MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Thursday, October 24, 2024 (120) [English] The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 11:30 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 and Seidman (9). Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Boudreau (1). Participating in the meeting: Diana Ambrozas, Analyst, Library of Parliament. Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the committee continued its consideration of Bill C-284,

An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care. WITNESSES: Health Canada: Elizabeth Toller, Director General, Health Care Strategies Directorate, Health Policy Branch. Canadian Council of the Blind: Michael Baillargeon, Senior Manager, Eye Care Initiatives; Ian White, President, Toronto Visionaries Chapter. Fighting Blindness Canada: Jennifer Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer; Larissa Moniz, Director, Research and Mission Programs. Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians: Lee Pigeau, Executive Director; Linda Bartram, First Vice-President (by videoconference).

Elizabeth Toller made a statement and answered questions. At 12:23 p.m., the committee suspended. At 12:34 p.m., the committee resumed. Michael Baillargeon, Ian White, Jennifer Jones, Larissa Moniz, Lee Pigeau and Linda Bartram each made a statement and answered questions. At 1:21 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair. ATTEST: Emily Barrette Clerk of the Committee