Laurie Swani and Bob Watts made statements and answered questions.

Cathy McLeod moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and given the significant long-term health impacts of mercury contamination, the Committee undertake two meetings on the federal government’s commitments to the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation; that the witness list include representatives of Grassy Narrows First Nation, health experts, officials from the Department of Health Canada, the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; and, that the Committee report its findings to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion, as amended, of Cathy McLeod, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and given the significant long-term health impacts of mercury contamination, the Committee undertake two meetings on the federal government’s commitments to the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation; that the witness list include representatives of Grassy Narrows First Nation, health experts, officials from the provincial government, officials from the Department of Health Canada, the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; and, that the Committee report its findings to the House.

The debate continued.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion, as amended, of Cathy McLeod, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and given the significant long-term health impacts of mercury contamination, the Committee undertake two meetings on the federal government’s commitments to the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation; that the Committee Analysts provide the Committee with relevant findings, particularly regarding the research of Jamie Benidickson, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, and that Mr. Benidickson be invited to appear before the Committee if required following the first two meetings under this study; that the witness list include representatives of Grassy Narrows First Nation, health experts, officials from the provincial government, officials from the Department of Health Canada, the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; and, that the Committee report its findings to the House.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 9; NAYS: 0.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and given the significant long-term health impacts of mercury contamination, the Committee undertake two meetings on the federal government’s commitments to the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation; that the Committee Analysts provide the Committee with relevant findings, particularly regarding the research of Jamie Benidickson, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, and that Mr. Benidickson be invited to appear before the Committee if required following the first two meetings under this study; that the witness list include representatives of Grassy Narrows First Nation, health experts, officials from the provincial government, officials from the Department of Health Canada, the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; and, that the Committee report its findings to the House.

At 9:44 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:52 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Arlen Dumas made a statement.

At 10:05 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 115(5), it was agreed that the Committee continue to sit.

Mike Bossio moved, — That, in relation to Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families:

1. the Committee begin a subject-matter study of the Bill on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, if the Bill itself has not yet been referred to the Committee;

2. each party submit their prioritized witness lists, including their contact information, to the Clerk of the Committee no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2019;

3. if the Bill is referred to the Committee by the House during the subject-matter study, all evidence and documentation received in public in relation to its subject-matter study of the Bill be deemed received by the Committee in the context of its study of the Bill pursuant to the order of reference;

4. the Committee hear from witnesses for four meetings, and that these meetings be extended from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on regularly scheduled meeting days, provided that, if additional meetings should be required, the Chair shall call additional meetings outside of the regularly scheduled rotation;

5. the Committee invite the Minister of Indigenous Services and senior officials of Indigenous Services Canada to appear at their earliest convenience;

6. the Committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2019, subject to the Bill being referred to the Committee;

7. proposed amendments be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee in both official languages by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019, subject to the Bill being referred to the Committee;

8. the Clerk of the Committee prepare and distribute a package with the submitted amendments to the Committee by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, subject to the Bill being referred to the Committee;

9. the Clerk of the Committee write immediately to each Member who is not a member of a caucus represented on the Committee to inform them of the beginning of the subject matter study of the Bill by the Committee and to invite them to prepare and submit any proposed amendments to the Bill for the Committee’s consideration during the clause-by-clause study of the Bill.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 0.

Arlen Dumas answered questions.