THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 24, 2025
(3)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples met this day at 6:45 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Michèle Audette, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Audette, Boniface, Clement, Francis, Karetak-Lindell, LaBoucane-Benson, McCallum, McPhedran, Moreau, P.C., Pate, Prosper, Tannas and White (13).

Participating in the meeting: Brittany Collier and Allison Lowenger, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the committee began its consideration of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements).

APPEARING:

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous Services.

WITNESSES:

Indigenous Services Canada:

Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister;

Catherine Lappe, Assistant Deputy Minister, Services to Individuals Sector;

Lori Doran, Director General, Individual Affairs Branch, Services to Individuals Sector;

Stuart Hooft, Director, Individual Affairs Branch, Services to Individuals Sector.

Department of Justice Canada:

Jean-Charles Lebeau, Legal Counsel, Operations and Programs Section, CIRNA/ISC Legal Services.

The chair informed the committee that, as sponsor of Bill S-2, she would recuse herself from her role as chair of the committee for the remainder of the consideration of this bill; that the Honourable Senator Greenwood, deputy chair, would chair future meetings; and that, in her absence today, the honourable Senator Prosper would chair the meeting.

At 6:51 p.m., the Honourable Senator Prosper took the chair.

The minister made a statement and, together with Gina Wilson, answered questions.

At 7:47 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:51 p.m., the committee resumed.

Gina Wilson, Catherine Lappe, Lori Dorian, Stuart Hooft and Jean-Charles Lebeau answered questions.

At 8:39 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee