Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 6 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, May 11, 2009
(7)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 6:35 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Raynell Andreychuk, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Brazeau, Jaffer, Nancy Ruth and Poy (5).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Jennifer Bird, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the committee continued its examination on issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue no. 3.)

WITNESSES:

Assembly of First Nations:

Wilton Littlechild, AFN Regional Chief (Treaties 6, 7, 8);

Gina Cosentino, Senior Advisor, Government Relations and International Affairs, National Chief's Office.

Mr. Littlechild made a statement and, with Ms. Cosentino answered questions.

At 7:42 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:47 p.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, March 12, 2009, the committee began its examination of the elements contained in Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009, dealing with equitable compensation (Part 11).

WITNESSES:

Canadian Human Rights Commission:

Ian Fine, Director General and Senior General Counsel, Dispute Resolution Branch;

Fiona Keith, Counsel, Dispute Resolution Branch.

Federally Regulated Employers — Transportation and Communication (FETCO):

John Farrell, Executive Director;

David Olsen, Assistant General Counsel, Legal Affairs, Canada Post Corporation.

Mr. Fine made a statement and, with Ms. Keith, answered questions.

At 8:32 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:35 p.m., the committee resumed.

Messrs. Farrell and Olsen made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:26 p.m., the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda.

At 9:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee