Evidence of meeting #53 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was peoples.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Wendy Cornet  Cornet Consulting and Mediation Inc.
Larry Chartrand  Director, Aboriginal Governance Program, University of Winnipeg

12:40 p.m.

Cornet Consulting and Mediation Inc.

Wendy Cornet

I'm not too sure that those are the only choices. I guess that's why I'm struggling with your question.

I would think that if there were an issue that the Canadian Human Rights Act in its entirety is somehow problematic for whatever reasons from a first nations community viewpoint, then rather than piecemeal picking of an act that they didn't draft in the first place, a more sensible resolution might be recognizing their jurisdiction to enact something that works that is also consistent with international human rights law.

You do see references to international human rights law in self-government agreements. For example, if a first nation government enacts a law that creates an issue internationally in terms of compliance with international human rights law, the more recent self-government agreements provide for processes for Canada to discuss that with the first nation or aboriginal community concerned to resolve it, so that Canada collectively is in compliance with international human rights norms.

12:40 p.m.

Conservative

Brian Storseth Conservative Westlock—St. Paul, AB

I'm not trying to pigeonhole you into one or the other. I'm just trying to get some solutions.

12:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

But you're out of time.

Committee members, we have finished two complete rounds. Do you want to continue?

Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

I had some questions, but I'm prepared to....

12:40 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake, MB

We're prepared to end early if that's the choice of the committee.

12:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

I don't want it just for the convenience of the chair. You can carry on if you have other questions.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake, MB

I'll defer to the opposition members.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

Over to the opposition.

Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

I'd just like to make a statement. I think the member opposite is misrepresenting the views of someone who is not here—

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

Okay, I don't know if I can allow that point.

Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

Okay.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

We're asking questions. Just don't get started.

Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

I have a question.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Colin Mayes

I'm not going to let this carry on. I am going to adjourn.

Thank you very much to our guests for your participation. It was very informative.

We're adjourned.