Senator Tannas: Thank you.

Hon. Ratna Omidvar: Thank you, Senator Tannas, for your question.

I note that this is the third time your group has asked the chair of the Senate Social Affairs Committee your question. I have to conclude you like my answers very much. In that spirit, let me try and answer your question.

Yes, we started our study on February 1. Today is February 15. We have already had three meetings on the bill. We have heard from the sponsor, who explained the principles of the bill and his concern that if the bill were amended, it could potentially delay or kill it. We have heard from immigration law experts and, very importantly, from the insurance industry, including representatives from the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association and Manulife. Questions have been raised about consumer protection and the issue of lapsed insurance, so we decided to go back to officials to try and gain further clarity. We’re still in the process, Senator Tannas, of gaining that clarity.

Given that government bills are coming to us now, we must give them priority, but it is still my hope that we will be able to report back to the Senate on the bill. I am not able to give you any assurances of dates.

Hon. Scott Tannas: My question is for Senator Omidvar today.

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, of which you are chair, was referred Bill C-242, an act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents) back on December 14 of last year. I understand your committee began its study on February 1 of this year.

Could you please advise the Senate on the committee’s work plan relating to this study and if the committee has determined a date for which clause-by-clause consideration might happen?