Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 23 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Monday, December 10, 2012
(30)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 4:06 pm in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Andreychuk, Brazeau, Harb, Jaffer, Ngo, White and Zimmer (8).

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:

Native Women's Association of Canada:

Michèle Audette, President;

Teresa Edwards, Director of Human Rights and International Affairs.

Université du Québec en Outaouais:

Thibault Martin, Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Science.

Simon Fraser University:

John Richards, Professor, School of Public Policy (by video conference).

Trent University:

Don N. McCaskill, Professor, Indigenous Studies.

First Nations University:

Richard Missens, Executive Director, Community Relations.

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Audette and Mr. Martin made a statement and, together, answered questions with Ms. Edwards.

At 4:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:03 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. McCaskill and Mr. Richards each made a presentation and, together, answered questions.

At 5:57 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:33 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Missens made a presentation and answered questions.

At 7:03 p.m., Senator Ataullahjan took the chair.

At 7:09 p.m., Senator Jaffer took the chair.

At 7:17 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Daniel Charbonneau

Clerk of the Committee