Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 12 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 29, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
(26)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 6:45 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Campbell, Demers, Dyck, Lovelace Nicholas, Meredith, Patterson, Raine, St. Germain, P.C., Sibbeston and Stratton (11).

In attendance: Tonina Simeone and James Gauthier, 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 Thursday, February 2, 2012, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-6, An Act respecting the election and term of office of chiefs and councillors of certain First Nations and the composition of council of those First Nations. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 11.)

WITNESSES:

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

Derek Nepinak, Grand Chief.

Canadian Bar Association:

Aimée E. Craft, Chair, National Aboriginal Law Section;

Tamra Thomson, Director, Legislation and Law Reform.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band:

Tammy Cook-Searson, Chief.

Mr. Nepinak, Ms Craft and Ms. Cook-Searson each made a statement and, together with Ms. Thomson, answered questions.

At 8:30 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:37 p.m., pursuant to rule 92(2)(e), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to stay.

At 9:12 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Marcy Zlotnick

Clerk of the Committee