THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, April 4, 2022
(4)

[English]

Pursuant to the order of the Senate of March 31, 2022, the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met this day in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, and with videoconference, at 2 p.m. ET, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Coyle, Francis and Pate (3).

Members of the committee present by videoconference: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Audette, Brazeau, Christmas, Hartling, Lovelace Nicholas and Tannas (7).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senator Duncan (1).

Participating in the meeting: Martine Willox, Legislative 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, March 3, 2022, the committee began its examination on the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and any other subject concerning Indigenous Peoples. (Topic: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls)

WITNESSES (by videoconference):

National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls:

Marion Buller, Former Chief Commissioner;

The Honourable Senator Michèle Audette, Former Commissioner;

Brian Eyolfson, Former Commissioner;

Qajaq Robinson, Former Commissioner.

Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak:

Lisa Pigeau, Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Gender-Based Violence Initiatives.

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada:

Gerri Sharpe, Interim President;

Rosemary Cooper, Executive Director.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples:

Elmer St. Pierre, National Chief;

Elizabeth Blaney, Director of Policy Development.

Marion Buller made a statement and answered questions.

At 2:04 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:05 p.m., the committee resumed.

Brian Eyolfson and Qajaq Robinson each made a statement.

At 2:16 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 2:18 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Senator Audette made a statement and, together with Marion Buller, Brian Eyolfson and Qajaq Robinson, answered questions.

At 2:59 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:02 p.m., the committee resumed.

Lisa Pigeau, Gerri Sharpe and Elmer St. Pierre each made a statement and, together with Rosemary Cooper and Elizabeth Blaney, answered questions.

At 3:59 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Andrea Mugny

Clerk of the Committee