Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights
Issue 22 - Minutes of Proceedings
VANCOUVER, Friday, November 23, 2012
(29)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day, at 9:03 a.m. in the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society, the chair, the Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Brazeau, Harb, Hubley and Jaffer (4).
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:
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs:
Chief Bob Chamberlin, Vice-President.
Urban Aboriginal Peoples Advisory Committee for City of Vancouver:
Lillian Howard, Co-Chair;
Steven Eastman, Co-Chair.
Aboriginal Mother Centre Society:
Marjorie White, Board President;
Diane Sugars, Executive Director.
Urban Native Youth Association:
Lynda Gray, Executive Director.
Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee for Metro Vancouver:
Patrick Stewart, Chair.
Lu'ma Native Housing Society:
Ken Clement, President.
Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Centre:
Alex Nelson, Elder;
Barb Cowan, Executive Director.
Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC:
Hugh Braker, President.
Vancouver Native Housing Society:
David Eddy, Chief Executive Officer.
Community Consultations — Walk-Ons:
Scott Clark, as an individual;
Verna Benson, as an individual;
Kelly White, as an individual.
The deputy chair made an opening statement
The chair and deputy chair presided jointly over the meeting.
Chief Chamberlin, Ms. Howard and Mr. Eastman each made a statement and together answered questions.
At 10:13 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 10:21 a.m., the committee resumed.
Ms. White, Ms. Sugars, Ms Gray, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Clement each made a statement and, together, answered questions.
The Honourable Senator Harb moved:
That Ken Clement's presentation be filed as an exhibit.
Exhibit 1120-04-02-1-41/H1-SS7-7,6 "3".
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 11:05 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 11:13 a.m., the committee resumed.
Mr. Nelson, Ms. Cowan, Mr. Braker and Mr. Eddy each made a statement and, together, answered questions.
The Honourable Senator Harb moved:
That the document on the urban Aboriginal facts be filed as an exhibit:
Exhibit 1120-04-02-1-41/H1-SS7-7,6 "4".
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Mr. Clark, Ms. Benson and Ms. White each made a presentation.
The Honourable Senator Harb moved:
That the document entitled From restless communities to resilient places: Building a stronger future for all Canadians be filed as an exhibit:
Exhibit 1120-04-02-1-41/H1-SS7-7,6 "5".
At 12:26 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Daniel Charbonneau
Clerk of the Committee