I call the meeting to order.
Good afternoon. Welcome to the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
We are gathered here today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe.
Today, we are continuing our second study, which focuses on the effects of the housing shortage on indigenous peoples across Canada.
Presenting to us in our first panel today are Herb Lehr, president, Metis Settlements General Council; Richard Derocher, vice-chief, Meadow Lake Tribal Council; and Stan Delorme, chairperson, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.
Keep in mind the Board of Internal Economy's guidelines for physical distancing and mask use.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow.
Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services in English, French, Inuktitut and Innu are available for this meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately and we will ensure interpretation is properly restored before resuming the proceedings. The “raise hand” feature at the bottom of the screen can be used at any time if you wish to speak or alert the chair.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you're not speaking, your microphone should be on mute.
Committee members, when you ask a question, please direct it to the specific witness you want to answer that question.
I remind everyone that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
We will start with presentations by our three guests and will follow those with a question period.
It's over to you, President Lehr. You have the microphone for five minutes.