Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Aboriginal Peoples
Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Thursday, March 23, 2000
(15)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples met at 9:00 a.m., this day, in room 160-S, Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Austin, P.C., presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Austin, P.C., Beaudoin, Chalifoux, DeWare, Gill, Pearson, Rompkey, P.C., Rossiter, Sibbeston, St. Germain, P.C. and Tkachuk (12).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Cools, Grafstein, Joyal, P.C., Kinsella, Lawson, Perrault, P.C., Sparrow and Wilson (8).
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Mary Hurley and Tonina Simeone; From the Senate Committees Directorate: Josée Thérien, Legislative Clerk.
Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Robert Nault, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs.
WITNESSES:
From the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs:
Glen Williams, Chief Negotiator;
Peter Hutchins, Chief and Legal Advisor.
As an individual:
M. Willard Z. Estey, Q.C.
From the B.C. Cattlemen's Association:
Dave Merz, Member of the Regional Advisory Committee.
From the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada:
Tom Molloy, Chief Federal Negotiator;
Andrew Beynon, Senior Counsel.
As an individual:
Neil J. Sterritt.
From the Government of British Columbia:
Jack Ebbels, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources;
Patrick O'Rourke, Assistant Deputy Minister, Negotiations Support Division, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.
As an individual:
Mercy Thomas, Nisga'a member.
From the Nisga'a Tribal Council:
Dr. Joseph Gosnell Sr., President;
Edmond Wright, Secretary Treasurer;
Nelson Leeson, Executive Chairperson;
Harry Nyce Sr., Senior Resources Negotiator;
James Aldridge, Legal Counsel.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 10, 2000, the committee continued its examination of Bill C-9, An Act to give effect to the Nisga'a Final Agreement. (See Issue No. 3, Wednesday, February 16, 2000 for full text of the Order of Reference)
Peter Hutchins continued to make an opening statement and, together with Glen Williams, answered questions.
At 9:55 a.m., Justice Willard Estey made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 11:05 a.m., Dave Merz made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 11:55 a.m., the meeting was suspended.
At 12:00 noon, the meeting resumed.
The Honourable Robert Nault, P.C., M.P., Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs made an opening statement and together with Tom Molloy, answered questions.
At 1:35 p.m., the minister departed.
Mr. Molloy continued to answer questions.
At 1:40 p.m., Neil Sterritt, Glen Williams and Peter Hutchins answered questions.
At 1:55 p.m., Jack Ebbels and Patrick O'Rourke made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 2:54 p.m., Senator Chalifoux took the Chair.
At 2:56 p.m., Senator Austin resumed the Chair.
At 3:04 p.m., Mercy Thomas made an opening statement and answered questions.
Frank Barton was unable to appear with Mercy Thomas; his written submission was retained by the Clerk of the Committee as (Exhibit 5900 A1/C-9, 7 "1").
The document entitled "Statement of Claim -- filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia" was retained by the clerk of the committee as (Exhibit 5900 A1/C-9, 7 "2").
At 3:45 p.m., Ms Thomas sang a traditional song.
At 3:48 p.m., Dr. Joseph Gosnell, Edmond Wright and James Aldridge made an opening statement and answered questions.
It was agreed that the committee meet in camera at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2000 and hold clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-9 at 6:00 p.m. that same day.
At 5:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
Jill Anne Joseph
Clerk of the Committee