MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (84) [English] The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology met this day at 4:15 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, presiding. Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Burey, Cordy, Dasko, Jaffer, McNair, McPhedran, Mégie, Omidvar, Petitclerc and Seidman (10). Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Cormier (1). Participating in the meet ing: Laura Blackmore and Mayra Perez -Leclerc, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 1, 2023, the committee continued its study of Bill S-235,

An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. WITNESSES: The Honourable Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer, sponsor of the bill. Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers: Kate Webster, Vice-President. Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association: Tamara Mosher-Kuczer, Member. Kate Webster and Tamara Mosher-Kuczer each made a statement and answered questions. At 5:18 p.m., the committee suspended. At 5:22 p.m., the committee resumed. The Honourable Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer made a statement and answered questions. At 5:30 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:31 p.m., pursuant to rule 12 -16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business). It was agreed that senators’ staff be permitted to rem ain in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting.

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or staff, and that the audio recording be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session. At 5:47 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair. ATTEST: Emily Barrette Clerk of the Committee