THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 28, 2024
(87)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 9 a.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Brian Francis, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Coyle, Francis, Greenwood, Prosper, Sorensen and Tannas (6).

Participating in the meeting: Brittany Collier and Sara Fryer, analysts, 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:

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

Cathy Merrick, Grand Chief (by videoconference).

As individuals:

Merle Alexander, K.C., Principal, Miller Titerle (by videoconference);

Janice Makokis, Ianni Legal Scholar (by videoconference).

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Merle Alexander and Janice Makokis each made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:07 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:10 a.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 audio recording 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 audio recording 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, in both official languages and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be empowered to approve the final version of the report and the communication products, taking into consideration this meeting’s discussions, and 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, in both official languages.

At 10:40 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Andrea Mugny

Clerk of the Committee