THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Monday, March 21, 2022
(2)
[English]
Pursuant to the order of the Senate of November 25, 2021, the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day in room W110, 1 Wellington St., and with videoconference, at 2:01 p.m. ET, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Francis and Pate (2).
Members of the committee present by videoconference: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Audette, Brazeau, Christmas, Duncan, Hartling and Lovelace Nicholas (7).
Other senators present by videoconference: The Honourable Senator McCallum (1).
Participating in the meeting: Daniel Charbonneau, Procedural Clerk, Marc-André Lanthier and Lori Meldrum, administrative assistants, Committees Directorate; Brittany Collier and Sara Fryer, analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, December 9, 2021, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-219, An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day.
WITNESSES (by videoconference):
The Honourable Senator Mary Jane McCallum, sponsor of the bill.
Cote First Nation:
George Cote, Chief.
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak:
Melanie Omeniho, President.
Native Women's Association of Canada:
Lisa J. Smith, Senior Director, Governance, International and Parliamentary Relations.
Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt:
Chevi Currie Rabbit, Founder;
Katherine Swampy, Councilor, Samson Cree Nation.
As an individual:
Isabella Kulak.
Isabella Kulak made a statement by pre-recorded video. The Honourable Senator McCallum and Chief George Cote each made a statement and answered questions.
At 2:49 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 2:53 p.m., the committee resumed.
Melanie Omeniho, Lisa Smith, Chevi Rabbit and Katherine Swampy each made a statement and answered questions.
At 3:26 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 3:27 p.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-219.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
The chair asked whether the preamble stand postponed.
The Honourable Senator McCallum answered questions from time to time.
After debate, it was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1 carry.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
It was agreed that the preamble carry.
It was agreed that the title carry.
It was agreed that the bill carry.
The committee discussed observations.
At 3:43 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 3:47 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera, to discuss a draft report.
It was agreed that each committee member present be allowed to have one staff person in attendance at in camera meetings, unless otherwise agreed to by the committee.
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 present or by the committee analysts; 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.
After debate, it was agreed that observations be appended to the committee's report and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the observations being appended to the report, taking into consideration this meeting’s discussions.
At 3:59 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 4 p.m., the committee resumed in public.
It was agreed that the chair report Bill S-219, without amendment and with observations, to the Senate.
At 4 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Andrea Mugny
Clerk of the Committee