Evidence of meeting #55 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was claim.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:15 p.m.
Managing Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Department of Justice, Government of Yukon
I think it's fair to observe that over the years there have at times been gaps in appointments, yes.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Jean Crowder NDP Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC
Has that created some difficulties for the operation of the tribunal?
4:15 p.m.
Managing Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Department of Justice, Government of Yukon
With regard to the Surface Rights Board, I would say no, primarily due to their relatively low level of activity.
With regard to other boards, when we've experienced this before, the issue has been addressed in large part, I would say, simply by devolution, since now it is the Yukon government that has responsibility for most of these appointments. Because we have administration and control over those resources—land, water—the delays that may have occurred previously are generally not an issue in the Yukon anymore.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Jean Crowder NDP Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC
With regard to the Auditor General, my understanding is that it's now going to be an independent auditor.
Will that have the same level of transparency that an Auditor General does for Canadians? I'm sure citizens of Yukon hold auditors general in very high esteem. Will an independent auditor have the same effect in terms of transparency and availability of the reporting to the general public?
4:15 p.m.
Managing Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Department of Justice, Government of Yukon
I believe so. The requirement is that the auditor, of course, will be required to operate under the generally accepted principles of accounting, as does the Auditor General, and that the report be made available to the board and to the minister. The practice of the board has been to release those reports publicly, generally as part of its annual report.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Chris Warkentin
Thank you.
Ms. Henderson, we've come to the completion of our speaking list. I don't know if there's anything you want to finish off with, or if there are any questions that you want to clarify.
If not, we want to thank you for your time today. We appreciate....
I have one colleague who is looking to ask just a short question, if you've time yet.
Go ahead, Mr. Bevington.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that.
There's a difference between what's been proposed for membership in the NWT Surface Rights Board and that of the Yukon, in that Yukon first nations appoint their members to the board.
Do you think it's been an acceptable solution for the Yukon to have the first nations groups appoint their own members?
4:15 p.m.
Managing Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Department of Justice, Government of Yukon
I would have to check the provision. I thought they were appointed by the minister on the nomination of the....
4:15 p.m.
Managing Counsel, Legal Services Branch, Department of Justice, Government of Yukon
I have not heard any significant concern about that method of appointment.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Chris Warkentin
Thank you very much, Ms. Henderson.
Again, we appreciate your testimony today. We want to thank you for making yourself available. We look forward to including your comments in our consideration of the bill. Thanks so much.
Colleagues, we will continue in camera to deal with some committee business. There are just a couple of things that need to be considered by the entire committee.
[Proceedings continue in camera]