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. In all, the committee held seven meetings during the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020. On July 22, 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 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.

The committee began the new year by electing Chris Warkentin as Chair. The committee resumed its study on questions of conflict of interest and lobbying in relation to pandemic spending. The committee held two meetings and heard four additional witnesses on this study, including the issuing of summons for several witnesses and allowing one witness to answer questions submitted by the members in writing. The committee also continued its study on the protection of privacy and reputation on online video platforms such as Pornhub and held four meetings with 21 witnesses including two witnesses who appeared anonymously to protect their identity.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	3,256	1,638	0	0	4,893
Questions of Conflict of Interest and Lobbying in Relation to Pandemic Spending	0	1,380	34	0	0	1,414
Protection of Privacy and Reputation on Platforms such as Pornhub	0	415	0	0	0	415
Total	0	5,051	1,672	0	0	6,723

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (ETHI)	34	27	6	14	0	103h29m	50	0
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SETH)	4	0	0	0	0	3h53m	0	0
Total	38	27	6	14	0	107h22m	50	0

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

The committee held 16 meetings during the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020. 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, 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, and elected Pat Finnigan as Chair of the committee. During this period, the committee resumed its study on business risk management programs, 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.

From January 1 to March 31, 2021, the Committee held 11 meetings. It continued its study on processing capacity, for which it held nine meetings, heard an additional 22 witnesses and began its consideration of a draft report. Pursuant to the order of reference of the House of February 24, 2021, the Committee also began its consideration of Bill C-206, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farm fuel). In addition, it studied the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020–21, and reported the same to the House.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	113	1,002	581	0	0	1,696
Business Risk Management Programs	0	749	0	0	0	749
Canadian Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	1,538	0	0	0	1,538
Processing Capacity	131	2,199	352	0	0	2,682
Bill C-206, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farming fuel)	0	37	18	0	0	55
Total	244	5,526	951	0	0	6,721

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (AGRI)	39	3	29	30	0	69h07m	175	3
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SAGR)	2	0	0	0	0	1h45m	0	0
Total	41	3	29	30	0	70h52m	175	3

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 arts, culture, heritage and sports.

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, 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. 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.

From January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 11 meetings. The committee undertook a study on the relations between Facebook and the federal government, which included an appearance by the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The committee also began a study on the subject matter of Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, hearing from 17 witnesses over two meetings and receiving eight briefs; which was superseded by the committee considering the bill itself upon receipt of the order of reference from the House on February 16, 2021, hearing from a further 57 witnesses over seven meetings and receiving 46 briefs.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,014	0	0	0	1,014
Challenges and Issues Faced by the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport Sectors During the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	1,100	0	0	0	1,100
Subject Matter of Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts	0	517	0	0	0	517
Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts	0	1,495	0	0	0	1,495
Relations Between Facebook and the Federal Government	0	213	0	0	0	213
Total	0	4,339	0	0	0	4,339

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (CHPC)	22	6	15	19	0	46h41m	139	3
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SCHP)	1	0	0	0	0	1h11m	1	0
Total	23	6	15	19	0	47h52m	140	3

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, 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, and presented reports on both studies to the House on November 26. The committee received a briefing on COVID-19 and departmental staffing levels from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on December 2.

The committee met nine times between January 1 and March 31, 2021. On January 27, the committee commenced a study of special immigration and refugee measures for the people of Hong Kong and held seven meetings on the study. On March 8, the committee considered the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21, and the Main Estimates 2021-22. On March 10, the committee commenced a study of the Labour Market Impact Assessment under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and held one meeting on the study.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,990	530	0	0	2,520
Impact of COVID-19 on the Immigration System	0	1,336	255	0	0	1,590
Special Immigration and Refugee Measures for the People of Hong Kong	0	815	275	0	0	1,090
Labour Market Impact Assessment under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program	0	69	0	0	0	69
Main Estimates 2021-22	0	60	73	0	0	133
Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21	0	60	0	0	0	60
Total	0	4,329	1,133	0	0	5,462

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (CIMM)	22	1	18	17	0	42h19m	102	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SCIM)	2	0	0	0	0	1h50m	0	0
Total	24	1	18	17	0	44h09m	102	4

Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development studies the programs and legislation of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Parks Canada and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, 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, it met to elect Yasmin Ratansi as Chair of the committee. During this period the committee undertook a study on zero-emission 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, Francis Scarpaleggia was elected in this role.

