Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on March 5th, 2009

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Yes.

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

So perhaps we could ask that first nation if they want to, before Tuesday, just for the committee's information, give their responses in writing to the minister's seven responses. We would then have that for our own personal reference while we go through clause-by-clause on Tuesday.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

That's a fair suggestion. We'll offer them that opportunity and seek their response in that regard.

Mr. Russell.

[Todd Russell, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Is it okay for me to move to a totally different topic, Mr. Chair, just for 30 seconds?

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Please, yes, we're good.

[Todd Russell, Liberal, Labrador, NL]

Throughout our hearings, a number of witnesses who come forward make commitments to get back to committee members on questions that may have been asked, or on additional information. Do we keep track of that? For instance, there was some reluctance on the part of some departmental officials to share information on how schools are built, and what schools get chosen to be built. They promised to get back to us with an answer.

So I'm just wondering, do we keep track of that, or can we keep track of that? I'm telling you that a number of people say in committee, “We can't do that right now, but we'll get back to you.”

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Yes. That's a very important point, Mr. Russell.

We will endeavour to make note of those instances where a commitment is made to get back to the committee. It may not happen right away, but certainly we will keep track of that, in review of the testimony each meeting, and provide follow-ups. We'll keep you informed, too, by the way, as to when something has been provided, as we did today in Minister Strahl's letter.

So we will keep track of those outstanding items and bring them forward as they arrive.

Mr. Albrecht.

[Harold Albrecht, Conservative, Kitchener—Conestoga, ON]

Mr. Chair, this is a little bit along the same line, although it may take a different tack.

We've had some conversation today about the fact that some of our witnesses did not have written materials. I understand that it's not always possible, but is it a practice that the clerk or someone identifies to the proposed witnesses, before they come, that it's expected of them? Perhaps a week before, they would be aware of the requirement we have.

If it helps them, it helps us. I think it's a mutually beneficial idea.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

I'll defer that question to the clerk, actually.

[The Clerk of the Committee, Mr. Graeme Truelove]

It's written on the witness confirmation forms that we send to them when they confirm with us. I haven't been expressing it as something that is expected by the committee. I have been expressing it as something that is an option available to them.

[John Duncan, Conservative, Vancouver Island North, BC]

Further on the same question, if a witness sends you their speaking notes in one of the official languages, how long does it take to get the translation done? How much ahead do you request that they submit it?

[The Clerk]

It's five days.

[John Duncan, Conservative, Vancouver Island North, BC]

It's five days.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Jacques, Mr. Dempsey, and members.

This meeting is adjourned.