Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

The Canadian parliamentary committee HUMA met to discuss a proposed law to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code regarding the death of a child. The meeting featured emotional testimony from bereaved parents and experts in bereavement support. Witnesses shared their personal experiences with the challenges of navigating grief while dealing with bureaucratic processes and financial pressures. Briana Koop, a bereaved parent, shared her heartbreaking story of losing her son and the difficulties she faced in the aftermath. Gabriel Pelletier, a lawyer specializing in employment insurance, spoke in favor of the proposed law and suggested an amendment to extend benefits to parents receiving caregiver benefits for a critically ill child who passes away. Danyelle Kaluski, co-founder of the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre, emphasized the trauma experienced by grieving parents and the need for compassionate support. Janie Lapointe Tremblay, executive director of Les Perséides perinatal bereavement support, highlighted the gaps in current support systems and the importance of recognizing perinatal grief. Committee members expressed their support for the proposed law and discussed potential amendments to broaden its scope. Garnett Genuis proposed a separate study on the possibility of continuing employment insurance parental leave in the event of the death of a parent. The committee agreed to conduct this study while proceeding with the current proposed law without amendments. The committee also discussed the need for better training for public servants and employers on how to support bereaved parents and families. The committee agreed to offer mental health support to the witnesses who appeared before the committee, as well as members of the committee staff. The committee set a date of April 13, 2026, for clause-by-clause consideration of the proposed law, with a deadline of April 9, 2026, for submitting any amendments.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met to discuss a proposed law concerning parental leave after the loss of a child. The committee heard from several witnesses who shared their personal experiences and professional insights on the matter. Lily Hamill shared the heartbreaking story of losing her infant daughter and the difficulties she faced navigating government paperwork and benefit repayments while grieving. Sophie Meunier, a professor, presented research highlighting the significant mental health impacts on parents following perinatal death and the importance of providing paid leave. Allison Venditti, an HR professional, emphasized the positive impact the proposed law would have on employers and employees, streamlining the process and allowing HR to focus on supporting grieving families. Committee members expressed their condolences and support for the proposed law, recognizing the need for compassionate and flexible leave options for grieving parents. Concerns were raised about the potential financial implications of the proposed law and the need for government support to ensure its passage. Witnesses emphasized the importance of destigmatizing pregnancy and infant loss and providing adequate resources and training for healthcare professionals and employers. Francine deMontigny, a professor, shared her personal experience with perinatal loss and highlighted the long-term mental and physical health consequences for parents and families. Megan Fockler, a registered nurse, discussed the importance of compassionate care and the need for a national approach to supporting grieving families. The committee discussed the need for flexibility in leave arrangements and the potential for a single-window reporting system to reduce the administrative burden on bereaved parents. The committee agreed to continue studying the proposed law at a future meeting.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met to discuss a proposed law that would amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code to provide benefits to parents who experience the death of a child. Several witnesses testified about their personal experiences with infant loss and the difficulties they faced navigating the current system. They emphasized the need for compassionate and timely support for grieving families. Nora Spinks, CEO of Work-Life Harmony Enterprises, spoke about the importance of fair and equitable public policy and how the proposed law would reduce barriers to EI benefits for grieving families. Carmen Wu shared her personal experience of navigating employment insurance after the stillbirth of her daughter, highlighting the emotional burden of having to repeatedly explain her loss to government staff. Nancy and Peter Slinn, directors of Metro Vancouver Empty Cradle Bereaved Parents Society, discussed the lack of support available to parents who experience stillbirth and the need for financial security during the healing process. Sarah and Lee Cormier from SIDS Calgary Society shared their decade-long fight for legislative change after the death of their daughter, Quinn, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting grieving parents. Committee members questioned the witnesses about best practices for employers, additional steps governments could take to support bereaved parents, and the potential impact of the proposed law on families in Quebec. Some members expressed concerns about potential delays in passing the law and the need to ensure that all eligible families receive support. A motion was introduced to expand the scope of the proposed law to include cases where a parent dies during the benefit period, but this was met with some resistance due to concerns about delaying the bill's passage. The committee agreed to send a message to ministers Patty Hajdu and Joël Lightbound, requesting that they appear separately, rather than concurrently, to answer questions about the Cúram software. The meeting was adjourned without a decision on the motion to expand the scope of the proposed law.

The Human Resources Committee met to discuss a proposed law called Evan's Law (Bill C-222). This law aims to ease the burden on grieving parents who lose a child while on employment insurance (EI) parental leave. Currently, these parents must navigate complex administrative procedures and may lose benefits. The proposed law would allow them to continue receiving benefits without interruption. Terry Beech, the Member of Parliament sponsoring the proposed law, shared his personal connection to the issue and emphasized the importance of compassion. He explained that the proposed law would eliminate unnecessary paperwork and prevent the government from clawing back benefits from grieving families. Garnett Genuis, a Conservative MP, expressed support for the proposed law and suggested an amendment to extend similar benefits to families when a parent dies. Other committee members discussed the need for mental health support and wraparound services for grieving parents, especially in rural communities. The committee agreed to hold up to four meetings to gather testimony on the proposed law. An amendment was proposed to also cover the death of a parent, but there were concerns about delaying the proposed law. Ultimately, the committee voted to include food price inflation in a study on the national school food program. They also requested that the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement appear before the committee to answer questions about the Cúram software used for Old Age Security benefit claims.

The Human Resources Committee met to discuss proposed changes to laws and programs affecting different groups in Canada. The first part of the meeting focused on dental care and support for career colleges. The committee heard from representatives of dental hygienists and career colleges, who raised concerns about how the proposed changes could affect access to dental care and training opportunities. Ondina Love from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association talked about the importance of dental hygienists in providing preventive care, especially in underserved areas. She highlighted the success of the Canadian Dental Care Plan but worried that changes to student grants could reduce the number of dental hygienists available. Michael Sangster from the National Association of Career Colleges argued that cutting grants for students in career colleges would hurt those seeking job-ready skills and limit their choices. He emphasized that career colleges help fill workforce needs and support students who may not fit traditional education paths. Committee members asked questions about the impact of these changes on students, access to care, and the workforce. Some members expressed concern that the proposed changes could make it harder for people to get the training they need for in-demand jobs. The second part of the meeting covered work-integrated learning and access to chiropractic care. Witnesses discussed the importance of hands-on learning experiences and the challenges of accessing chiropractic services in rural areas. Robert Henderson from BioTalent Canada spoke about the importance of work placements for students in the biotechnology sector. Ayla Azad from the Canadian Chiropractic Association discussed the limited number of chiropractic programs in Canada and the need for financial support for students studying abroad. Dana Stephenson from Riipen Networks Inc. highlighted the success of their work-integrated learning programs in connecting students with employers. The committee also dealt with some procedural matters, including a motion related to processing errors with the Curàm software and a discussion about a national school food program. Ultimately, the committee agreed to request information on the Curàm software issue but ran out of time to fully discuss the school food program.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) met to discuss parts of a proposed law, Bill C-15, focusing on the national school food program and student financial assistance. The first panel of speakers included Judith Barry from the Breakfast Club of Canada and Carolyn Webb from the Coalition for Healthy School Food, who spoke about the importance of the national school food program and recommended its adoption to ensure stable funding for students and families. They highlighted the program's benefits, such as increased family income, better education, and reduced healthcare costs. Dylan Kirk from the Council of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Schools of Ontario experienced technical difficulties and was moved to the second panel. During the second panel, Dylan Kirk, Bibi Wasiimah Joomun from the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, and Mary Wu from the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine discussed concerns about changes to student grants. Kirk and Wu expressed worry that proposed budget measures would negatively impact students in private institutions, particularly those studying traditional Chinese medicine. They requested that the committee ensure continued financial support for all eligible students, regardless of the type of institution they attend. Joomun highlighted the financial struggles of students and advocated for the permanent expansion of student financial aid programs. Committee members debated the merits of the national school food program and the proposed changes to student financial assistance. A motion was introduced to study the implementation and long-term permanence of the national school food program, but debate on the motion was adjourned. Concerns were raised about the administrative burden of the school food program and the potential impact of grant cuts on students and private career colleges. The committee agreed to continue discussions on these issues in a closed session.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met to discuss issues related to proposed changes to federal programs and supports. The main focus was on a Bloc Québécois motion to invite ministers to discuss problems with the Cúram computer system affecting seniors' benefits. They also discussed a Conservative motion to study housing starts in relation to federal programs. Andréanne Larouche (Bloc Québécois) introduced a motion to have the Minister of Employment and Families and the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement appear before the committee to answer questions about the Cúram software and delays in seniors' benefits. She highlighted that many seniors in Quebec were experiencing delays and that the Cúram system's costs had significantly increased. Laila Goodridge (Conservative) shared a story of a senior in her riding experiencing delays in receiving Old Age Security payments and wanted to ensure that the Cúram system would not become another Phoenix pay centre debacle. Committee members debated amendments to both motions. Annie Koutrakis (Liberal) proposed an amendment to delay the ministers' appearance to mid-March, which was accepted. Caroline Desrochers (Liberal) initially proposed reducing the ministers' testimony time, but later withdrew the amendment. For the housing motion, Desrochers proposed amendments to reduce the number of meetings and request a government response, but these were not accepted. Ultimately, the committee agreed to invite the ministers to discuss the Cúram software issues and to undertake a study on housing starts. Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, appeared to discuss Budget 2025, focusing on affordability measures like child care, the national school food program, and the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. She also addressed questions about student grants, food inflation, and employment insurance improvements.

The House of Commons committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development met to discuss parts of a proposed law related to Build Canada Homes, a new agency focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Ana Bailão, the CEO of Build Canada Homes, explained how the proposed law would give the agency the power and money it needs to build more homes quickly. She said the agency is working with provinces, cities, and other groups to finance housing projects and use public lands for building. Janet Goulding from the Department of Housing also attended. During the meeting, committee members asked Ms. Bailão about the agency's progress and how it plans to address the housing crisis. Some members questioned the agency's spending and the number of homes built so far. They also asked about partnerships with Indigenous communities and how the agency will work with existing housing programs. Ms. Bailão explained that Build Canada Homes is just one part of the government's plan to increase housing and that it focuses on affordable housing projects. Other committee members focused on the need for housing in rural communities and how Build Canada Homes will work with smaller municipalities. Ms. Bailão said the agency recognizes that the needs of rural communities are different and that it will work with them to find solutions. She also said the agency is working to make the process of building homes faster and more efficient. The committee discussed how the $11.5 billion investment would be tracked and how the agency would be transparent. Several committee members brought up specific projects in their ridings, asking for the agency's support. Ms. Bailão said the agency is reviewing proposals and working to find ways to unlock projects and get shovels in the ground. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing the housing crisis and working together to find solutions.

The House of Commons committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development met to discuss parts of a proposed law that would implement the 2025 budget. A main focus was on housing and infrastructure. Committee members agreed to study specific sections of the proposed law related to housing and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. They also decided to invite several witnesses, including the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, the Minister of Jobs and Families, and the Auditor General, to speak at future meetings. The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, spoke about the government's plan to increase affordable housing through a new agency called Build Canada Homes. He said this agency would use Canadian materials and modern construction methods to build more homes and create jobs. He also discussed increasing the Canada Infrastructure Bank's capital to fund major projects, including housing, trade, and technology. During questioning, committee members raised concerns about the Canada Infrastructure Bank's investments in AI and digital infrastructure, and whether this shift had been properly approved by Parliament. They also discussed the need for more affordable housing, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and how to reduce development charges that make housing more expensive. Some members questioned whether the government's plans were enough to address the housing crisis and create enough affordable units, especially for young people and those in rural communities. Several committee members pressed the Minister on specific issues. A Conservative member, Leslyn Lewis, questioned the lack of parliamentary approval for the Infrastructure Bank's AI investments and the protections for workers displaced by AI. A Bloc Québécois member, Andréanne Larouche, asked about funding for housing in Quebec and for specific groups like seniors and the homeless. A Conservative member, Scott Aitchison, challenged the Minister on the effectiveness of the government's housing plans and the need to cut taxes on new homes. The committee agreed to continue its study of the proposed law and hear from additional witnesses in the coming weeks. The goal is to provide recommendations to the Finance Committee by the end of February.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) met to discuss the definition of "work" in the Canada Labour Code and the use of Section 107, which allows the government to intervene in labor disputes. Witnesses from various sectors, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (FETCO), and the Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE), shared their perspectives. Pascal Chan from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of reliable supply chains and the negative impact of labor disruptions on Canada's economy and reputation. Daniel Safayeni and Christopher Pigott from FETCO discussed the need for a balanced framework that respects the right to strike while protecting the public interest in critical sectors. David Neufeld from USJE expressed concerns about the increasing use of Section 107, arguing that it undermines workers' rights to strike and shifts contract negotiations in favor of employers. The committee also heard from Dalia Gesualdi-Fecteau, a professor at the Université de Montréal, who focused on the definition of "work" and the importance of clarifying what constitutes working time. Wesley Lesosky, president of the airline division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), spoke about unpaid work in the airline industry and called for amendments to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that all hours worked are paid. Pedro Antunes, chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada, discussed the economic impacts of major work disruptions, highlighting the vulnerability of Canada's concentrated industries and the importance of reliable transportation networks. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the issues. There was discussion about the potential for the overuse of Section 107 to undermine the collective bargaining process, and some committee members expressed concern that the government was not doing enough to protect trading. The committee also explored the economic damage that can result from labor disputes, particularly in critical sectors such as transportation. The witnesses were asked to provide additional information in writing to the committee clerk. The committee agreed to meet again to review reports.

The Human Resources Committee met to discuss housing and infrastructure, as well as the temporary foreign worker program. For the first hour, the committee heard from Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson about his mandate and priorities, including making housing more affordable, modernizing the construction industry, and investing in infrastructure. Minister Robertson highlighted the Build Canada Homes program, a $13 billion initiative to increase affordable housing, and the Build Communities Strong Fund, which will provide over $51 billion for infrastructure projects. Committee members questioned the Minister on benchmarks for success, the pace of addressing the housing crisis, and the allocation of funds. During the second hour, the committee focused on the impacts of the temporary foreign worker program on the labor market. Witnesses included Bénédicte Zé, who shared her personal experience of exploitation as a temporary worker, Doug Parton from Ironworkers Local 97, who raised concerns about wage suppression and safety, and Meggie Richard, a prefect from Quebec, who emphasized the program's importance for remote communities. Parton recommended union consultation before LMIA approvals and using collectively bargained wages as benchmarks. Richard requested flexible caps on foreign workers and a faster path to permanent residency. Committee members debated the program's effectiveness and fairness. Some expressed concerns about potential abuses and the impact on Canadian workers, while others highlighted the program's necessity for addressing labor shortages in certain regions and industries. Zé advocated for open work permits and pathways to permanent residency to protect workers' rights. The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for tailored solutions that consider regional differences.

The Human Resources Committee met to discuss the temporary foreign worker program's impact on the job market. Garnett Genuis, a Conservative committee member, raised concerns that none of the 39 witnesses suggested by the Conservative Party were invited to speak, while witnesses suggested by the Liberal Party were. He felt this was unfair and didn't represent a balanced discussion. Genuis proposed a motion that the committee chair should consult with vice-chairs when choosing witnesses to ensure fairness among all parties and aim for five to six witness groups at each meeting. He argued that all parties should have their perspectives heard and that the witness selection should reflect the proportions of each party in the committee. Ultimately, Genuis made a motion to end the meeting early. Committee members voted, and the motion to adjourn passed, effectively ending the meeting.

The House of Commons committee on human resources and social development met to discuss the government's priorities and actions. Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, spoke about efforts to strengthen the economy, protect jobs, and help Canadians succeed. She highlighted programs like EI work-sharing to prevent layoffs, investments in job banks, and support for youth employment. She also emphasized the government's focus on affordable child care, the national school food program, and the Canada disability benefit. Committee members questioned the Minister on various topics. A Conservative member pressed for a specific date for the rollout of a promised benefit for adoptive and intended parents. There were also questions about fraudulent CERB claims by government employees, modernization of the job bank, and support for major projects and job creation. A Bloc Québécois member inquired about reforms to employment insurance and support for the forestry industry. Other topics raised included the rising cost of baby formula, student grants for career colleges, and the use of foreign labor on Canadian projects. There was also discussion about the Canada dental care plan, support for personal support workers, and the national school food program. The committee also discussed the government's use of section 107 to end strikes, with some members questioning whether it undermines fair bargaining. The meeting concluded with members seeking clarity on the government's position on pipeline projects and the impact of immigration on youth unemployment.

