Bill C-6 – Specific Claims Resolution Act
NOW IN THE SENATE

First Reading, October 2002
Committee Stage, November 2002
Report Stage, January 2003
Third Reading, March 18, 2003
The Senate:
1st Reading, March 19, 2003

2nd Reading, April 2, 2003--Currently in the Senate Committee Stage--- The Senate is in recess until April 28. When they return, they will plan their agenda.

HOW A BILL BECOMES LAWTHE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

FIRST READING The Bill is Considered Read for the first time and is printed.

SECOND READING Members debate the bill’s principle

COMMITTEE STAGE Committee members study the bill clause by clause.

REPORT STAGE Members can make other amendments.

THIRD READING Members debate and vote on the bill.

SENATE The bill follows a similar process.

SENATE The bill follows a similar process.

ROYAL ASSENT The bill receives Royal Assent after being passed by both Houses.

URGENT ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE IMMEDIATELY:

• Inform the MP in your area by email, letters or telephone that the manipulation of parliamentary procedures to force passage of Bill C-7 that will serve federal interests only and will further damage our relationship with the Crown is totally unacceptable.
• Urge the Standing Committee by email, letters or telephone for due consideration of the testimonies and for accountability.
• Monitor the SCAA Committee meeting and ensure the room in 209 West Block is filled at all times.
• Support and participate in the planned rallies and direct actions.

UPDATE ON BILL C-19 – FIRST NATIONS FISCAL & STATISTICAL MANAGEMENT ACT

First Reading: December 2, 2002Second Reading: February 5, 2003Committee Stage

Only Four Days of Hearings on Bill C-19 will be Held; the Sham Continues

On April 2, 2003, in the House of Commons, Charles Hubbard, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Nault moved a motion to limit the review of Bill C-19. The Standing Committee will hold only four days of hearings after the Easter recess.

Proposed C-19 Hearings Schedule:

Tuesday, April 29, 2003 – Minister Robert NaultWednesday April 30, 2003 – Select Few WitnessesThursday, May 1, 2003 AM - Select Few Witnesses Tuesday, May 6, 2003 – A Clause-by-Clause Review of Bill C-19 and complete their Report to the House of Commons on the next day.

The Standing Committee isn’t advertising, promoting or inviting any witnesses to these hearings. First Nations are encouraged to write to the Committee to:

• to make a direct submission to the Committee
• to request extensive and thorough hearings for grassroots input by First Nation leaders and individuals
• Invite the Standing Committee to hold hearings in your community

We encourage First Nations leaders and members to make your views known the Standing Committee members and the Committee Clerk.

Committee Clerks Address:
Elizabeth B. Kingston, ClerkHouse of CommonsRoom 632, 180 Wellington Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Please send copies of your letters and submissions to the Chiefs of Ontario at 807-626-9404 (fax)

Legal Challenge Against BillC-7 Thrown Out by Federal Court

March 20, 2003 – Ottawa – Taken from Four Arrow’s E-notes: An application for a federal court judicial review filed by the Grand Chiefs of Treaties 6 & 7 to stop Bill C-7, was thrown out because it was plain and obvious the application could not succeed. The case was based on the federal Cabinet and the INAC Minister’s failure to introduce Bill C-7 without full and meaningful consultation with the Confederacy of Treaty 6 & Confederacy of Treaty 7 First Nations members. The motion was heard on November 28. INAC opposed the application on the grounds there was no cause of action, the case was frivolous, and that Parliament fell outside the Court’s jurisdiction.

Our hearts, minds and prayers are with you and we thank you sincerely.

Coming Soon! Watch for our New Photo Gallery

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Rosie S. Mosquito, Senior Policy Advisor, Chiefs of Ontario: Phone 807-626-9339 or
Sara Neuert, A/Executive Director, Chiefs of Ontario: Phone 519-750-1016