During the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 13 meetings. The committee continued its study of the enforcement of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and held two additional meetings during which it heard from nine witnesses. The committee also continued its study on zero-emission vehicles and held three meetings to consider a draft report. On March 8, the committee undertook a study on the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. The study consisted of one meeting during which six witnesses appeared, including the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. The committee studied the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 on March 10, which included an appearance by the Minister, and presented a report to the House on March 12. Furthermore, the committee considered Bill C-204, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (final disposal of plastic waste).

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	4,384	0	0	0	4,384
Total	0	4,384	0	0	0	4,384

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (ENVI)	23	14	5	16	0	41h46m	111	2
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SENV)	4	0	0	0	0	3h33m	0	0
Total	27	14	5	16	0	45h19m	111	2

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. The committee 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. The Committee also studied the Main Estimates 2020-21. On July 16, the committee began a study of Government spending, WE Charity 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, the committee elected the Hon. Wayne Easter as Chair. During this period, the committee resumed two studies from the 1st Session of the 43rd Parliament, the study of Government spending, WE Charity 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee completed its study of the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2021 Budget and presented its first report, entitled Investing in Tomorrow: Canadian Priorities for Economic Growth and Recovery, on February 16. The committee commenced a study on COVID-19 spending and programs and continued its study on Government spending, WE Charity and the Canada Student Service Grant, hearing evidence from the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel. Furthermore, the committee considered Bill C-224, An Act to amend An Act to authorize the making of certain fiscal payments to provinces, and to authorize the entry into tax collection agreements with provinces and reported it back to the House with amendments on March 10. The committee also considered Bill C-208, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (transfer of small business or family farm or fishing corporation) and reported it back to the House without amendment on March 23. The committee then considered Bill C-14, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 30, 2020, and other measures and reported it back to the House without amendment on March 24.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	2,436	6,143	441	0	0	9,020
Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	6,660	0	0	0	6,660
Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2021 Budget	0	1,044	268	0	0	1,312
Bill C-224, An Act to amend An Act to authorize the making of certain fiscal payments to provinces, and to authorize the entry into tax collection agreements with provinces	0	310	0	0	0	310
COVID-19 spending and programs	0	832	0	0	0	832
Bill C-208, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (transfer of small business or family farm or fishing corporation)	0	509	0	0	0	509
Bill C-14, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 30, 2020 and other measures	0	739	0	0	0	739
Total	2,436	16,237	709	0	0	19,382

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (FINA)	68	28	28	52	0	221h26m	560	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SFIN)	7	0	0	0	0	5h09m	0	0
Total	75	28	28	52	0	226h35m	560	4

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

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, 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 of the state of the Pacific salmon, which it had undertaken during the previous session.

From January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held eight meetings. It continued its study on the state of the Pacific salmon. The committee also continued its study on the implementation of Mi’kmaq treaty fishing rights to support a moderate livelihood, beginning its consideration of a draft report.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	830	17	0	0	847
Impacts of COVID-19 on Fishing Industry Stakeholders	0	388	0	0	0	388
State of the Pacific Salmon	0	2,174	34	0	0	2,208
Implementation of Mi’kmaq Treaty Fishing Rights to support a moderate livelihood	0	1,268	293	0	0	1,561
Total	0	4,660	344	0	0	5,004

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (FOPO)	32	13	14	23	0	58h23m	112	3
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SFOP)	0	0	0	0	0	0h0m	0	0
Total	32	13	14	23	0	58h23m	112	3