The Human Resources Committee met to discuss government priorities and the definition of work, including the use of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. The first hour focused on hearing from the Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli, about the government's plans to support Canadian workers. He highlighted investments in skills training, infrastructure, and efforts to reduce barriers to labor mobility across provinces. Committee members questioned Zerucelli about the government's frequent use of Section 107 to end strikes, with some arguing it harms labor relations. During the second hour, the committee heard from various witnesses regarding Section 107 and the definition of work. Tim Perry, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, argued that the frequent use of Section 107 undermines collective bargaining and erodes workers' rights. Jasmin Guénette and Christina Santini from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) expressed concerns about the negative impact of labor disputes on small businesses and the economy, supporting the use of Section 107 to prevent disruptions. Kevin Piper, President of the Halifax Longshoremen's Association, echoed concerns about the overuse of Section 107, stating that it erodes bargaining power for unions. Committee members continued to debate the merits and drawbacks of Section 107, with some arguing it's a necessary tool to protect the economy and others contending it undermines workers' rights and collective bargaining. Several committee members requested more information from the witnesses in writing. Conservative committee member Rosemarie Falk introduced a motion to invite the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and the Minister of Jobs and Families to testify regarding supplementary budget estimates. After some discussion and an attempt to amend the motion, the committee ultimately approved the motion. The meeting adjourned with plans to continue the study at a later date.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) held a meeting to discuss the definition of 'work' in the Canada Labour Code and the government's use of section 107 of the code, which allows the government to intervene in labor disputes. The committee also heard from the Secretary of State for Children and Youth on government mandates and key priorities related to children and youth. During the first hour, Maryse Tremblay, Chairperson of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), provided an overview of the CIRB's role and responsibilities. She explained that the CIRB is an independent tribunal that interprets and applies the Canada Labour Code. Committee members questioned Ms. Tremblay about the increasing use of section 107 and its impact on the CIRB's operations. Ms. Tremblay was careful to limit her comments due to the CIRB's quasi-judicial role. In the second hour, Secretary of State Anna Gainey discussed the government's investments in programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, the National School Food Program, and affordable child care. She highlighted the government's commitment to making these programs permanent and expanding them to reach more families. Committee members questioned Secretary Gainey about the effectiveness of these programs and the government's approach to addressing youth unemployment and food insecurity. There was some debate about whether the government or families should be primarily responsible for feeding children. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to examine the use of illegal foreign labor on federally funded infrastructure projects. An amendment was proposed to broaden the scope of the study to include all instances of illegal foreign labor in Canada. The committee adjourned debate on the motion and amendment. The committee also discussed whether a one-year mandatory minimum sentence for child sexual abuse materials was cruel and unusual punishment, but the Secretary of State did not directly answer the question. Ultimately, the committee agreed to dismiss its witness, Ms. Tremblay, and adjourned the meeting.

The House of Commons committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development met to discuss youth employment in Canada. Witnesses shared their views on the factors affecting young workers and potential solutions. Michaël Bizzarro from MASSE argued that the current Employment Insurance (EI) system is outdated and doesn't adequately support young workers in precarious jobs. He proposed changes like a lower eligibility threshold and higher benefit rates. Mikal Skuterud, an economics professor, stated that there isn't a youth unemployment crisis, but that youth unemployment has increased because it's harder for young people to find jobs. He cautioned against government intervention in low-skill labor markets. Syed Hussan from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, pushed back against claims that immigration is to blame for youth unemployment, arguing that economic policies and a slowing economy are the main drivers. He called for a national youth workforce development strategy and a single-tier immigration system. During the question period, committee members explored the witnesses' perspectives. Garnett Genuis challenged Syed Hussan's interpretation of Bank of Canada data on the impact of temporary workers on wages. Caroline Desrochers apologized to Syed Hussan for Genuis's approach and highlighted government initiatives like the national youth climate corps. Marilène Gill asked about regional differences in employment and EI access. Colin Reynolds questioned how to prevent EI abuse if eligibility is lowered. Jessica Fancy inquired about the effectiveness of the youth employment and skills strategy. Shuvaloy Majumdar asked about the impact of DEI policies on young workers. The discussion revealed differing views on the causes of youth unemployment and the role of government intervention. Witnesses disagreed on the impact of immigration and the effectiveness of current programs. The committee did not make any decisions during the meeting, but the information gathered will likely inform their ongoing study of youth employment.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) met to discuss youth employment in Canada. The committee heard from two panels of witnesses who presented different perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions. Key themes included the impact of immigration, automation, and the need for better training and support systems. In the first panel, Pierre Fortin, an economics professor, argued that increased immigration has negatively impacted youth unemployment rates. He stated that the ratio of new mature immigrants to youth in the labor force has significantly increased, leading to greater competition for entry-level jobs. Vass Bednar and Kaylie Tiessen from The Canadian Shield Institute highlighted the issue of missing rungs on the career ladder due to automation and credential inflation. They suggested policies to bridge the gap between learning and earning, modernize hiring systems, and incentivize businesses to hire and train youth. During the second panel, David Binger, a care advocate, focused on the challenges faced by youth leaving the child welfare system. He emphasized the lack of regulation and oversight in care, the harmful effects of privatization, and inadequate educational supports. Michael Gordon from United Association Canada discussed the importance of apprenticeship programs and the need to promote skilled trades as a viable career path. He recommended tracking the success of pre-apprenticeship programs, expanding union training initiatives, and reinstating apprenticeship grants. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of youth unemployment, including the role of government policies, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for targeted support for vulnerable youth. There was discussion about the need for both job creation and job quality, as well as the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to youth unemployment. The committee agreed to dedicate the first hour of their next meeting to drafting instructions for their report on youth employment.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met to discuss youth employment in Canada. The committee heard from Mircea Vultur, a professor, who presented data showing high youth unemployment rates, and Andrew Tarr, a business manager with HVAC&R Workers of Ontario, who spoke about the challenges young people face entering the trades. Vultur highlighted factors like economic uncertainty, lack of experience, the impact of artificial intelligence, and increased competition for jobs. Tarr discussed the preference of employers to hire experienced workers and the impact of temporary residents on the job market. Both witnesses offered recommendations to improve youth employment opportunities. Vultur suggested strengthening education-to-employment programs, aligning training with market needs, incentivizing companies to hire young people, and stimulating the creation of quality jobs. He also emphasized the need for more research on the impact of AI on youth employment. Tarr focused on the trades, noting that there are many applicants but not enough jobs, and that the underground economy is taking away entry-level jobs. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of youth unemployment, including immigration, training, and the role of government programs. Committee members discussed potential solutions such as improving the temporary foreign worker program, increasing investment in training, reducing red tape for businesses, and providing financial support to students in high-demand fields. Tarr suggested changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) system to better support apprentices. The committee also explored the impact of automation and AI on job availability and the need for more research in this area. The meeting concluded with a motion to allow associate members of the committee to receive notices of meetings and motions.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) met to discuss two main topics. The first hour focused on the mandate and priorities of the Secretary of State for Seniors. The second hour was dedicated to youth employment in Canada, hearing from various witnesses. However, the meeting ended in procedural wrangling and a debate on a motion unrelated to the planned agenda. During the first hour, the Secretary of State for Seniors, Stephanie McLean, spoke about her priorities, including ensuring older Canadians can age with dignity and receive the benefits they are entitled to. She highlighted efforts to modernize the benefits delivery system and increase Old Age Security (OAS) for seniors aged 75 and older. Committee members questioned her on issues such as poverty among seniors, clawbacks of benefits, and the government's approach to supporting older Canadians. Conservative members criticized the government's handling of the economy and its impact on seniors with fixed incomes, while Liberal members focused on the positive impacts of government programs and investments. In the second hour, the committee shifted its focus to youth employment in Canada. Witnesses from the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), the Students Commission of Canada, and the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth presented their perspectives and recommendations. Derek Nighbor from FPAC discussed the challenges and opportunities in the forestry sector, emphasizing the need for skills development and support for rural communities. Sharif Mahdy from the Students Commission of Canada highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society approach to address youth employment challenges. Julie-Ann Vincent from the YMCA emphasized the need for youth-centered programs and sustained investment in community-based initiatives. During the second hour, the committee also discussed the impact of trade disputes on the forestry sector and the need for government support to protect jobs. The meeting ended with a procedural debate on a motion to invite the Auditor General of Canada to appear before the committee to discuss the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System report. This motion led to a heated exchange between committee members and ultimately resulted in the meeting being adjourned without a resolution.