Witnesses who voluntarily testify at Commons committee hearings could soon be eligible for $175-an-hour counselling, the Senate discussed this week..But Blacklock's Reporter says a decision was deferred after Sen. Donald Plett (Man.) suggested the matter be discussed behind closed doors..“I really think this is an issue that should be discussed in camera, not in a public meeting,” said Plett. Members of the Senate committee on internal committee agreed..Senators did not explain who requested the free counseling service or why..“The House of Commons recently established a program to provide on-site support to witnesses before and after committee appearances,” said Toni Francis, chief human resources officer at the Senate..“They provide crisis management services.”.The Office of the House Speaker confirmed it paid “nurse counselors” for witnesses..“Costs are paid on an as-needed basis at an hourly rate,” said Heather Bradley, spokesperson..The Commons budget totaled $610 million last year, the Senate $117 million..“Sharing one’s lived experience when that experience is traumatic even for those who share it willingly does not necessarily come without impact,” said Francis..“The safest of spaces for parliamentarians and the public can result for some in additional harm or post-traumatic stress.”.“It’s important to consider not all witnesses will need support or request support. We should not dismiss the possibility witnesses may have access to an existing support person.”.Witnesses volunteer to testify at parliamentary hearings other than a small number summoned under threat of subpoena. Shaila Anwar, assistant clerk of the Senate, proposed paying $175-an hour therapists to comfort those who submit to questioning..“As many of you know Senate committees often tackle a variety of sensitive or difficult subject matters,” said Anwar..“The witness testimony at such meetings can sometimes be sensitive, disturbing and difficult to hear for all participants and for those who are following our proceedings.”.“Although we have an employee and family assistance program for senators and Senate employees there is no formal system in place to offer similar support for committee witnesses,” said Anwar, who proposed “implementing a pilot project for a more formal process to provide mental health support and counseling to witnesses invited to provide testimony on sensitive and traumatic topics to Senate committees.”.“In this scenario a witness would select a therapist or other culturally-appropriate counseling service or person of their choice and could claim up to $500 for their services and support,” said Anwar..“This amount was based on three hours of counseling services at a rate of $175 per hour.”
Witnesses who voluntarily testify at Commons committee hearings could soon be eligible for $175-an-hour counselling, the Senate discussed this week..But Blacklock's Reporter says a decision was deferred after Sen. Donald Plett (Man.) suggested the matter be discussed behind closed doors..“I really think this is an issue that should be discussed in camera, not in a public meeting,” said Plett. Members of the Senate committee on internal committee agreed..Senators did not explain who requested the free counseling service or why..“The House of Commons recently established a program to provide on-site support to witnesses before and after committee appearances,” said Toni Francis, chief human resources officer at the Senate..“They provide crisis management services.”.The Office of the House Speaker confirmed it paid “nurse counselors” for witnesses..“Costs are paid on an as-needed basis at an hourly rate,” said Heather Bradley, spokesperson..The Commons budget totaled $610 million last year, the Senate $117 million..“Sharing one’s lived experience when that experience is traumatic even for those who share it willingly does not necessarily come without impact,” said Francis..“The safest of spaces for parliamentarians and the public can result for some in additional harm or post-traumatic stress.”.“It’s important to consider not all witnesses will need support or request support. We should not dismiss the possibility witnesses may have access to an existing support person.”.Witnesses volunteer to testify at parliamentary hearings other than a small number summoned under threat of subpoena. Shaila Anwar, assistant clerk of the Senate, proposed paying $175-an hour therapists to comfort those who submit to questioning..“As many of you know Senate committees often tackle a variety of sensitive or difficult subject matters,” said Anwar..“The witness testimony at such meetings can sometimes be sensitive, disturbing and difficult to hear for all participants and for those who are following our proceedings.”.“Although we have an employee and family assistance program for senators and Senate employees there is no formal system in place to offer similar support for committee witnesses,” said Anwar, who proposed “implementing a pilot project for a more formal process to provide mental health support and counseling to witnesses invited to provide testimony on sensitive and traumatic topics to Senate committees.”.“In this scenario a witness would select a therapist or other culturally-appropriate counseling service or person of their choice and could claim up to $500 for their services and support,” said Anwar..“This amount was based on three hours of counseling services at a rate of $175 per hour.”