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, 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, 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, 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, Peter Fonseca was elected Chair of the subcommittee. Also on October 20, 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee continued with two major studies: the vulnerabilities created and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the granting of arms export permits. On February 26, the Chair presented the committee’s third report, which was an interim report on the aftershocks of the COVID‑19 pandemic which focused on the increased humanitarian burden. The committee has continued the next segment of this study, which examines the effects that COVID-19 has on children in conflict or crisis situations. On March 11, the committee heard from the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel regarding the study of the granting of arms export permits. On March 12, the Chair presented the fourth report of the committee, which was entitled Human Rights Situation of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China. Finally, the committee held briefings on the current situations in Myanmar and the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

During the same period, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR) completed its study entitled Human Rights Situation of the Uyghurs, adopting a report on January 26. On February 2, the subcommittee held a briefing with the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The subcommittee initiated a study entitled Role of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise and held two meetings with witnesses in this period. The subcommittee also held briefings on the human rights situations in Cameroon and in Ethiopia on February 16. On March 8, the subcommittee concluded its study entitled Recognition of International Human Rights Champions by holding an event attended by the Speaker of the House of Commons to recognize three women human rights defenders. The subcommittee adopted a report in relation to its study entitled Impact of COVID-19 on Displaced Persons from Venezuela and Myanmar on March 23.

Membership of FAAE (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

Peter Fonseca (Chair), Kenny Chiu (Vice-Chair), Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Vice-Chair), Hon. Michael D. Chong, Iqra Khalid, Heather McPherson, Jennifer O'Connell, Anita Vandenbeld

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
FAAE – Operational Budget	24	864	821	0	0	1,708
FAAE – Briefing on the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh	0	184	144	0	0	327
FAAE – Vulnerabilities Created and Exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	1,617	193	0	0	1,810
FAAE – Granting of Arms Export Permits, with a Particular Focus on Permits Granted for Exports to Turkey	0	185	50	0	0	235
FAAE – Briefing on the Current Situation in Myanmar	0	178	0	0	0	178
FAAE – Briefing on the Current Situation in Tigray	0	176	17	0	0	193
SDIR – Operational Budget	0	652	1,009	0	126	1,787
SDIR – Current Situation in Nigeria	0	163	72	0	0	235
SDIR – Human Rights Situation of the Uyghurs	0	182	17	0	0	199
SDIR – Impact of COVID-19 on Displaced Persons from Venezuela and Myanmar	0	428	150	0	0	577
SDIR – Briefing on the Current Situation in Cameroon	0	54	18	0	0	72
SDIR – Briefing on the Current Situation in Ethiopia	0	92	0	0	0	92
SDIR – Recognition of International Human Rights Champions	0	145	45	0	0	190
SDIR – Role of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise	0	81	53	0	0	134
Total	24	5,000	2,587	0	126	7,736

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (FAAE)	25	12	11	19	0	46h26m	106	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SFAA)	1	0	0	0	0	1h33m	0	0
Subcommittee on International Human Rights (SDIR)	18	6	8	10	0	42h23m	67	0
Total	44	18	19	29	0	90h22m	173	4

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

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, 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, during the first meeting of the session, the committee elected Robert Kitchen as Chair. 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. 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.

During the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee met nine times. The committee held five meetings as part of its study of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and heard from 13 witnesses. In relation to this study, the committee presented its second report to the House of Commons on February 25. It also held two meetings to study the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and Departmental Results Reports for the period ended March 31, 2020 and heard from 11 witnesses. Finally, it held one meeting to receive a briefing on the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report on the Cost of Canada’s Surface Combatants.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,547	768	0	0	2,315
Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	2,549	48	0	0	2,597
Main Estimates 2020-21	0	1,115	0	0	0	1,115
Supplementary Estimates (B) 2020-21	0	212	0	0	0	212
Nuctech Security Equipment Contract	0	557	0	0	0	557
Total	0	5,980	816	0	0	6,796

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (OGGO)	41	5	33	34	0	78h34m	197	2
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SOGG)	1	0	0	0	0	1h09m	0	0
Total	42	5	33	34	0	79h43m	197	2

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

The committee continued its briefing on the Canadian response to the outbreak of the coronavirus. It 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, 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 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. 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.

