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

The committee debated a motion to invite several ministers to appear and to undertake three studies: on youth employment, on the use of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and the definition of “work,” and on seasonal workers and employment insurance. An amendment was moved to strike the second study entirely, citing an ongoing government probe into unpaid work in the airline sector, with results expected by October 17, 2025. Liberal members argued that the study should wait for those facts, while Conservative and Bloc Québécois members argued the committee should proceed, noting that parliamentary privilege protects witness testimony and that the issue of unpaid work and the definition of “work” is broader than one airline.

After debate, the mover of the amendment withdrew it, and the committee reached a unanimous consent agreement to amend the motion. The word “routine” was removed from the description of the government’s use of section 107, and a provision was added that the second study would begin no earlier than November 1, 2025. The amendment and the motion as amended were both adopted unanimously. The committee thus agreed to proceed with all three studies and the ministerial appearances, with the second study delayed until after the government’s probe is complete.