Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 5 - Minutes of Proceedings - March 25, 2014

OTTAWA, Tuesday, March 25, 2014
(16)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day at 9:33 a.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Dennis Glen Patterson, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Beyak, Dyck, Lang, Meredith, Moore, Ngo, Patterson, Tannas and Wallace (9).

In attendance: Shauna Troniak 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, February 27, 2014, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-9, 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.

WITNESSES:

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada:

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

Department of Justice Canada:

Tom Vincent, Legal Counsel, Operations and Programs (Legal Services).

Canadian Bar Association:

Aimée Craft, Past Chair, National Aboriginal Law Section;

Gaylene Schellenberg, Lawyer, Legislation and Law Reform.

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

Ms. Craft and Ms. Schellenberg each made a statement and Ms. Craft answered questions.

At 11:30 a.m., it was agreed that the committee adjourn to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Marcy Zlotnick

Clerk of the Committee