The committee held 14 meetings during the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021. The committee continued its study of the emergency situation facing Canadians in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this study, the committee heard from 65 witnesses and received seven briefs. The committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21. The committee considered Bill C‑237, An Act to establish a national framework for diabetes, and reported it with one amendment.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	2,134	96	0	0	2,229
Briefing on the Canadian Response to the Outbreak of the Coronavirus	0	6,101	0	0	0	6,101
Emergency Situation Facing Canadians in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	3,339	24	0	0	3,363
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s Guidelines	0	567	0	0	0	567
Total	0	12,141	120	0	0	12,261

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (HESA)	52	5	44	39	0	130h25m	269	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SHES)	1	0	0	0	0	1h21m	0	0
Total	53	5	44	39	0	131h46m	269	4

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

The committee studied the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. 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.

During the period between January 1 and March 31, 2021, the committee held 13 meetings. The committee continued its study of urban, rural and Northern Indigenous housing and commenced two studies, the study of the rapid housing initiative and the review of the Employment Insurance program. During this period, the committee also considered two bills. First, Bill C-220, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (bereavement leave) (former title: An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (compassionate care leave)) was considered and reported back to the House, with amendments, on February 26. Second, Bill C-24, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19, was considered and reported back to the House, without amendments, on March 11. Furthermore, the committee considered the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and the Main Estimates 2021-22, which included an appearance by three ministers. The committee reported the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 back to the House on March 22.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Sean Casey (Chair), Raquel Dancho (Vice-Chair), Louise Chabot (Vice-Chair), Han Dong, Rosemarie Falk, Leah Gazan, Wayne Long, Corey Tochor, Ryan Turnbull, Adam Vaughan, Brad Vis, Kate Young

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,602	77	0	0	1,678
Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	46	3,807	0	0	0	3,853
Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing	0	1,732	51	0	0	1,783
Rapid Housing Initiative	0	116	0	0	0	116
Review of the Employment Insurance Program	0	890	0	0	0	890
Total	46	8,147	128	0	0	8,320

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (HUMA)	43	6	36	39	0	87h43m	242	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SHUM)	3	0	0	0	0	3h16m	0	0
Total	46	6	36	39	0	90h59m	242	4

Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN)

Mandate

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs reviews, examines and reports on issues affecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and northerners.

Summary of Committee Activity

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 and elected Bob Bratina as Chair. 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee continued its study of food security in Northern communities, holding five meetings with witnesses. The committee also considered Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94) and reported it back to the House without amendment on February 5. The committee concluded its study spanning two parliamentary sessions entitled Support for Indigenous Communities Through a Second Wave of COVID-19, presenting its sixth report to the House on March 11. The committee began a study of the subject matter of Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, holding three meetings during this period. The committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and the Main Estimates 2021-22 on March 22.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Bob Bratina (Chair), Jamie Schmale (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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	645	0	0	0	645
Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	2,274	0	0	0	2,274
Support for Indigenous Communities, Businesses, and Individuals Through a Second Wave of COVID-19	146	1,353	11	0	0	1,510
Food Security in Northern Communities	0	1,130	0	0	0	1,130
Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94)	0	478	0	0	0	478
Subject Matter of Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples	0	577	0	0	0	577
Total	146	6,457	11	0	0	6,614

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (INAN)	38	11	25	34	0	72h05m	232	7
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SINA)	4	0	0	0	0	2h48m	0	0
Total	42	11	25	34	0	74h53m	232	7

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

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 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. 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry all appeared before the committee for the study on domestic manufacturing capacity of vaccines. The committee completed its study on accessibility and affordability of telecommunications services. The committee also completed its study on the Investment Canada Act and the Chair presented a report to the House on Friday, March 26. The committee met for a meeting requested by four members of the committee (S.O. 106(4)) to consider a motion related to the proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications by Rogers Communications. The committee also held four meetings on a study on the development and support of the aerospace industry.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Sherry Romanado (Chair), Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Vice-Chair), Sébastien Lemire (Vice-Chair), Tony Baldinelli, Earl Dreeshen, Ali Ehsassi, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Bernard Généreux, Helena Jaczek, Majid Jowhari, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Brian Masse

