Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 23 - Minutes of Proceedings - September 28, 2012

EDMONTON, Friday, September 28, 2012
(50)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 9 a.m., in the Sutton Place Hotel, in the Rutherford Room, the chair, the Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Dyck, Raine, St. Germain, P.C., and Sibbeston (5).

In attendance: Shauna Troniak, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; and Ceri Au, Communications Officer, Communications Directorate.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, the committee continued its consideration on the evolving legal and political recognition of the collective identity and rights of the Métis in Canada. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 14.)

WITNESSES:

Métis Nation of Alberta:

Aaron Barner, Senior Executive Officer.

Rupertsland Institute:

Lorne Gladu, Chief Executive Officer.

As an individual:

Catherine Bell, Professor of Law.

Aboriginal Metis Citizens Alliance of Canada:

Garry Boudreau, President;

Brenda Blyan, Metis citizen.

The Honourable Senator Dyck moved that television coverage of the meeting be permitted.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

Mr. Barner and Mr. Gladu each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 10:04 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:12 a.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Bell made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:43 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:46 a.m., the committee resumed.

Ms Blyan made a statement and, together with Mr. Boudreau, answered questions.

At 11:12 a.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Marcy Zlotnick

Clerk of the Committee