AANO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development met in camera at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, Barry Devolin, presiding.

The Chair presented the Sixth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which read as follows:

It was agreed, that the Committee undertake a study of the economic development challenges in Canada's northern territories, and the specific requirement for renewal of the SINED (Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development) authority in 2009.

It was agreed, that the Committee travel to Nunavut on June 2 and 3, 2008, and that the Chair, in consultation with the staff, prepare a proposal and budget for the Committee to consider on May 12, 2008.

It was agreed, that the Committee organize meetings for May 12, 26, and 28, 2008, on the following subjects, and in the following order of priority:

1. A briefing on the 2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada (Chapter 4 – First Nations Child and Family Services Program – Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) with the Auditor General and/or senior officials from the Office of the Auditor General;

2. A briefing on the Census Findings with senior officials from Statistics Canada and possibly INAC;

3. In the context of the Main Estimates, a briefing on Housing with senior officials from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and possibly INAC; and a briefing on progress with respect to Indian Residential Schools with senior officials from Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada; and

4. If time allows on the specified dates, resuming debate on the motion of Jean Crowder on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

It was agreed, that in relation to his scheduled appearance on May 14, 2008 on Main Estimates, that the Minister be informed, through the Parliamentary Secretary, that the Committee requests he appear for longer than one hour, and that he not spend time during his appearance on an opening statement.

It was agreed, — That the report of the Subcommittee be concurred in.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $ 82,588, for the Committee’s travel to Nunavut on June 2 and 3, 2008, as amended, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.

At 3:45 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 3:49 p.m., the Committee resumed sitting in public

Ronnie Campbell made a statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.

It was agreed, — That the Minister be informed, through the Chair, that the Committee requests the Department be prepared to respond to questions raised during today's briefing, by the Office of the Auditor General, as a follow-up meeting may be held in the future with the Department.

At 5:18 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.