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	2,595	1,504	0	0	4,099
Subject Matter of Clauses 22 to 38 and 108 to 113 of Bill C-4, An Act to implement the Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States	2,276	0	0	0	0	2,276
Canadian Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	2,433	0	0	0	2,433
Front-line grocery workers	0	275	0	0	0	275
Investment Canada Act	37	432	0	0	0	469
Affordability and Accessibility of Telecommunications Services	0	634	314	0	0	948
Total	2,313	6,369	1,818	0	0	10,500

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (INDU)	49	2	42	41	0	95h16m	252	5
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SIND)	1	0	0	0	0	1h29m	0	0
Total	50	2	42	41	0	96h45m	252	5

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, 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: Main Estimates 2020-21; potential trade agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom; and international trade after COVID-19. The committee held its first meeting on October 14, at which it elected the Hon. Judy A. Sgro as Chair. 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 held 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.

From January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee met nine times. It considered Bill C‑18, An Act to implement the Agreement on Trade Continuity between Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It reported it back to the House without amendment in its fourth report on Monday, March 8. The committee also began two self-initiated studies, the first on reform of the World Trade Organization, and the second on investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	2,771	151	0	0	2,923
Bill C-4, An Act to implement the Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States	1,622	89	0	0	0	1,711
Trade Between Canada and the United Kingdom: A Potential Transitional Trade Agreement	0	1,400	99	0	0	1,499
Total	1,622	4,260	250	0	0	6,132

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (CIIT)	22	5	15	19	0	43h38m	107	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SCII)	0	0	0	0	0	0h0m	0	0
Total	22	5	15	19	0	43h38m	107	4

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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

During the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 10 meetings. First, the committee undertook a study on controlling or coercive conduct within intimate relationships. It held four meetings on the topic, hearing from 28 witnesses. It then considered Bill C‑218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting), holding three meetings and hearing a total of 25 witnesses. It reported it back to the House on March 26 with one amendment. The Committee also considered the Main Estimates 2021-22 and the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Iqra Khalid (Chair), Hon. Rob Moore (Vice-Chair), Rhéal Éloi Fortin (Vice-Chair), Élisabeth Brière, Michael Cooper, Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Randall Garrison, Mike Kelloway, Chris Lewis, James Maloney, Randeep Sarai, Arif Virani

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	972	582	0	0	1,554
Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)	0	2,309	131	0	0	2,441
Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)	0	1,145	131	0	0	1,276
Controlling or Coercive Conduct Within Intimate Relationships	0	773	139	0	0	912
Bill C-218, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)	0	1,100	117	0	0	1,217
Total	0	6,300	1,100	0	0	7,400

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (JUST)	26	6	19	24	0	59h31m	171	8
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SJUS)	2	0	0	0	0	2h32m	0	0
Total	28	6	19	24	0	62h03m	171	8

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, the committee elected Karen McCrimmon as Chair of the committee.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 11 meetings. The committee completed the collection of evidence for its study of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian Armed Forces operations, by hearing evidence from officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Department of National Defence. Additionally, the committee held one last meeting on the study of the access to mental health services within the Canadian Armed Forces and received testimony from three witnesses. The committee started a new study entitled Addressing Sexual Misconduct Issues in the Canadian Armed Forces, Including the Allegations Against Former Chief of the Defence Staff Jonathan Vance. The committee heard from the Minister of National Defence twice, and 21 other witnesses. Finally, two meetings were held in response to a request by four members of the committee, pursuant to Standing Order 106(4).

