Evidence of meeting #124 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was clause.
A video is available from Parliament.
11:40 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:40 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
On clause 131, the first amendment is PV-14. Again, if this one is adopted, CPC-50 cannot be moved due to a conflict, as the Green Party amendment will change the same lines as CPC-50. That's only if it's adopted.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK
We are requesting an amendment stating, “Five years after the day on which this Act receives royal assent, or as soon as feasible after that day, a comprehensive review of its provisions and operation is to be commenced by a”.
What we're saying is that clause 131 should be amended to require that the committee conduct its first review five years after the date on which the act is proclaimed into law. This change will prevent the review from being delayed if the regulations are not promptly passed.
We request a recorded vote.
(Amendment negatived: nays 5; yeas 3 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 131 agreed to)
(On clause 132)
11:45 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
On clause 132, we'll start with PV-15, which is identical to amendments put forward as CPC-51 and NDP-34, so whatever decision is made on PV-15 will be reciprocal on CPC-51 and NDP-34.
Ms. Falk.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK
I think that what we heard from witnesses and testimony was that timelines were important. It is important to measure how well the government is doing with accessibility. It is important to make sure that there's direction given that will prompt people to move forward and want to move forward.
This amendment would require the first independent review of the act to be held in 2025 and every four years thereafter. This will coincide with Canada's reporting obligations under the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
11:45 a.m.
NDP
Cheryl Hardcastle NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
We know that a timeline for independent review is an important component, not only to our stakeholders but to ready us for the day when we implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which we are signatories to, but this bill falls short of implementing.
It will position us so that we can evolve into that position. I think all of us here want to see this legislation be effectual. I would hope that we're all prepared for a compromise here. If there is a compromise on a specific date that would provide for the passing of this amendment, then I think we should discuss that. I'm open to that.
I'll like a recorded vote, please.
(Amendment negatived: nays 5; yeas 3 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
Dan Ruimy Liberal Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge, BC
This motion would provide an amendment to the independent review of the act to ensure that the person or persons conducting the independent review is required to consult all implicated parties.
With this amendment, we make sure that the minister responsible under this act is not limited in executing their responsibility to appoint a single independent reviewer.
(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 132 as amended agreed to)
(Clause 133 agreed to)
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
We go to Green Party-16. The feeling is that it is inadmissible due to making specific declaration on the specifics of sign language that is beyond the scope of the bill. It introduces new concepts that were not included in other parts of the bill. That would include PV-16 and CPC-52 as inadmissible.
I'll now be asking for unanimous consent to group the votes on clause 134 to clause 141.
Ms. Hardcastle.
11:50 a.m.
NDP
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
Okay, do I have unanimous consent to group clauses 134 to 137?
11:50 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
(Clauses 134 to 137 inclusive agreed to)
(On clause 138)
We will now go to clause 138. Is there any discussion?
Ms. Hardcastle.
11:50 a.m.
NDP
Cheryl Hardcastle NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Clause 138 of the bill should be removed because it gives the Speaker of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Commons the power to exempt a parliamentary entity from certain aspects of the bill's requirements.
That's not good.
(Clause 138 agreed to)
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
I'm asking for unanimous consent to group the votes on clauses 139 to 141.
11:50 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
(Clauses 139 to 141 inclusive agreed to)
That takes us to clause 142.
Because these two amendments were dealt with in previous proposals, can I get unanimous consent to group the votes on clauses 142 to 146?
11:50 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:50 a.m.
The Vice-Chair Mr. John Barlow
(Clauses 142 to 146 inclusive agreed to)
New clause 146.1 has already been dealt with.
(Clause 147 agreed to)
(On clause 148)
We'll now move to clause 148. We have two amendments proposed. We'll begin with CPC-54.1, on page 137.2.
Ms. Falk.
11:55 a.m.
Conservative
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK
Basically, this amendment is again on timelines:
The Accessibility Commissioner is to be appointed no later than six months after the day on which this subsection comes into force.
It's pretty straightforward, just timelines, accountability.
Can we have a recorded vote?
(Amendment negatived: nays 5; yeas 3)
11:55 a.m.
Conservative
Rosemarie Falk Conservative Battlefords—Lloydminster, SK
The amendment is:
Section 26 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (5): (6) The Accessibility Commissioner must receive appropriate training in matters related to accessibility and discrimination.
I know I spoke to something such as this earlier. Knowledge is power. Sometimes it's just even having a conversation or some type of additional training that makes people more aware of their words and actions.
Thank you.