MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 25, 2023 (71) [English] The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:14 p.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, McPhedran, Mégie, Moodie, Omidvar, Osler and Petitclerc (10). Other senators present: The Honourable Senator White (1). Participating in the meeting: Antoine Dedewanou and Kelly Farrah, 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 of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs: Krystal Churcher, Chair (by videoconference). Cardus: Peter Jon Mitchell, Program Director. Child Care Providers Resource Network: Julie Bisnath, Executive Director. College of Early Childhood Educators: Beth Deazeley, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (by videoconference). Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia: Emily Gawlick, Executive Director (by videoconference).

National Union of Public and General Employees: Sandra Mullen, National Vice-President; and President, Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union. The chair informed the committee of the death of the Honourable Ian Shugart, P.C., and the committee observed a minute of silence. Krystal Churcher, Peter Jon Mitchell and Julie Bisnath each made a statement and answered questions. At 5:13 p.m., the committee suspended. At 5:16 p.m., the committee resumed. Beth Deazeley, Emily Gawlick and Sandra Mullen each made a statement and answered questions. At 6:13 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST: Emily Barrette Clerk of the Committee