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	190	1,983	744	0	0	2,917
Access to Mental Health Services within the Canadian Armed Forces	0	778	479	0	0	1,257
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadian Armed Forces Operations	0	993	523	0	0	1,516
Total	190	3,754	1,746	0	0	5,689

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (NDDN)	22	7	15	19	0	43h51m	65	0
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SNDD)	4	0	0	0	0	3h51m	0	0
Total	26	7	15	19	0	47h42m	65	0

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, 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee met nine times. The committee resumed its study of the economic recovery in the forestry sector, holding three meetings and hearing from 12 witnesses. The committee started a new study on critical minerals and associated value chains in Canada, holding five meetings and hearing from 29 witnesses. The committee held one meeting to consider the Main Estimates 2021-22 and the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and heard from seven witnesses on this matter.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	596	189	0	0	784
Economic Recovery in the Forestry Sector	0	2,106	143	0	0	2,249
Critical Minerals and Associated Value Chains in Canada	0	653	119	0	0	772
Total	0	3,355	451	0	0	3,806

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (RNNR)	18	2	16	17	0	36h39m	106	1
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SRNN)	3	0	0	0	0	2h19m	0	0
Total	21	2	16	17	0	38h58m	106	1

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, 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, 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.

The committee held 12 meetings during the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021. During this period, the committee completed its study on the challenges of the parliamentary interpretation service in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It heard from ten witnesses on this matter and commenced consideration of a draft report. The committee continued 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 16 witnesses on this matter. The committee also commenced its study of government measures to protect and promote French in Quebec and in Canada and heard from nine witnesses.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Emmanuel Dubourg (Chair), Hon. Steven Blaney (Vice-Chair), Mario Beaulieu (Vice-Chair), René Arseneault, Alexandre Boulerice, Marc Dalton, Terry Duguid, Joël Godin, Marie-France Lalonde, Patricia Lattanzio, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, John Williamson

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	885	609	0	0	1,494
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Government’s Ability to Deliver Information in Both Official Languages	0	1,850	83	0	0	1,934
Government Measures to Protect and Promote French in Quebec and in Canada	0	515	21	0	0	536
Total	0	3,250	713	0	0	3,964

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (LANG)	24	3	15	12	0	45h02m	65	3
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SLAN)	0	0	0	0	0	0h0m	0	0
Total	24	3	15	12	0	45h02m	65	3

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

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, 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, as well as interested stakeholders. 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 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. Finally, the subcommittee reviewed private members’ bills and motions added to the order of precedence.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 9 numbered meetings, however meeting No. 25 occurred over two different calendar days and meeting No. 26 occurred over four different calendar days. During this period, the committee held a briefing on security risks for members of Parliament, involving senior officials from the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Protective Services. The committee concluded a study on the subject of how a federal election could be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It resulted in the committee’s 12th report of the session entitled Final Report: Protecting Public Health and Democracy during a Possible Pandemic Election. The committee also continued with a study on the Government’s reasons for proroguing Parliament in August of 2020, hearing from academics and constitutional experts.

During this period, the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business (SMEM) met twice to determine the votability of items placed on the order of precedence, upon which the committee presented two reports with recommendations from the subcommittee: the ninth report presented on January 29 and the 13th report presented on March 12. Both reports were deemed concurred in by the House upon their presentation.

Membership of PROC (as of March 31, 2021)

Ruby Sahota (Chair), John Nater (Vice-Chair), Alain Therrien (Vice-Chair), Daniel Blaikie, Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Mark Gerretsen, Hon. Peter Kent, Stéphane Lauzon, Tom Lukiwski, Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Ryan Turnbull, Karen Vecchio

Membership of SMEM (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,647	634	0	0	2,282
Parliamentary Duties and the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	2,878	0	0	0	2,878
Conduct of a Federal Election during the COVID-19 Pandemic	0	1,760	211	0	0	1,971
Government's Reasons for Proroguing Parliament in August 2020	0	452	0	0	0	452
Total	0	6,737	845	0	0	7,582

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (PROC)	50	0	33	23	0	149h39m	144	16
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SPRO)	3	0	0	0	0	1h49m	0	0
Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business (SMEM)	3	0	3	0	0	0h24m	0	0
Total	56	0	36	23	0	151h52m	144	16

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

During the period of April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee considered, on May 19, the Certificate of Nomination of Karen Hogan for the position of Auditor General of Canada and reported back to the House on May 22.

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, 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.

