Evidence of meeting #25 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was information.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:05 a.m.
Liberal
Michael Savage Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
This brings up the important issue of post-secondary education in Canada at a very important time in Canadian history. We're entering what could be a sustained period of time in which we could have people without jobs and also jobs without people. Post-secondary education is going to be more important than ever, given our demographics.
If it's the will of the committee, I would accept that we pass this motion. I'm not asking for a definitive date for this right now. I will reserve the opportunity to come back to it as a committee at some point in time and schedule it in. But at this point in time, let's just acknowledge the importance of it by passing it. We can schedule the meetings at a later date. That is my suggestion.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Ed Komarnicki Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
Again, it's another study. We haven't completed the major study, and we have a number of things we need to be doing. The Senate social affairs committee is doing a comprehensive study on post-secondary education. Certainly it would seem that this would fit into that study.
I appreciate that Mr. Savage is indicating that this is not pressing and could go at the back end. I suppose, to that extent, it's understandable. But again, it's something that is receiving active study, and we might want to wait for that to conclude and have a read of it before we proceed with this one.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
I think that's what Mr. Savage said.
If I understand you correctly, you're not necessarily stating a specific time.
9:10 a.m.
Liberal
Michael Savage Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
No, I'm not. What the Senate does is the Senate's business; what we do is our business.
9:10 a.m.
Liberal
Michael Savage Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
Both the Senate and this committee have done simultaneous reports on poverty. I don't think that if one chamber does something the other chamber should not do it.
As I say, I'd like to get it passed. I'd like to get recognition that at some point in time we should have a look at this. It is a hugely important part that is tied into poverty and tied into disability as well. This is a very significant milestone, this $15-billion statutory loan limit. I think it bears some scrutiny.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
Is there any other discussion?
All right, we'll vote on the motion.
(Motion agreed to) [See Minutes of Proceedings]
At this point we are going to discuss future business, so we can stay public or we can go in camera.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
You'd like to be in camera. Would everybody like to go in camera?
All right, then we'll suspend for five minutes while we clear the room and go in camera.
[Proceedings continue in camera]
[Public proceedings resume]
10:05 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
We're ready to begin. We have just over half an hour. Actually, I think these clocks are a little fast, so we have a good half-hour to speak to the officials from the department on Bill C-31.
I welcome Mr. La Salle and Mr. Paquette. Thank you for being here.
I understand that you don't have any opening statements and that you would be prepared just to take questions from the committee. Is that correct?
October 7th, 2010 / 10:10 a.m.
Jacques Paquette Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
That's correct. We thought it was the best way to proceed.
10:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
That's very good. Then we'll begin.
Because we have a shortened time, we'll just have five minutes for questions so that hopefully everybody can get some questions in. Then, at the end of our meeting, if we decide that we still need more time with the officials, would you be willing to come back and answer more questions if we don't have enough time today?
10:10 a.m.
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Sure.
10:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
We may be able to get through them, though.
All right. We will begin with Mr. Savage. Did you want to begin on your side?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen
There is no presentation. Do you have any questions for the officials?
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Maria Minna Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you for coming today.
I'm just trying to put this bill in a frame in my own mind in terms of the impact and so on. How many people currently incarcerated in the federal penitentiary system would be affected by the bill at this point?
10:10 a.m.
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
According to our estimates—and these are estimates—there would be a little fewer than 400 people who are presently incarcerated in federal penitentiaries.
10:10 a.m.
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch, Department of Human Resources and Skills Development
Fewer than 400, and we're talking about people over 65 years old.
10:10 a.m.
Liberal
Maria Minna Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
I'm just trying to get a sense of the makeup of the population. How many of them would be married, with family or a wife or a spouse that they would be sending money to in order to help financially?
