AANO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development met at 11:10 a.m. this day, in Room 269 West Block, the Vice-Chair, Jeremy Harrison, presiding.

On motion of Jim Prentice, it was agreed, — That the Committee resume its study on the Effectiveness of the Government Alternative Dispute Resolution Process for the Resolution of Residential School Claims for the purpose of considering a draft report.

Jim Prentice presented a draft report.

The Committee commenced consideration of the draft report.

Debate arose thereon.

Carol Skelton moved, — That the draft report be amended by deleting the words “That the Committee requests a comprehensive response, pursuant to Standing Order 109 and”.

Debate arose thereon.

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

Pat Martin moved, — That the draft report be amended by adding, after the words “ The Government engage in a court supervised negotiations with former students to achieve a court approved, court enforced, settlement for compensation that relieves the Government of its liability for those students who are able to establish a cause of action and a lawful entitlement to compensation” the following “, using as a framework the Assembly of First Nations report: “Assembly of First Nations Report on Canada’s Dispute Resolution Plan to Compensate for Abuses in Indian Residential Schools” and the Canadian Bar Association report “The Logical Next Step: Reconciliation Payments for All Indian Residential School Survivors”.

Debate arose thereon.

Roy Cullen moved, — That the amendment to the draft report be amended by adding, after the words “The Logical Next Step: Reconciliation Payments for All Indian Residential School Survivors” the following “, except in those cases when a student who attended Residential Schools is not willing to accept compensation based on a positive experience in those schools”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the subamendment of Roy Cullen and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 3; NAYS: 6.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Pat Martin and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 1; NAYS: 9.

Roy Cullen moved, — That the draft report be amended by adding, after the paragraph “5. The Governement expedite the settlement of those claims involving aggravated circumstances, including those involving sexual and severe physical abuse in a separate restorative judicial process” the following paragraph “5.a Based on the recommendations 1 to 5 outlined in the draft report, the Government prepare a full costing of the proposal whether it meets the requirements after F.A. Act and an assessment of the fiscal capacity of the Government to implement these proposals”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Roy Cullen and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 6.

After debate, the question was put on the report, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Clerk be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

ORDERED, — That the Chair present the report to the House.

At 12:16 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:20 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Sandra Ginnish and Wendy Cornet made statements and, with Margaret Buist, answered questions.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Committee meet exceptionally for a three hours meeting on April 5, 2005.

At 1:15 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.