The committee held 10 meetings during the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021 and undertook six studies including a study of the Main Estimates 2021-22 and Report on Plans and Priorities 2021-22. It continued work on two draft reports on studies commenced in the previous reporting period. It also held a briefing with the Auditor General, one with the Secretary of the Treasury Board and the Privy Council Office and one with the Deputy Minister of Finance. The committee presented twelve reports to the House.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	454	44	0	0	498
Report 1, Follow-up Audit on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, of the 2020 Fall Reports on the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development	0	223	33	0	0	255
Report 1, Immigration Removals, of the 2020 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada	0	370	50	0	0	420
Briefing with the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation	0	180	77	0	1,770	2,027
Report 3, Taxation of E‑Commerce, of the 2019 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada	0	286	66	0	0	352
Report 3, Supplying the Canadian Armed Forces — National Defence, of the 2020 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada	0	132	33	0	0	165
Report 2, Student Financial Assistance, of the 2020 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada	0	90	50	0	0	140
Main Estimates 2020-21: Vote 1 under Office of the Auditor General	0	72	44	0	0	116
Report 4, Oversight of Government of Canada Advertisings, of the 2019 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada	0	101	0	0	0	101
Report 1, Respect in the Workplace, of the 2019 Fall Report of the Auditor General of Canada	0	44	39	0	0	82
Public Accounts of Canada 2020	0	223	78	0	142	443
Total	0	2,174	512	0	1,912	4,598

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (PACP)	24	12	3	17	0	43h55m	115	17
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SPAC)	1	0	0	0	0	0h50m	0	0
Total	25	12	3	17	0	44h45m	115	17

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

During the period from April 1 to August 18, 2020, the committee held seven meetings. On June 23, 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.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee met 12 times. On October 8, during the first meeting of the session, the committee elected the Hon. John McKay as Chair. During this meeting, the committee also resumed a study on systemic racism in policing services 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. On December 2, 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 agreement.

During the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee met nine times. The committee held two meetings on its ongoing study of the Parole Board of Canada and the circumstances leading to a young woman’s death and commenced consideration of a draft report on its study on systemic racism in policing services in Canada, holding three meetings. The committee met once on Bill C-228, An Act to Establish a Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism and presented its third report the House, reporting the Bill back with amendments, on February 25. On the same day, the committee also presented its fourth report to the House condemning statements made by the National Firearms Association. On March 1, the committee held a meeting at the request of four members, pursuant to Standing Order 106(4), and agreed to have a meeting on the safety and security of passengers required to stay in federally mandated quarantine facilities. This meeting subsequently occurred on March 10. The committee also studied the subject matter of Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and the Main Estimates 2021-22 and, accordingly, presented its fifth report to the House on March 25.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	1,976	42	0	83	2,101
Issue of Systemic Racism in Policing Services in Canada	0	2,329	0	0	0	2,329
Parole Board and the Circumstances that Led to a Young Woman’s Death	0	386	0	0	0	386
Total	0	4,692	42	0	83	4,816

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (SECU)	28	10	13	20	0	56h08m	128	5
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SSEC)	3	0	0	0	0	3h32m	0	0
Total	31	10	13	20	0	59h40m	128	5

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 the Department for Women and Gender Equality, 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 and the second on the 8 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, 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held 13 meetings. The committee presented a report on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on February 4 which was concurred in by the House on February 16. The committee studied the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020-21 and the Main Estimates 2021-22. It continued its study of the challenges faced by women living in rural communities and held three meetings and heard from 13 witnesses on this matter. The committee resumed its study of women’s unpaid work and held three meetings and heard from nine witnesses on this topic. The committee completed its study on pay equity with a total of three meetings and eight witnesses including the Minister of Labour and the Pay Equity Commissioner. On March 22, the committee presented its report on the treatment of women within the Department of National Defence from the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament and requested a government response. The committee completed its study commenced in the previous session on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women. After hearing from 45 witnesses, the committee presented its sixth report to the House on March 25. Finally, the committee began a study of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces on March 23.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	338	640	0	0	978
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women	0	1,842	187	0	0	2,029
Women's Unpaid Work	0	580	0	0	0	580
Pay Equity	0	166	0	0	0	166
Challenges Faced by Women Living in Rural Communities	0	1,005	99	0	0	1,103
Sexual Misconduct Within the Canadian Armed Forces	0	405	0	0	0	405
Total	0	4,336	925	0	0	5,261

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (FEWO)	25	7	16	21	0	52h15m	110	6
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SFEW)	2	0	0	0	0	2h10m	0	0
Total	27	7	16	21	0	54h25m	110	6

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, 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 and Communities.

During the period from September 23 to December 31, 2020, the committee held 11 meetings. It met on October 13 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee concluded its study on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector and provided drafting instructions to the analysts for a draft report. The Minister of Transport appeared before the committee for the study on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector as well as a separate appearance on the Main Estimates 2021-22. The committee continued a study on the aircraft certification process. The committee also began a study on the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

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 March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	40	2,465	187	0	0	2,692
Aircraft Certification Process	0	512	0	0	0	512
Impact of COVID-19 on the Aviation Sector	0	1,701	0	0	0	1,701
Total	40	4,679	187	0	0	4,905

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (TRAN)	24	1	21	21	0	46h31m	130	0
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (STRA)	1	0	0	0	0	1h20m	0	0
Total	25	1	21	21	0	47h51m	130	0

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, during its first meeting of the session, it 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, the committee presented its fourth report, entitled Clearing the Jam: Addressing the Backlog of Disability Benefit Claims at Veterans Affairs Canada. On November 12, 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. On November 23 and November 25, 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee held seven meetings. On February 1, the committee resumed its study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial health of veterans' organizations. On February 17, the committee undertook a study on supports and services to veterans’ caregivers and families and heard from Veterans Affairs Canada, the Veterans Ombudsman, organizations and witnesses.

Membership (as of March 31, 2021)

Bryan May (Chair), John Brassard (Vice-Chair), Luc Desilets (Vice-Chair), William Amos, Rachel Blaney, Sean Casey, Todd Doherty, Andy Fillmore, Marie-France Lalonde, Darrell Samson, Cathay Wagantall, David Yurdiga

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	382	0	0	0	382
Backlog of Disability Benefit Claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs	0	1,215	77	0	0	1,292
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Financial Health of Veterans’ Organizations	0	610	0	0	0	610
Supports and Services to Veterans' Caregivers and Families	0	907	0	0	0	907
Total	0	3,115	77	0	0	3,191

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (ACVA)	17	1	12	10	0	28h36m	60	4
Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure (SACV)	1	0	0	0	0	1h24m	0	0
Total	18	1	12	10	0	30h00m	60	4

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, 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.

During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2021, the committee met once. It adopted its third report entitled Committee Activities and Expenditures – April 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020, which was presented to the House on February 25.

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

Membership of LIAI (as of March 31, 2021)

Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), Marilyn Gladu (Vice-Chair), Dean Allison, Vance Badawey, Kelly Block, Bob Bratina, Sean Casey, Emmanuel Dubourg, Hon. Wayne Easter, Pat Finnigan, 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, Chris Warkentin, Salma Zahid

Membership of SBLI (as of March 31, 2021)

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

Expenditures (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Study Name	Witness Expenses ($)	Video Conferences ($)	Working Meals ($)	Hospitality ($)	Other ($)	Total ($)
Operational Budget	0	72	0	0	0	72
Total	0	72	0	0	0	72

Meetings, Witnesses and Reports (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021)

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

Standing Committee and Subcommittee	Total Number of Meetings	Number of Televised Meetings	Number of Webcast Meetings	Number of Meetings with Video-conferencing	Number of Meetings with Video Recording	Total Meeting Hours	Number of Witnesses	Number of Reports
Standing Committee (LIAI)	2	0	2	0	0	2h09m	0	3
Subcommittee on Committee Budgets (SBLI)	2	0	0	0	0	0h18m	0	0
Total	4	0	2	0	0	2h27m	0	3