THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, October 7, 2025
(5)

[English]

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

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Clement, Coyle, Greenwood, Klyne, McCallum, McPhedran, Pate, Prosper, Sorensen and Tannas (10).

Participating in the meeting: Sara Fryer and Allison Lowenger, analysts, Library of Parliament.

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

WITNESSES:

Quebec Native Women:

Marjolaine Étienne, President.

Native Women’s Association of Canada:

Madeleine Redfern, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Head Office.

Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association:

Dawn McDonald, Executive Director (by videoconference).

Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action:

Shelagh Day, Chair, Human Rights Committee (by videoconference).

As an individual:

Pamela Palmater, Chair in Indigenous Governance, Toronto Metropolitan University (by videoconference).

Marjolaine Étienne, Madeleine Redfern and Dawn McDonald each made a statement and answered questions.

At 10:05 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 10:12 a.m., the committee resumed.

Pamela Palmater and Shelagh Day each made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:01 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Clerk of the Committee