Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 11 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 15, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 15, 2012
(24)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 6:52 p.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Lillian Eva Dyck, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Dyck, Lovelace Nicholas, Meredith, Patterson, Raine, Sibbeston and Watt (8).

In attendance: Shauna Troniak, Analyst, 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 began 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.

APPEARING:

The Honourable John Duncan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

WITNESSES:

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada:

Brenda Kustra, Director General, Governance Branch, Regional Operations Sector;

Department of Justice Canada:

Tom Vincent, Counsel.

Mr. Duncan made a statement and, together with Ms. Kustra and Mr. Vincent, answered questions.

At 8:05 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:10 p.m., the committee resumed and pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 16, 2011, the committee continued its consideration of the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 2.) (Status of the British Columbia Treaty Process)

First Nations Summit:

Grand Chief Edward John, Member, Political Executive;

Dan Smith, Member, Political Executive;

Chief Douglas White, Member, Political Executive;

Howard Grant, Executive Director;

Nancy Morgan, Legal Counsel.

Mr. John and Mr. White each made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:25 p.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Marcy Zlotnick

Clerk of the Committee