Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples
Issue 17 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 30, 2007
(36)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met at 6:15 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, Gustafson, Hubley, Lovelace Nicholas, Peterson, St. Germain, P.C. and Watt (7).
In attendance: From the Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament: Tonina Simeone.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 29, the committee continued its study on the recent work completed in relation to drinking water in First Nations' communities. (See Issue No. 15, Wednesday, May 2, 2007, for the full text of the Order of Reference.)
Pursuant to rule 92(2)(f), the committee met in camera to consider a draft report.
It was agreed that senators' staff and the communications officer remain in the room.
It was agreed that the draft report be adopted and that the Chair table it at the next sitting of the Senate.
At 6:26 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 6:30 p.m., the committee resumed in public and, pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-6, to amend the First Nations Land Management Act.
WITNESSES:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada:
Caroline Davis, Assistant Deputy Minister, Lands and Trust Services;
Paul Fauteux, Director General, Lands Branch, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
First Nations Land Advisory Board:
Chief Austin Bear.
Essipit Innu First Nations' Council:
Chief Denis Ross.
The Chair made opening remarks.
Chief Austin Bear and Chief Denis Ross each made a statement. Together, all the witnesses answered questions.
At 7:05 p.m., it was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-6, to amend the First Nations Land Management Act.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that clauses 1 to 6 carry.
It was agreed that clauses 7 to 13 carry.
It was agreed that clauses 14 to 19 carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry.
It was agreed that the Chair report the bill to the Senate, without amendment, at the next sitting of the Senate.
At 7:09 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Josée Thérien
Clerk of the Committee