I would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe nation and is now home to many other nations, Metis and Inuit peoples from across Turtle Island.
I am Mi’kmaw Senator Brian Francis from Epekwitk, also known as Prince Edward Island, and I am the chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.
I will now ask committee members in attendance to introduce themselves by stating their names and province or territory.
I’m David Arnot. I’m a senator from Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 territory.
Good morning and welcome. I am Marty Klyne, a senator from Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory.
Karen Sorensen, Alberta, Banff National Park, Treaty 7 territory.
[Indigenous language spoken] Michèle Audette. I live in the [Indigenous language spoken], and we can also call it Quebec.
Good morning. I am Margo Greenwood from British Columbia, Treaty 6 territory.
Thank you, colleagues.
We have with us a few departmental officials from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and from the Department of Justice Canada who will be available to answer any technical questions senators may have.
Before we begin, I would like to remind senators of a few points. If at any point a senator is not clear about where we are in the process, please ask for clarification. I want to ensure that we all have the same understanding. If a senator is opposed to an entire clause, I would remind you that, in committee, the proper process is to vote against the clause as standing as part of the bill. Finally, I wish to remind senators that if there is any uncertainty as to the result of a voice vote or a show of hands, the most effective route is to request a roll call vote, which provides unambiguous results. Senators are aware that any tied vote negates the motion in question.
With that, are there any questions? Seeing none, is it agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-45, An Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act? Agreed or not?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
Is it agreed, with leave, that clauses be grouped in groups of 10?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.