THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, November 1, 2023
(63)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 6:45 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Busson, Duncan, Francis, Hartling, Martin, Patterson (Nunavut) and Sorensen (7).

Participating in the meeting: Brittany Collier and Sara Fryer, analysts, Library of Parliament; Jérémie Spadafora, Communications Officer and Michel Thérien, Graphic Designer, Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 26, 2023, the committee continued its examination of the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and any other subject concerning Indigenous Peoples. (Topic: Briefings on Indigenous Affairs)

WITNESSES:

Cowessess First Nation:

Erica Beaudin, Chief.

Cree Nation of Chisasibi:

Gertie Neacappo, Member.

Chief Erica Beaudin and Gertie Neacappo each made a statement and answered questions.

At 7:48 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:58 p.m., pursuant to rule 12‑16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft report.

It was agreed that, notwithstanding any previous motions adopted by the committee, senators' staff be permitted to remain in the room during the in camera portion of today's meeting.

It was agreed that the committee allow the transcription of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members or staff, and that the transcript be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

It was agreed that the draft report, as amended, be adopted.

It was agreed that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report and communication products, taking into consideration this meeting's discussions, with any necessary editorial, grammatical and translation changes required.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate or with the Clerk of the Senate at the earliest opportunity.

At 8:19 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Andrea Mugny

Clerk of the Committee