THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 1, 2024
(82)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 6:50 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnot, Busson, Coyle, Francis, Martin, McNair, Sorensen, Tannas and White (9).

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

Participating in the meeting: Sara Fryer, analyst, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, November 30, 2023, the committee continued its examination of the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, 2021 by Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

WITNESSES:

Métis National Council:

Cassidy Caron, President (by videoconference).

Native Women's Association of Canada:

Lisa J. Smith, Advisor to the President (by videoconference).

Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs:

Marilyn Slett, Chief and Secretary-Treasurer (by videoconference).

Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat:

John G. Paul, Executive Director.

Cassidy Caron and Lisa J. Smith each made a statement and answered questions.

At 7:36 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:40 p.m., the committee resumed.

Marilyn Slett and John G. Paul each made a statement and answered questions.

At 8:24 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 8:27 p.m., 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.

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft report.

It was agreed that the committee allow the transcription of the in camera portion of today's meeting, that a 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.

At 8:38 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Andrea Mugny

Clerk of the Committee