Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples
Issue 2 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 2, 2006
(2)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met in camera, at 9:34 a.m. this day, in room 160-S Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Banks, Dyck, Gill, Hubley, Lovelace Nicholas, Segal, Sibbeston and St. Germain, P.C. (8).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Lisa L. Patterson and Mary Hurley.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered a draft agenda.
It was agreed that staff remain.
It was agreed that the Chair be authorized to seek the authority of the Senate for the following order of reference:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, in accordance with rule 86(1)(q) of the Senate, be authorized to examine and report on the involvement of Aboriginal communities and businesses in economic development activities in Canada. In particular, the committee shall be authorized to investigate elements that enable Aboriginal communities and businesses to succeed and obstacles to their achievement in all areas of the economy, including but not limited to: large-scale industrial developments such as pipelines; non-renewable resource developments in oil, gas and mining; renewable resource development; tourism; business services; and other related matters;
That the papers and evidence received and taken during the First Session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the committee;
That the committee report to the Senate from time to time, but no later than June 30, 2007 and that the committee retain until September 1, 2007, all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
At 10:30 a.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 16, 2006
(3)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met in camera, at 9:34 a.m. this day, in room 160-S Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Dyck, Gill, Hubley, Johnson, Peterson, St. Germain, P.C., Tkachuk and Watt (8).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Lisa L. Patterson and Mary Hurley.
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered a draft agenda.
It was agreed that staff remain.
It was agreed that the Chair be authorized to seek the authority of the Senate for the following order of reference:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, in accordance with rule 86(1)(q) of the Senate, be authorized to examine and report on the general concerns of First Nations in Canada related to the federal Specific Claims process, the nature and status of the Government of Canada's Specific Claims policy, the present administration of the policy, the status of the Indian Specific Claims Commission, and other relevant matters with a view to making recommendations to contribute to the timely and satisfactory resolution of First Nations' grievances arising out both their treaties with the federal Crown and the Government of Canada's administration of their lands, monies, and other affairs under the Indian Act.
That the committee report to the Senate from time to time, but no later than June 14, 2007 and that the committee retain until September 1, 2007, all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
At 10:13 a.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 31, 2006
(4)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met at 6:21 p.m. this day, in room 160-S Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Gustafson, Hubley, Lovelace Nicholas, Peterson, Segal, Sibbeston, St. Germain, P.C., and Watt (8).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Lisa L. Patterson.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the committee began its study on the involvement of Aboriginal communities and businesses in economic development activities in Canada.
WITNESSES:
Assembly of First Nations:
Chief Jason Goodstriker, Regional Chief of Alberta;
Judy Whiteduck, Director, Economic Development;
Dean Polchies, Research and Policy Analyst.
National Aboriginal Forestry Association:
Lorraine A. Rekmans, Executive Director;
Harry Bombay, Director Strategic Initiatives.
Chief Goodstriker made a statement and, with Ms. Whiteduck, answered questions.
Ms. Rekmans made an opening statement; Mr. Bombay made a statement. They both answered questions.
At 8:19 p.m., it was agreed that the proposed updated terms of reference prepared by the analyst of the committee for the Aboriginal Economic Development Study be approved and publicised wherever deemed appropriate.
The budget consideration item on the agenda was postponed to the next meeting.
At 8:21 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 7, 2006
(5)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met at 6:20 p.m. this day, in room 160-S Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Campbell, Dyck, Gill, Peterson, Segal, Sibbeston, St. Germain, P.C., and Smith (8).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament, Lisa L. Patterson.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the committee continued its study on the involvement of Aboriginal communities and businesses in economic development activities in Canada.
WITNESS:
Donna Cona Inc.:
John Bernard, President and CEO.
Mr. Bernard made a statement and answered questions.
At 7:18 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Gaëtane Lemay
Clerk of the Committee