Aboriginal Peoples Committee

The Committee was first created in December 1989 and has a mandate to examine legislation and matters relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. 

The make-up of the committee during the 1st session of the 38th Parliament is:

Chair            Gerry St. Germain

Deputy-Chair:   Lillian Dyck

Members:   Romeo Delaire, Sandra Lovelace Nicholas, Nick Sibbeston, Larry Campbell, Patrick Brazeau, Jacques Demers, Dennis Patterson, Rose-May Poirier, Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Nancy Greene Raine

The Committee is currently studying First Nations Education.  

The most recent reports of the Committee were:

First Nations Elections: The Choice is Inherently Theirs found here

New Voter Identification Procedures and Related Impacts on Aboriginal Peoples and Communities in Canada

You can read that report here.

In May 2008 we released our study into the implementation of comprehensive claims.

Honouring the Spirit of Modern Treaties: Closing the Loopholes -- Special Study on the implementation of comprehensive land claims agreements in Canada

You can read the entire report here.

In May 2008 we also released:

Safe Drinking Water for First Nations - Final report on the Committee's study on drinking water in First Nations' communities

You can read the entire report here.

In March,2008 we released:

SHARING CANADA'S PROSPERITY: A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

This is the final report of the study we've been working on since November 2004.  The committee makes 17 practical recommendations to the Federal government to help Aboriginal communities build their economies.  We also think it offers excellent advice to First nations themselves and helps inform Canadian about the real successes some communities are experiencing.  You can read the entire report here.

Roy Erasmus Jr., Senator Nick Sibbeston, Chief Peter Liske and Hayden Trenholm during the Committee's fact-finding trip to the NWT in 2005

Our previous committee report was:

NEGOTIATION OR CONFRONTATION: IT’S CANADA’S CHOICE (Final Report on the Specific Claims Process)

To learn more about the committee and its work, click here.

Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee

I previously sat as a member of this important Senate committee.  In 2008, the Committee made a fact finding trip to the NWT and Yukon. The committee released a very good report with strong recommendations in May 2009

With Respect Canada's North

Read the report here.