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Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 19 - Minutes of Proceedings - November 19, 2012 (afternoon meeting)

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WINNIPEG, Monday, November 19, 2012
(25)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 2 p.m.. in the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, the deputy chair, the Honourable Patrick Brazeau, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Brazeau, Harb, and Jaffer (3).

In attendance: Julian Walker and Martha Butler, 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, March 15, 2012, the committee continued its examination pertaining to the human rights of First Nations band members who reside off-reserve, with an emphasis on the current federal policy framework. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 17.)

WITNESSES:

Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs:

Robert Wavey, Executive Director;

Eleanor Brockington, Director, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Branch.

Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba:

James B. Wilson, Treaty Commissioner of Manitoba.

City of Winnipeg:

Rhonda Forgues, Acting Director, Aboriginal Initiatives.

Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg:

Damon Johnston, President.

Circle Of Life Thunderbird House:

Steve Courchene, Member of the Board;

Sasha Marshall, Executive Director.

Urban Circle Training Centre:

Sharon Slater, Co-Director of Human Resources;

Haven Stumpf, Intake Coordinator, Community Liaison.

Native Women's Transition Centre:

Bernice Cyr, Executive Director;

Sonia Prevost-Derbecker, Interim Director, Support.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimaknak:

Inez Vystrcil-Spence, Health Director;

Walter Wastesicoot, Advisor Special Health Projects.

Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin Shelter Inc.:

Marie Lands, Executive Director.

Buffalo Point First Nation:

Robert Kakaygeesick Jr.;

Elliot Cobiness.

The deputy chair made an opening statement.

Mr. Wavey, Mr. Wilson and Ms. Forgues each made a statement and, together, answered questions with Ms. Brockington.

At 3:07 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:14 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Vystrcil-Spence, Mr. Wastesicoot, Mr. Johnston and Mr. Couchene each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 4:17 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:22 p.m., the committee resumed.

Ms. Slater, Ms. Stumpf, Ms. Prevost-Derbecker and Ms. Land each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

Mr. Kakaygeesick and Mr. Cobiness each made a statement and, together, answered questions.

At 5:33 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee

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