AANO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development met at 3:28 p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, Bruce Stanton, presiding.

On motion of Earl Dreeshen, it was agreed, — That the Committee resume its study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions started in the previous session, and that the evidence and documentation received by the Committee during the second session of the 40th Parliament on the subject be taken into consideration by the Committee in this session.

On motion of Earl Dreeshen, it was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 39 500 for the study of Northern Territories Economic Development: Barriers and Solutions be adopted.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 4:44 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:48 p.m., the sitting resumed.

On motion of John Duncan, it was agreed, — That the Committee meet from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108 (2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Thursday, March 18, 2010, the Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Larry Bagnell which read as follows: — That the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development conduct a study on the impact of the federal government’s decision not to provide funding to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in Budget 2010, and the effect of this decision on the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s nation-wide network of one hundred and thirty-four community based healing initiatives that will no longer have support from the Foundation after March 31st when current funds run out; furthermore, that the Committee call government officials to be present to answer questions from the Committee, as well as hear from expert witnesses from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, representatives from community based healing initiatives, and Aboriginal leaders and families affected.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 4.

Todd Norman Russell moved, — That the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development undertake a study on the inequitable funding levels provided for child welfare services for First Nations children living on reserve as compared to child welfare services provided to children off-reserve, including a review of the Auditor General’s report which noted inequalities in funding levels and a review of the ongoing hearings taking place on this matter before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal; furthermore, that the Committee call the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs to be present for at least two hours to answer questions from the Committee, as well as hear from expert witnesses from different orders of government, child and family service providers and Aboriginal leaders and experts, and that the study be reported to the House.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 4.

At 5:11 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.