ara Saks

Membership of SDIR (as of December 31, 2020)

Peter Fonseca (Chair), Kenny Chiu (Vice-Chair), Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Vice-Chair), Iqra Khalid, Heather McPherson, Scott Reid, Anita Vandenbeld, Sameer Zuberi

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates studies the effectiveness and proper functioning of government operations, including the estimates process and the expenditure plans of central departments and agencies.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 11 and of May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, during the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee met 19 times. The committee held 16 meetings as part of its study of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and heard from 94 witnesses. In response to a request from four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), the committee held a meeting on July 9, 2020, during which it adopted a motion to conduct a study of the administration of the Canada Student Service Grant and WE Charity. The committee subsequently held one meeting as part of this study and heard from three witnesses. Finally, the committee held one meeting to study the subject matter of Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21 and heard from 13 witnesses on this matter.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met 13 times. On October 8, 2020, during the first meeting of the session, the committee elected Robert Kitchen as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee held three meetings as part of its study of the Main Estimates 2020-21 and heard from 21 witnesses on this topic. In relation to this study, the committee presented its first report to the House on November 27, 2020. The committee also held three meetings, during which it heard from 16 witnesses, as part of its study of the Nuctech Security Equipment Contract and held one meeting as part of its study of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21, hearing from nine witnesses on this matter. Finally, during this period, the committee received a briefing on the Parliamentary Budget Officer's reports and studied the Main Estimates 2020-21, as well as the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Robert Kitchen (Chair), Francis Drouin (Vice-Chair), Julie Vignola (Vice-Chair), Matthew Green, Majid Jowhari, Irek Kusmierczyk, Dane Lloyd, Steven MacKinnon, Kelly McCauley, Pierre Paul-Hus, Patrick Weiler

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Health (HESA)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Health studies issues that relate to Health Canada, including bills and regulations. It also has oversight of four health-related agencies, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of March 24, April 11 and May 26, 2020, the committee continued its briefing on the Canadian response to the outbreak of the coronavirus by teleconference and videoconference. For this briefing, the committee heard 171 witnesses and received 50 briefs. This work led the committee to hold 25 meetings between April 1 and August 18, 2020.

The committee held 13 meetings between September 23 and December 31, 2020. On October 9, 2020, during the first meeting of the session, Ron McKinnon was elected Chair of the Committee. During this period, the committee studied the emergency situation facing Canadians in light of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this study, the committee heard from 27 witnesses and received 10 briefs. The committee also began a study of the Patented Medicine Review Board’s guidelines, heard from nine witnesses and received 68 briefs as part of this study. The committee also considered Bill C-210, An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (organ and tissue donors) and reported it without amendment. Lastly, the Committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Ron McKinnon (Chair), Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner (Vice-Chair), Luc Thériault (Vice-Chair), John Barlow, Don Davies, Chris d'Entremont, Darren Fisher, Mike Kelloway, Larry Maguire, Marcus Powlowski, Sonia Sidhu, Tony Van Bynen

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status Of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities studies employment, labour, income security, skills development and disability issues, as well as programs administered by Employment and Social Development Canada. The committee also administers the Centennial Flame Research Award.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of March 24, April 11 and May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference and studied the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee met 19 times, received 23 briefs and heard from 103 witnesses.

From September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 11 meetings. The committee held its first meeting of the session on October 9, during which it elected Sean Casey as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee considered the subject matter of the Main Estimates 2020-21, the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21, and began its study on urban, rural, and Northern Indigenous housing.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Sean Casey (Chair), Hon. Peter Kent (Vice-Chair), Louise Chabot (Vice-Chair), Han Dong, Rosemarie Falk, Leah Gazan, Wayne Long, Jamie Schmale, Ryan Turnbull, Adam Vaughan, Brad Vis, Kate Young

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs reviews, examines and reports on issues affecting Aboriginal Canadians and northerners.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 20 and May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held 12 meetings and received evidence from 66 witnesses as part of its study of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, the committee also heard from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister of Indigenous Services on its study of the subject matter of the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020-21.

