Evidence of meeting #87 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendments.
A video is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
I will ask that question of the others as well, if they have anything to add.
5:25 p.m.
Legal Counsel, Department of Justice
The only thing I would add is that those agreements signed in February 2023 between Canada and the MNA, the MN-S and the MNO would remain in force regardless of whether Bill C-53 becomes law.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Mr. Carr is concerned about my motivation for this.
The Library of Parliament has put together a list of recommendations put forward by a host of folks that this bill be withdrawn. They all have issues with the bill. My amendments are in response to that, to try to make sure that we can get some of those things fixed. Folks came here because they had grave concerns with this bill.
One concern was around competition between Métis organizations and Métis groups for Métis identification. I still say that my amendment and subsequent subamendment are trying to tackle that issue around a Métis person who does not find that there is a Métis government that represents them or that they want to join. How do we ensure they do not lose their Métis identity?
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
Yes, they said that it was not the case, but I still say that for the clarification of those individuals, we need to pass an amendment that definitely codifies that in the bill.
5:30 p.m.
A voice
That's the same as Lori's.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Arnold Viersen Conservative Peace River—Westlock, AB
No, Lori's is about Métis collectivities, which we had a long conversation—
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John Aldag
Colleagues, I'm going to jump in here for a second.
We have reached 5:30. I have been advised that there has been a deal reached by the whips that we will end at 5:30 today. I will keep the speaking order that we have, with the floor being Mr. Viersen's, and for now, folks, we're adjourned.