Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Committee on Oct. 4th, 2011
Evidence of meeting #4 for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was first.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- Anik Dupont Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
- Kevin McNeil Senior Counsel, Specific Claims Section, Department of Justice
- Kathy Green Director, Research and Policy Directorate, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
11:45 a.m.
Senior Counsel, Specific Claims Section, Department of Justice
I could add nothing more than Ms. Dupont has already said this morning on that. The statute, as you said, does not require that they go to the tribunal. They work within that three-year timeframe to try to achieve a settlement.
11:45 a.m.
NDP
Linda Duncan Edmonton—Strathcona, AB
What three-year timeframe? Where in the law is the three-year timeframe?
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Chris Warkentin
It looks like there are additional questions, but Ms. Duncan will probably defer those to her next round.
Mr. Boughen.
October 4th, 2011 / 11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ray Boughen Palliser, SK
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I thank the witnesses for taking time out of their busy day to meet with us.
As we continue to look at the settlement offers, the first question I have for the panel is, will Canada be tabling settlement offers at all negotiation tables on October 16, 2011?
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ray Boughen Palliser, SK
Are you currently working with first nations people to conclude settlements within the three-year timeframe, if at all possible?
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Yes.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Negotiations are ongoing. When we believe we are at a time at the table when we're ready to table an offer, we will be doing so.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ray Boughen Palliser, SK
Of course, the goal for all of us is to conclude a fair settlement for the benefit of first nations and for all Canadians. As we think on that and move forward...and I know that negotiations are confidential and you may not be able to answer this, but how many negotiation tables are affected in terms of the three-year time period?
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Roughly around 80 tables will reach the three-year mark on October 16, 2011.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ray Boughen Palliser, SK
Do you have any notion at this stage of the game of how many tables may be left to negotiate?
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
In total we have over 270 ongoing negotiations, which include those 80 tables. Only 80 of them will reach the three-year mark on October 16.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ray Boughen Palliser, SK
Thank you.
Is it true that in October 2011 Canada will revoke all previous settlements offered in light of the third anniversary of the legislation?
11:45 a.m.
Director General, Specific Claims Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
No, we will not be revoking any offers that we have made at the tables.