The committee held 12 meetings in the period between September 23 and December 31, 2020. The committee held its first meeting of the session on October 13, 2020 and elected Bob Bratina as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee received evidence from 73 witnesses in total. It completed collection of evidence for its study of support for Indigenous communities through a second wave of COVID-19 and commenced a study of food security in Northern communities. During this period the committee also heard from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Minister of Northern Affairs and the Minister of Indigenous Services on its study of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 and presented four reports to the House.

Membership (as of December 31,2020)

Bob Bratina (Chair), Cathy McLeod (Vice-Chair), Sylvie Bérubé (Vice-Chair), Gary Anandasangaree, Jaime Battiste, Rachel Blaney, Eric Melillo, Marcus Powlowski, Adam van Koeverden, Gary Vidal, Arnold Viersen, Lenore Zann Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology studies and reports on legislation, the activities and spending of Industry Canada and its portfolio members, and other issues related to industry and technology capability; scientific research and development; telecommunications policy; investment, trade, small business and tourism; and rules and services that support the effective operation of the marketplace.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 11 and May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, the committee held 22 meetings during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020. The committee commenced its study of the Canadian response to the COVID-19 pandemic and held 15 meetings and heard from 98 witnesses on this matter. It also commenced its study of the Investment Canada Act during which it held five meetings and heard from 25 witnesses. The committee resumed its study of fraud calls in Canada and held two meetings and heard from 12 witnesses on this matter. The committee commenced its study of front-line grocery store workers during which it held two meetings and heard from eight witnesses.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 11 meetings. The committee met on October 15, 2020 and elected Sherry Romanado as Chair. During this period, the committee resumed a study on fraud calls in Canada that it had commenced in the previous session. The Chair then presented the committee’s report on this matter on November 27, 2020. The committee also studied the Order in Council appointments of Lisa Campbell to the position of President of the Canadian Space Agency, as well as that of Marsha Walden to the position of President of the Canadian Tourism Commission and reported to the House that both had the qualifications and competencies to perform the duties of the post to which they were appointed. The Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Minister of Economic Development all appeared before the committee on the Main Estimates 2020-21. The committee also resumed two other studies from the previous session. One on Accessibility and Affordability of Telecommunications Services and another on the Investment Canada Act. The committee held a briefing on the Office of the Competition Bureau of Canada. The committee also met for a meeting requested by four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), to consider a motion related domestic vaccine production.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Sherry Romanado (Chair), James Cumming (Vice-Chair), Sébastien Lemire (Vice-Chair), Earl Dreeshen, Ali Ehsassi, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Helena Jaczek, Majid Jowhari, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Brian Masse, John Nater, Derek Sloan

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on International Trade studies and reports on such matters as international trade policy, and the global trade and investment environment.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held one meeting, on July 9, 2020, to hear evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian trade relationships, especially with the United States and the United Kingdom. Twelve witnesses offered testimony on this topic, including senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and representatives of various economic sectors.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 12 meetings on the following topics: the Main Estimates 2020-21; the potential trade agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom; and international trade after COVID-19. The committee held its first meeting on October 14, 2020, at which it elected the Hon. Judy A. Sgro as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee presented its first report on the Main Estimates 2020-21, and its second report, which was entitled Trade Between Canada and the United Kingdom: A Potential Transitional Trade Agreement – Interim Report. The committee is currently holding public consultations on the following four topics: international trade after COVID-19; the potential trade agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom; the reform of the World Trade Organization; and the impacts of investor–state dispute-settlement mechanisms.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), Tracy Gray (Vice-Chair), Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Vice-Chair), Ziad Aboultaif, Chandra Arya, Rachel Bendayan, Daniel Blaikie, Sukh Dhaliwal, Randy Hoback, Ben Lobb, Randeep Sarai, Terry Sheehan

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights studies the bills, policies, programs and spending of the Department of Justice and the six federal agencies related to its portfolio.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

The committee held 16 meetings between September 23 and December 31, 2020. On October 15, 2020, during the first meeting of the session, Iqra Khalid was elected Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee mainly considered three government bills. The first was Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code. The committee reported it back to the House on Friday, October 30, 2020, with amendments. Bill C-7, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), followed. The committee reported it back to the House on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, with amendments after hearing from 68 witnesses and receiving more than 100 briefs. The committee completed its legislative work with Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy), which it reported back to the House on Friday, December 11, 2020, with amendments. Over the course of that study, the committee heard from some 30 witnesses and received close to 300 briefs. During this period, the committee also considered the Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020‑21.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Iqra Khalid (Chair), Hon. Rob Moore (Vice-Chair), Rhéal Éloi Fortin (Vice-Chair), Michael Cooper, Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Randall Garrison, Mike Kelloway, Chris Lewis, James Maloney, Ramesh Sangha, Arif Virani, Sameer Zuberi

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on National Defence studies the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as the domestic, continental and international security environment.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 11 meetings, mostly on 2 studies: 4 meetings were held on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian armed forces operations and 4 others on the access to mental health services within the Canadian armed forces. The committee also held a meeting with Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security and one meeting on the Main Estimates 2020-21. During its first meeting of the session, on October 14, 2020, the committee elected Karen McCrimmon as Chair of the committee.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Karen McCrimmon (Chair), James Bezan (Vice-Chair), Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Vice-Chair), Hon. Larry Bagnell, Yvan Baker, Bob Benzen, Terry Dowdall, Cheryl Gallant, Randall Garrison, Yves Robillard, Sven Spengemann, Anita Vandenbeld

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Natural Resources studies bills, government activities and expenditures, and issues related to Canada’s energy, forest, minerals and metals, and earth sciences sectors.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met nine times. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 14, 2020, James Maloney was elected Chair of the committee.  During this period, the committee commenced a study of the economic recovery in the forestry sector, holding seven meetings and hearing from 41 witnesses. The committee held one meeting to study the subject matter of the Main Estimates 2020-21 and the subject matter of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 and heard from ten witnesses on this matter.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

James Maloney (Chair), Greg McLean (Vice-Chair), Mario Simard (Vice-Chair), Richard Cannings, Rachael Harder, Yvonne Jones, Paul Lefebvre, Bryan May, Jeremy Patzer, Maninder Sidhu, Patrick Weiler, Bob Zimmer

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Official Languages (LANG)

Mandate

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Official Languages includes, among other matters, the review of official language policies and programs, including reports of the Commissioner of Official Languages.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee met once, on August 12, 2020, at the request of four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), to discuss their request to undertake a study of the Government’s decision to select WE Charity, an anglophone organization, to implement the Canada Student Service Grant.

The committee held 11 meetings during the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020. On October 13, 2020, it met to elect Emmanuel Dubourg as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee held one meeting as part of its consideration of the Annual Report 2019-20 of the Commissioner of Official Languages and its consideration of the Main Estimates 2020-21. The committee subsequently commenced its study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the government’s ability to deliver information in both official languages and heard from 20 witnesses on this matter.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Emmanuel Dubourg (Chair), Hon. Steven Blaney (Vice-Chair), Mario Beaulieu (Vice-Chair), René Arseneault, Niki Ashton, Marc Dalton, Terry Duguid, Bernard Généreux, Marie-France Lalonde, Patricia Lattanzio, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, John Williamson

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC)

Mandate

The Procedure and House Affairs Committee studies and reports on the rules and practices of the House and its committees, electoral matters, questions of privilege, MP conflicts of interest, internal administration of the House, and services and facilities for MPs.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Orders adopted by the House of April 11 and May 26, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, during the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held 24 meetings and studied how parliamentary duties could be carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parliamentary duties included debating, legislating, representing constituents, the business of supply, committee work and holding the government to account. The study of this topic resulted in Report 5 - Parliamentary Duties and the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Report 7 – Carrying Out Members’ Parliamentary Duties: The Challenges of Voting During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business (SMEM) did not meet.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 17 meetings. On September 28, 2020, the committee met and elected Ruby Sahota as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee studied the subject of how a federal election could be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The wide-ranging study heard from academics, Chief Electoral Officers from several provincial election administration agencies, provincial Chief Medical Officers of health, as well as interested stake holders. This study resulted in the committee’s seventh report of this session entitled “Interim Report: Protecting Public Health and Democracy During a Possible Pandemic Election”. During this period, the committee also considered the Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21.

During this period, the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business (SMEM) met pursuant to Standing Order 91.1 on October 21, 2020 to consider votability of the first 30 items in the order of precedence of the Order Paper and Notice Paper. Its recommendations were presented to the House in the committee’s second report, which was deemed concurred in on October 22, 2020. Finally, the subcommittee reviewed private members’ bills and motions added to the order of precedence.

Membership of PROC (as of December 31, 2020)

Ruby Sahota (Chair), Todd Doherty (Vice-Chair), Alain Therrien (Vice-Chair), Hon. Omar Alghabra, Daniel Blaikie, Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Mark Gerretsen, Tom Lukiwski, Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Corey Tochor, Ryan Turnbull, Karen Vecchio

Membership of SMEM (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Chair), Mark Gerretsen, Lindsay Mathyssen, Alain Therrien, Karen Vecchio

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP)

Mandate

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is to review and report on the Public Accounts of Canada and all reports of the Auditor General of Canada.

Summary of Committee Activity

Pursuant to the Order adopted by the House of April 20, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee considered, on May 19, 2020, the Certificate of Nomination of Karen Hogan for the position of Auditor General of Canada and reported back to the House on May 22, 2020.

The committee held 13 meetings during the period of September 23 to December 11, 2020 and undertook six studies including a study of the Main Estimates 2020-21 and presented four reports to the House. At the beginning of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament, on October 15, 2020, Kelly Block was elected Chair of the committee. In an ongoing effort to prepare Members for their work on the committee it had a briefing session with four previous Chairs of the committee. It also held three briefing sessions with the Auditor General of Canada, as well as three briefing sessions with the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF). Two of the briefing sessions with the CAAF included specialized workshops on effective questioning of witnesses in relation to reports of the Auditor General and studying the Public Accounts of Canada.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Kelly Block (Chair), Lloyd Longfield (Vice-Chair), Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Vice-Chair), Luc Berthold, Kody Blois, Greg Fergus, Matthew Green, Philip Lawrence, Francesco Sorbara, Len Webber, Jean Yip

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security reviews legislation, policies, programs and expenditure plans of government departments and agencies responsible for public safety and national security, policing and law enforcement, corrections and conditional release of federal offenders, emergency management, crime prevention and the protection of Canada’s borders.

Summary of Committee Activity

On June 23, 2020, the committee held a meeting at the request of four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)) and agreed to undertake a study of systemic racism in Policing Services in Canada. The committee commenced this study and held six meetings on this matter. Pursuant to the Order adopted by the House on July 20, 2020, the committee was authorized to meet by teleconference or videoconference. In this context, during the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held seven meetings.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met 12 times. On October 8, 2020, during the first meeting of the session, the committee elected the Hon. John McKay as Chair of the Committee. During this meeting, the committee also resumed a study on systemic racism in policing in Canada commenced in the previous session. The committee held four meetings on this matter. It also held briefings on the Office of the Correctional Investigator’s Annual Report 2019-20, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians’ Annual Report 2019 and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s report entitled “Cyber National Threat Assessment 2020”. During this period, the committee also studied the Main Estimates 2020-21, as well as the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21 and, accordingly, presented its first and second reports to the House on November 27, 2020. On December 2, 2020, the committee also heard from former Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Hon. Michel Bastarache, on the final report on the implementation of the Merlo-Davidson settlement.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. John McKay (Chair), Shannon Stubbs (Vice-Chair), Kristina Michaud (Vice-Chair), Pam Damoff, Jack Harris, Angelo Iacono, Kamal Khera, Damien C. Kurek, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Joël Lightbound, Glen Motz, Tako Van Popta

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women studies the policies, programs, expenditures and legislation of departments and agencies, including Status of Women Canada, that conduct work related to the status of women.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held two meetings, the first on July 7^th, 2020 and the second on the 8^th to study the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women. During this study, the committee heard from 21 witnesses, including the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held ten meetings. On October 13, 2020, Marilyn Gladu was elected Chair of the committee. The committee resumed its study commenced in the previous session on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and held four meetings on the topic. During this study, the committee heard from 45 witnesses. During this period, the committee studied the Main Estimates 2020-21. The committee also began its study of the challenges faced by women living in rural communities and held one meeting and heard from six witnesses on this matter. The committee began a study of women’s unpaid work and held two meetings and heard from eight witnesses on this topic. Finally, the committee began a study on pay equity holding one meeting with three witnesses, including the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Marilyn Gladu (Chair), Sonia Sidhu (Vice-Chair), Andréanne Larouche (Vice-Chair), Anju Dhillon, Gudie Hutchings, Lindsay Mathyssen, Jag Sahota, Marc G. Serré, Nelly Shin,  Hon. Alice Wong, Salma Zahid

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure And Communities (TRAN)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities primarily studies the legislation, policies and programs, and other issues of national importance related to transportation, infrastructure, and Canadian cities and communities, as well as the operations of Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held one meeting, on June 16, 2020, at the request of four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)), to study a request to undertake a study of Ministers' spending priorities. A motion to that effect was adopted at the start of the meeting and the committee continued by hearing from the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Infrastructure.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 11 meetings. It met on October 13, 2020 and elected Vance Badawey as Chair. The Minister of Transport and the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities appeared before the committee on the Main Estimates 2020-21 and Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21. During this period, the committee resumed a study on the aircraft certification process that it had commenced in the previous session. The committee also began a study on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Vance Badawey (Chair), Stephanie Kusie (Vice-Chair), Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Vice-Chair), Taylor Bachrach, Chris Bittle, Fayçal El-Khoury, Helena Jaczek, Michael Kram, Churence Rogers, Doug Shipley, Maninder Sidhu, Gerald Soroka

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs examines all matters relating to the mandate, management and operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs and of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met ten times. On October 14, 2020, during its first meeting of the session, it met and elected Bryan May as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee commenced a study of the backlog of disability benefit claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs, holding seven meetings and hearing from 19 witnesses on this matter. On December 11, 2020, the committee presented its fourth report, entitled Clearing the Jam: Addressing the Backlog of Disability Benefit Claims at Veterans Affairs Canada. On November 12, 2020, the committee studied the Main Estimates 2020-21 and the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2020-21. It heard from five witnesses, including the Minister of Veterans Affairs, and presented its first and second reports to the House on these topics on November 25, 2020. On November 23 and November 25, 2020, the committee studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial health of veterans’ organizations. It held two meetings and heard from eight witnesses.

Membership (as of December 31, 2020)

Bryan May (Chair), John Brassard (Vice-Chair), Luc Desilets (Vice-Chair), William Amos, Rachel Blaney, Colin Carrie, Sean Casey, Andy Fillmore, Marie-France Lalonde, Darrell Samson, Kyle Seeback, Cathay Wagantall

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.

Liaison Committee (LIAI)

Mandate

The Liaison Committee deliberates on administrative matters relating to the standing committee system. The main responsibility of the Liaison Committee is to apportion funds to standing committees from the money allocated for that purpose by the Board of Internal Economy.

Summary of Committee Activity

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee did not meet.

The Subcommittee on Committee Budgets (SBLI) did not meet either during this period.

During the period of September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held one meeting, on October 22, 2020, during which it elected its Chair, the Hon. Judy A. Sgro. During this meeting, the committee also considered administrative matters, such as the creation of the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets (SBLI). In addition, the committee adopted two reports, its First entitled “Committee Activities and Expenditures – April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020” and its Second entitled “Committee Activities and Expenditures – April 1, 2020 – August 18, 2020”. These reports were presented to the House on October 29.

The Subcommittee on Committee Budgets (SBLI) met once during this period to examine a budget request from a committee for a contract.

Membership of LIAI (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), David Sweet (Vice-Chair), Vance Badawey, Kelly Block, Bob Bratina, Sean Casey, Emmanuel Dubourg, Hon. Wayne Easter, Pat Finnigan, Marilyn Gladu, Iqra Khalid, Robert Kitchen, James Maloney, Bryan May, Karen McCrimmon, Ken McDonald, Hon. John McKay, Ron McKinnon, Sherry Romanado, Ruby Sahota, Francis Scarpaleggia, Scott Simms, Sven Spengemann, Salma Zahid

Membership of SBLI (as of December 31, 2020)

Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), David Sweet (Vice-Chair), Vance Badawey, Kelly Block, Hon. Wayne Easter, Sherry Romanado

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Expenditures”.

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020)

For general information on the following table, see the “Note to Reader – Meetings, Witnesses and Reports”.