Science and Research Committee on June 18th, 2025

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I call the meeting to order.

The motion, in both official languages, has been sent to all members by email.

Is there any debate?

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

We just got it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Okay.

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

Just one more minute would be appreciated. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I hope all members have read the motion.

Mr. Baldinelli.

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

If I may, Madam Chair, I defer to the expertise of my colleague with regard to the study itself, but earlier we turned down a motion to request a study saying that study didn't fit within the science committee. Would the proposal for this motion not fit better with the health committee?

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Ms. Jaczek.

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

That's certainly a question that is relevant for sure. It actually goes way beyond human health. The use of antimicrobials is very prevalent in the veterinary profession. It has impacts in terms of economics as well. It's a complicated question, but it goes well beyond human health, which is closely the mandate of the health committee. I would like to emphasize that your predecessors on this committee were, in fact, quite enthusiastic to pursue this.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Ms. Jaczek.

Mr. Ho, go ahead.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

The Liberals just shot down a motion studying something that NSERC provides funding for, which, in my view, falls under the purview of this committee. Would this motion not fall under health? You mentioned economic implications, so perhaps the commercialization of this research. Would that not fall under industry? You also talked about vets using it, so would that not fall maybe under something like the regulation of professions, which, again, is more economy-focused and would perhaps fall under health as well? We find that this is just not under the purview of this committee.

Again, it is another case of Liberal hypocrisy, because they just voted against.... They're laughing, for the viewers at home.

[Taleeb Noormohamed, Liberal, Vancouver Granville, BC]

I have a point of order, Madam Chair.

I know the member is new, and I recognize that he is already falling into the Conservative trap of using the committee to get clips, as he just pointed out. I think it's important to get to the personal nature of the comments—

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I'm sorry. Mr. Ho has the floor.

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Thank you.

That point of order was rather condescending, which, again, fits the character of most members of the Liberals on this committee, but anyway....

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

I will request that you not make comments like that with respect to—

[Vincent Ho, Conservative, Richmond Hill South, ON]

Thank you.

I finished stating my point, but, again, it seems like it falls under a different committee.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Seeing no further debate.... Mr. Baldinelli, go ahead.

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

Again, to my colleague, who answered the questions perfectly, is this something that you believe requires six meetings, or is there something that could be done in four? It seems like a lot of meetings.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

All the questions should be directed through the chair.

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

I ask that question through you, Chair. I apologize.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Are you proposing that as an amendment?

[Tony Baldinelli, Conservative, Niagara Falls—Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON]

No. First of all, it's just a question, because she sat previously on the committee, and my colleague from the Bloc did as well. It's just to get his input, because they both sat on that committee. You both indicated that the former Conservative colleagues found interest in this. I'm just asking whether or not this is something that requires holding six meetings.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you.

Would Ms. Jaczek like to add to that?

[Helena Jaczek, Liberal, Markham—Stouffville, ON]

I think, Mr. Baldinelli, as you become used to this committee, you will find that we have such an exceptional research community in Canada, and there is great eagerness to come and explain their positions. Quite honestly, with six meetings, I think you'll find they'll go very rapidly and that they will be of great interest to you. This was the decision that we came to a consensus on in the previous Parliament.

[The Chair, Liberal, Salma Zahid]

Thank you, Ms. Jaczek.

Mr. Mahal, go ahead.

[Jagsharan Singh Mahal, Conservative, Edmonton Southeast, AB]

Madam Chair, may I move to adjourn the meeting now?