To date, some of the Senate’s most valued contributions to Canadian society to date have stemmed from the work completed within committees. Senate committees unite Senators across the country and the political spectrum to examine new ideas, approve and improve legislation and hold the government to account. By sitting on committees, Senators are tasked with placing every piece of legislation under the microscope and investigating issues of common concern to Canadians.
Committees also offer Canadians the best perspectives of the work of the Senate. Committees regularly invite individuals, experts, groups and organizations, as well as public servants and ministers of the Crown to appear before them as witnesses. Anyone can submit written testimony and contribute to Senate studies, its hearings are televised and streamed online, and its reports and recommendations based on the public’s input are published for all to see.
As a Senator for Ontario, I am honoured to participate in this key step in the legislative process alongside other Senators.
Currently, I am a member of two committees, but frequently sit on a number of others:
- Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI);
- Member of the Standing Committee on Human Rights (RIDR); and
This page will showcase some of the key moments and milestones I observe throughout my committee work. This will include video clips and transcripts highlighting testimony and witness questions, insightful written testimony, announcements of new committee reports, and resources I find useful as I navigate the issues at hand.