Evidence of meeting #7 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was status.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
Okay.
Just while we're on that topic, our research analyst drew my attention to the fact that you did provide a similar report on this very topic to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal People in the Senate several months ago. So perhaps without your having to redo the work, it might already be there for you. It would be very helpful for Ms. Crowder's question.
Are there any other questions from government members? No?
We'll go to Mr. Bagnell, then, for a final question, and then we just have a very short piece of committee business, and then we'll wrap up.
Mr. Bagnell.
Liberal
Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT
I just have one question, but for each of you.
This decision came out a year ago and now we're at the eleventh hour. Obviously, over that year, you've done lots of consultation on this bill as you drafted it.
Could you just let the committee know what concerns have been raised about this bill, as it stands, by the people you've talked to but we haven't talked to?
Director, Resolution and Individual Affairs Sector, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
I can speak to that, Mr. Chair, because I manage the engagement process with first nations and aboriginal organizations.
As the minister indicated, we travelled across the country and spoke to a number of folks, and I can say there were really no comments relating to the substance of the bill that we heard. Rather, we heard of other issues, such as unstated paternity, and many other issues related to citizenship and membership were brought to the fore. To be frank, people said, well, this is a short process. Our response to that was, we need to respond to this court decision that is coming into force on April 6, 2010.
The comments we heard, as I mentioned, were really directed to broader issues, and that's what has informed the decision to engage in the exploratory process.
Liberal
Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT
When did that exploration, this consultation process across the country, start?
Director, Resolution and Individual Affairs Sector, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
The process was announced at the end of last August, and we basically went from September through to November 13. First of all, we provided technical briefings to senior officials of national aboriginal organizations, and then we did three meetings in partnership with those national organizations, and then 12 regional meetings.
Liberal
Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT
Mr. Reiher, there were no concerns raised with the Department of Justice?
Senior Counsel, Operations and Programs Section, Department of Justice
I did not participate in the engagement process.
Liberal
Larry Bagnell Liberal Yukon, YT
No, I mean concerns that were maybe raised with other federal departments, or anyone else.
Senior Counsel, Operations and Programs Section, Department of Justice
No specific concerns were raised with the Department of Justice.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
Thank you, Mr. Bagnell.
Before we adjourn, I just want to let members know that we're going to look very closely at trying to change our normal meeting slot for Thursdays, by moving it earlier in the day. I'm going to proceed on the basis that it will ideally be in the 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock spot, but if we can, sometimes the meetings will be at 9 o'clock. I know that some members, particularly of this committee, come from the other end of the country, and this will allow them to get back home earlier.
I will say, however, that this may mean we may not have our first choice of meeting room, but I get a sense from talking to members that it would be less of a concern than getting an earlier spot. So we're going to proceed on that basis.
Is there a question, Mr. Rickford?
Conservative
Greg Rickford Conservative Kenora, ON
Mr. Chair, just on a note of caution, I and a couple of other members have other committee meetings then. For example, one of mine starts at 11 o'clock every Thursday, so it might be useful to take an inventory of who—
Conservative
Greg Rickford Conservative Kenora, ON
Certainly, I'm available from 9 to 11, and I'd be over the moon at that time, but, okay.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
All right, let us do our best and see what we can come up with.
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Are we staying on the Thursday, though, as my conflicts are on Monday and Wednesday?
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
Okay. Thank you for your input on that.
The meeting is adjourned.
