MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Thursday, October 26, 2023 (72) [English] The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 11:31 a.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding. Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bernard, Cordy, Cormier, Dasko, Mégie, Moodie, Omidvar, Osler, Petitclerc and Seidman (10). Participating in the meeting: Antoine Dedewanou and Eleni Kachulis, analysts, Library of Parliament. Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the committee continued its study of Bill C-35,

An Act respecting early learning and child care in Canada. WITNESSES: Association québécoise des centres de la petite enfance: Hélène Gosselin, Chair of the board (by videoconference). Quebec Community Groups Network: Sylvia Martin-Laforge, Director General (by videoconference). Collectif petite enfance: Elise Bonneville, Director (by videoconference). Commission nationale des parents francophones: Jean-Luc Racine, Executive Director (by videoconference). Acadian Society of New Brunswick: Nicole Arseneau Sluyter, President; Ali Chaisson, Executive Director; Jonathan Clavette, Legal Counsel (by videoconference).

As an individual: François Larocque, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa and Counsel, Power Law. Hélène Gosselin, Sylvia Martin-Laforge and Elise Bonneville each made a statement and answered questions. At 12:30 p.m., the committee suspended. At 12:33 p.m., the committee resumed. Jean-Luc Racine, Nicole Arseneau Sluyter and François Larocque each made a statement and, together with Ali Chaisson, answered questions. At 1:29 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair. ATTEST: Emily Barrette Clerk of the Committee