Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples

Issue 3 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 4, 2004
(4)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day, at 9:05 a.m. in room 257, East Block, the Chair, the Honourable Nick G. Sibbeston, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Chaput, Christensen, Fitzpatrick, Gill, Léger, Mercer, Pearson, Sibbeston, St. Germain, P.C., and Tkachuk (10).

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Tonina Simeone.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday April 29, 2004, the committee began its study on Bill C-11, to give effect to the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Andrew Mitchell, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

WITNESSES:

From the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development:

Marc Sanderson, Acting Director, Self-Government Negotiations;

Bruce Littlejohn, Senior Counsel.

From the Westbank First Nation:

Chief Robert Louie;

Tim Raybould, Negotiator;

Micha Menzer, Legal Counsel.

From the Interim Westbank First Nation Advisory Council:

John Reddick, Chair.

From the Canadian Citizens Rights Association:

Marianne Hardy, Secretary/Treasurer.

As individuals:

Marie Wilson;

Ray Forney.

From the Canadian Taxpayer's Federation:

Tanis Fiss, Director, Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change.

Mr. Mitchell made a presentation and answered questions.

Chief Louie made a presentation and answered questions.

Mr. Reddick made a presentation and answered questions.

At 10:25 the committee suspended.

At 10:33 the committee resumed.

Ms. Hardy, Ms. Wilson and Mr. Forney each made a presentation and together answered questions.

It was agreed that the following material be filed as exhibits with the clerk:

- An Overview of the CdnCRA opposition the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement presented by Ms. Hardy, (Exhibit 5900-3.37/A1-C-11, 3, ``1'').

- News clipping form the Daily Courier presented by Ms. Hardy, dated May 26, 2003 entitled ``Nothing to fear, says Chief,'' (Exhibit 5900-3.37/A1-C-11, 3, ``2'').

- Letter presented by Ms. Hardy addressed to The Honourable Robert D. Nault, (Exhibit 5900-3.37/A1-C-11, 3, ``3'').

Ms. Fiss made a presentation and answered questions.

At 11:50 a.m., pursuant to rule 85(4), the name of the Honourable Senator Fitzpatrick was substituted for the name of the Honourable Senator Trenholme Counsell in the membership list of the committee.

At 12:00 p.m. it was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-11.

It was agreed that the title stand postponed.

It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 1 stand postponed.

It was agreed that clause 2 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 3 to 5 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 6 to 8 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 9 to 12 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 13 to 15 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 16 to 19 carry.

It was agreed that clauses 20 to 22 carry.

It was agreed that clause 1 carry.

It was agreed that the preamble carry.

It was agreed that the title carry.

It was agreed that the bill be adopted without amendment.

It was agreed that the bill be reported to the Senate.

At 12:05 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee