Appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples on The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (May 16, 2022)

Logistics

Date: Monday, May 16, 2022

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Room C128, Senate of Canada Building and by videoconference

Subject: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Witnesses:

• The Hon. Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
• Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
  • Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister
  • Chantal Marin-Comeau, Director General, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Secretariat

Notes: The Committee has held two prior meetings on this study: April 4, 2022, and April 25, 2022. They have heard from 22 witnesses, including National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs), former commissioners from the National Inquiry (including Senator Audette), and subject matter experts appearing as individuals. Meeting transcripts can be found here:

• Monday, April 4, 2022
• Monday, April 25, 2022

Context

Senate committees are generally less partisan than House of Commons Standing Committees, however, it should be noted that the Senators on this Committee tend to ask detailed questions, that often result in follow-ups. A commons tactic is for the Senator to ask a series of questions then ask officials to provide responses in writing, rather than allowing witnesses to respond in full during the meeting.

This study is being undertaken under the broader context of APPA's mandate to "Examine the constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples".

On April 4, 2022, the committee received testimony from former commissioners of the National Inquiry – including now the Hon. Michèle Audette, representatives from the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak. The discussion mainly focused on the work undertaken the National Inquiry and how to best forward now that the Inquiry is completed. Senator Coyle (ISG) asked how priority areas have been established for cooperation between land-claim organizations and the different levels of government; Senator Duncan (ISG) asked how to best hold provincial and territorial governments to account; and Senator Brazeau (Non-affiliated) asked if there was anything that commissioners could not address because the government did not allow for it within the parameters of the Inquiry.

On April 25, 2022, the committee met with representatives of the Métis National Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Assembly of First Nations. They also heard from Nancy Jourdain, Denise Pictou Maloney, and Jana Schulz, who appeared as individuals. Senators were primarily focused on what the next steps should be to move forward on this issue. Senator Christmas (ISG) asked about the creation of an ombudsman and how it was a Call for Justice that was not responded to by the National Action Plan. He also asked what the National Indigenous Organizations themselves were doing to respond to the Final Report. Senator Brazeau (Non-affiliated) asked witnesses what should be done to ensure that like other Inquiries, this report did not 'gather dust on a shelf'. Senator Clement (ISG) asked what was the most urgent thing that could be done.

Witnesses have been advocating for meaningful action to be undertaken to begin significant progress on the Calls for Justice. Ensuring transparency and accountability for all levels of government regarding progress has been a main theme, and specific calls for the creation of an Ombudsman have been echoed by several witnesses. Witnesses have also cautioned against 're-inventing the wheel' or additional studies; instead, they recommend speaking to the individuals and organizations doing the work and moving forward from there. They have expressed concern that the issues discussed during the Inquiry are still ongoing, and; that the supports for participants in the Inquiry have been difficult to access.

Meeting Proceedings

The Minister will be allotted five minutes each to deliver opening remarks. It should be noted that currently, APPA has not determined a sequence on the order of questioning based on political parties. The Chair decides who to call to ask questions during the meeting.

The Chair will usually say how long each member will have just before the start of the time for questions. They usually have about 5 minutes.

Launch of the National Action Plan and Federal Pathway in response to the MMIWG Inquiry

• On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous partners and organizations, families, survivors, and provinces and territories, launched the National Action Plan and the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway.
• The National Action Plan aims to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Federal Pathway is a comprehensive approach to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people by committing to take concrete action in four key areas identified by the National Inquiry: culture, health and wellness, human safety and security, and justice.

Actions since forming government

• Since 2017, the Government has passed various legislation, has implemented programs, services and policies and made substantial investments that aim to address the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Federal Government's commitments were made public on June 3, 2021 through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan.
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement invested $781.5 million over five years starting in 2021–2022, and $106.3 million ongoing to combat systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples. Budget 2021 announced $2.2 billion over five years and $160.9 million ongoing, to address MMIWG. Budget 2022 provides further investments in priorities related to MMIWG 2SLGBTQQIA+.

MMIWG – Related CIRNAC Investments

• Since 2019, the Government has invested $30 million over five years to support Indigenous-led engagement on the National Action Plan.
• The Government also announced five new CIRNAC-led programs in Budget 2021:
  • $12.5 million over five years with $2.5 million ongoing for families and survivors;
  • $8.5 million over six years for a National Indigenous Data Advisory Body and research projects;
  • $108.8 million over two years for Indigenous cultural spaces;
  • $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing for capacity funding for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations; and,
  • $16.6 million over 6 years to establish a permanent MMIWG Secretariat.

MMIWG – Role of the MMIWG Secretariat

• Budget 2021 invested $16.6 million dollars over 6 years for the establishment of a permanent MMIWG Secretariat.
• The MMIWG Secretariat at CIRNAC is responsible for coordinating the work of all federal government departments in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the work related to MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

If pressed on working groups

• The release of the National Action Plan was accomplished through coordinated efforts of various Indigenous partners, families and survivors that formed respective working groups.
• These working groups, made up of more than 100 Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, formed a governance structure representing various communities and governments: First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, data, the Government of Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.
• Many working groups continue to implement their chapters. The Federal Government is working with partners, families and survivors, and other regional and grass-roots organizations on the implementation of the Federal Pathway and the National Action Plan.

If pressed on Budget 2021 supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

• Budget 2021 has proposed to invest an additional $2.2 billion over five years, and $160.9 million ongoing, to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people. This Budget has also outlines other significant investments to address the underlying root causes of gender-based violence.
• These investments build on previous investments taken to respond to the National Inquiry, including those in the Interim and Final Reports.
• Over 25 federal departments are working together to implement Budget 2021 investments.

If pressed on Budget 2022

• By building on past investments, Budget 2022 will continue to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• Related new investments announced in Budget 2022 include funding for education, housing, health and mental wellness for Indigenous peoples.
• Other initiatives related to MMIWG announced are the Gender-Based Violence National Action Plan, the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan, and the Anti-Racism Plan.

If pressed on Implementation of the Federal Pathway

• As stated in the Speech from the Throne and the new Liberal-NDP agreement, the Government of Canada is committed to accelerating the work to implement both the Federal Pathway and the National Action Plan.
• Many of the commitments in the Federal Pathway and Budget 2021 are well underway to being implemented, with the aim to seeing concrete and tangible results on the ground as soon as possible.
• An implementation plan with over 25 government departments and agencies has been co-developed with partners with a focus to monitor and report on commitments and accountability.

If pressed on Implementation of the whole National Action Plan

• Implementing the National Action Plan will require a concerted effort by all.
• The Government continues to work with Indigenous partners, families and survivors provinces and territories, and other organizations on the implementation of the National Action Plan.
• The Government of Canada is working with partners to complete the first year progress report for the National Action Plan.

Supports for Indigenous Shelters

• Indigenous Services Canada currently funds the operations of emergency shelters to serve Indigenous peoples and their families.
• In June 2021, 12 new shelters were announced, with $85 million committed to build and support their operations over five years and $10.2 million annually. These shelters will bring the total number of ISC-funded shelters to 58.
• In July 2021, $724.1 million was announced to support at least 38 emergency shelters and 50 transition homes across Canada over five years. This includes the expansion of culturally relevant violence prevention activities and $96.6 million annually.

If Pressed to provide further details on Shelters and Second-Stage Housing

• Through the Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, ISC and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working with Indigenous partners to ensure a distinctions-based response to the pressing need for more Indigenous operated shelters.
• Through this Initiative and the 2020 Shelter Initiative, the current network of 46 emergency shelters supported by ISC will increase to 96 with the additional of 50 second-stage housing facilities. 
• ISC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will continue to work with our Indigenous partners to ensure the continued success of the Initiative.

If pressed on Genocide

• Some actions and policies have directly led to the loss and extinguishment of Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional practices.
• The Government has accepted the Final Report of the National Inquiry and respects their findings.
• The Government is grateful for the work of all partners on the development of a National Action Plan to eliminate violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people.

If pressed on oversight committee for the National Action Plan

• The Government of Canada recognizes the need for an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the National Action Plan, the Calls for Justice and Calls for Miskotahâ. This is echoed in Call for Justice 1.10 and one of the National Action Plan short term priorities.
• Accountability is key in ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, through a trusted mechanism to hold all those who have responsibility for implementation to account.
• The Government of Canada has started to engage with Indigenous partners, families and survivors on this oversight committee. 

If pressed on Ombudsperson / Tribunal

• The National Inquiry's Final Report calls for an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and tribunal, as well as for an independent oversight mechanism on the implementation of the Calls for Justice to ensure accountability, redress and advocacy for families, survivors and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Ombudsperson and oversight committee are priorities identified by Indigenous partners, organizations, families and survivors and are part of the National Action Plan.
• The Government of Canada has committed to engaging with Indigenous partners and, provinces and territories, to explore options on moving forward with these initiatives.

If pressed on the Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous Table

• The Minister's December 2021 mandate letter directs the Government to work with Indigenous partners and provinces and territories to support the implementation of the National Action Plan.
• MMIWG is a topic of discussion at various FPTI fora led by other federal departments such as Women and Gender Equality Canada and Justice Canada.
• CIRNAC has engaged with provinces and territories, to discuss options for a dedicated FPTI Table on MMIWG. Discussions are ongoing.

If pressed on alignment to other plans

• Through coordination role undertaken by the MMIWG Secretariat, a whole-of-government approach is being taken to  deliver and implement the actions to put an end to this national tragedy. This means working with all related Federal Departments and agencies on strategies and action plans that are addressing the underlying root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

About the independent inquiry

The National Inquiry Final Report

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released "Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls" on June 3, 2019. The Final Report included 231 Calls for Justice. In addition, Les Femmes Michif released Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People at the end of June that contained 62 Métis Nation-specific Calls for Change.

The National Action Plan

On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous partners and organizations, families, survivors, and provinces and territories, virtually launched the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. The National Action Plan is a whole of Canada effort and requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous, Indigenous partners and organizations, and civil society. 

The 2021 National Action Plan focuses on ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex and Asexual + (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. It is meant to honour and respect Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples' values, philosophies, knowledge systems, and agencies through the prioritization of Indigenous-led solutions and services. The National Action Plan is evergreen, recognizing the urgency for immediate action, but also the importance of continuing to cultivate transformative change over time.

The National Action Plan was developed in several working groups made up of more than 100 Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, representing various communities and governments: families and survivors, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, data, the Government of Canada, and provincial and territorial governments. These partners contributed to the National Action Plan and also published their own chapters and plans, to make the necessary changes to ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are safe wherever they are, now and in the future.  

With the integral involvement of the family and survivors, the National Action Plan is built with a focus on the principle "nothing about us, without us." This upholds and prioritizes their voices and truths and places them at the centre of co-development.

National Action Plan Vision:

The vision of the National Action Plan is:

"[…] A transformed Canada where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they are, live free from violence, and are celebrated, honoured, respected, valued, treated equitably, safe, and secure."

The National Action Plan emphasizes the following guiding principles:

1. Honour the strength of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and support them in reclaiming their sacred roles and responsibilities.
2. Include families and survivors throughout the implementation of the National Action Plan. The lived experience of families and survivors provide critical insight, perspectives, and solutions for transformative change - they are the heart of this change.
3. Focus on substantive equality and Indigenous human rights that include inherent, Treaty, and Constitutional rights, and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples.
4. Support a distinctions-based approach to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented.
5. Respect intersectional and diverse perspectives, and be inclusive of all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people no matter where they are.
6. Base the National Action Plan on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination.
7. Utilize a decolonizing approach, including being culturally informed and culturally safe.
8. Co-develop, co-implement, and co-manage the National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan identifies seven common goals with associated immediate priorities:

1. Achieving transformative changes in attitudes and behaviours in Canadian society;
2. Keeping families and survivors at the heart of the process and providing them with concrete supports;
3. Supporting the delivery of programs and services by Indigenous organizations;
4. Addressing the broader root causes of violence;
5. Developing an Indigenous human rights accountability mechanism;
6. Supporting a paradigm shift in policies and systems; and,
7. Establishing a culturally appropriate Indigenous data infrastructure.

Next steps for the National Action Plan

Indigenous partners, families, survivors and governments at all levels, Indigenous, federal, provincial and territorial, are co-developing a Progress Report on the National Action Plan to be released on June 3, 2022. This report is anticipated to include input from all contributing partners that outlines what progress has been made in the implementation of the National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial and Indigenous (FPTI). Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a priority at various FPTI fora, such as the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women and the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety. In addition, the Government of Canada has engaged with provinces and territories to discuss options for a dedicated FPTI Table on MMIWG 2SLGBTQQIA+. Every level of government has a responsibility for implementing the National Action Plan and the Calls for Justice to end the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The National Action Plan is a whole of Canada effort and requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous, Indigenous partners and organizations and civil society. Accountability and oversight are key in ensuring that everyone takes responsibility for the systemic changes needed to end this national tragedy. The Federal Government is beginning to engage with Indigenous partners and organizations, including the National Family and Survivor Circle, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Urban groups, national and regional Indigenous organizations on oversight and reporting. This work is expected to inform the response to Calls for Justice 1.10 and the National Action Plan short-term priority of establishing independent oversight committee.

The Federal Pathway

On June 3rd, 2021, the Government of Canada published the Federal Pathway, which is the Federal contribution to the Nation Action Plan that provides the commitments of the federal government towards ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Federal Pathway is a comprehensive approach that includes initiatives and commitments from 25 federal departments and agencies to take concrete action and address the root causes of this violence in four key areas identified by the National Inquiry: culture, health and wellness, human safety and security, and justice.

Next Steps and Accelerating the Federal Pathway

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners to ensure that appropriate monitoring mechanisms are in place to measure progress and keep the Government of Canada accountable now and in the future.

Federal departments have been working to finalize an implementation plan that outlines the key actions and milestones to be taken to implement the Pathway. In addition, annual progress reports will be published that provide information on the work and progress of the federal government towards the milestones. The first annual report on the Federal Pathway will be published on June 3, 2022.

Departments and agencies are also continuing to work on the implementation of their Budget 2021 and Fall Economic Statement 2020 investments related to the Federal Pathway, with the aim to ensure concrete and tangible results on the ground as soon as possible for families and survivors, and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The work includes legislative changes (e.g., the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act), policies (e.g., the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy), and new and expanded programs and investments (e.g., additional shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous people and their children who face violence, and support for family members and survivors of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people).

Mary Coyle – Independent Seantors Group (ISG) Nova Scotia (Antigonish)

Biographical Information

Mary Coyle was appointed to the Senate in 2017 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Retires November 4, 2029).

Senator Coyle holds a diploma in French Language from the Université de Besançon in France and a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Literature from the University of Guelph. She also has a Master of Arts in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph.

In 1997, Senator Coyle joined St. Francis Xavier University, serving as Vice President and Director of the school's Coady International Institute, a centre of excellence in community-based development and leadership education.

Since 2014, Senator Coyle has worked as the Executive Director of the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership at St. Francis Xavier University. She also continues to work as an advisor and facilitator for various organizations, including the Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence and the Friends United Indigenous Arts and Culture Initiative.

Senator Coyle played a role in the establishment of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, and the Indian School of Microfinance for Women.

Nancy J. Hartling – Independent Senators Group (ISG) New Brunswick

Biographical Information

Nancy J. Hartling was appointed to the Senate in 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Retires November 10, 2034).

Senator Hartling completed two university degrees and founded the non-profit organization Support to Single Parents Inc. (SSPI) of which she was the Executive Director for thirty-four years. She has advocated locally, provincially and nationally on socio-economic issues facing single parents and their children, and has led innovative programs to address the challenges for low-income single mothers.

Senator Hartling was also a founding member of St. James Court Inc., an affordable housing complex for single parents. She has contributed to programs for the elderly and has been researching healthy aging and population needs. In her work she built and maintained partnerships with all levels of government, community agencies, universities and educational institutions, businesses and media. Her involvement on women's issues has been extensive, including co-chairing the provincial Minister's Working Group on Violence against Women, serving on the Board of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, co-chairing for New Brunswick for the Women's World March 2000, as well as lecturing at the University of New Brunswick.

Senator Hartling's record of achievement in community service, in organizational leadership and in advocacy has been recognized with several awards, such as the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, the Community Spirit Award from the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick, and the Order of New Brunswick.

David M. Arnot- Independent Senators Group (ISG) Saskatchewan

Biographical Information

David M. Arnot was appointed to the Senate in 2021 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Retires April 16, 2027).

Senator Arnot holds a Juris Doctor from the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. His legal career serving the people of Saskatchewan started in 1976.

He worked as the federal Treaty Commissioner for the Province of Saskatchewan provincial court judge, a Crown prosecutor, and as Director General of Aboriginal Justice in the Department of Justice Canada.

In 1993, as a judge with the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, Senator Arnot closely worked with the Poundmaker First Nation to pioneer the use of sentencing circles and restorative justice measures. In 2004, Senator Arnot's work on the "Teaching Treaties in the Classroom" project was recognized by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism.

Senator Arnot is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Bar Association's Saskatchewan Branch, the Miklos Kanitz Holocaust & Human Rights Award, and the University of Saskatchewan's Canada 150 Nation Builders alumnus award.

Kim Pate – Independent Senators Group (ISG) Ontario

Biographical Information

Kim Pate was appointed to the Senate in 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Retires: November 10, 2034).

Senator Pate graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1984 with honours in the Clinical Law Program and has completed post graduate work in the area of forensic mental health. Trained as a teacher and a lawyer, she has been at the forefront of public education campaigns, research, and legislative and administrative reform at the regional, national and international level.

From 1992 to 2016, she worked with and on behalf of women in prison and provided support toward their reintegration into society in her role as the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS). She was involved in the Inquiry into Certain Events at the Prison for Women in Kingston. She has also shed light on the special needs of Indigenous women and their overrepresentation in Canadian federal prisons, and those with mental health issues.

A part-time professor in the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law, she has authored many articles in academic journals. She has also served on a host of boards, committees and advisory groups, and is currently on the advisory board of the National Women's Legal Mentoring Program, Human Rights International's Canadian Advocacy Committee, and Legal Aid Ontario's Prison Advisory Committee.

Dan Christmas, (Deputy Chair) – Independent Senators Group (ISG) Nova Scotia

Biographical Information

Dan Christmas was appointed to the Senate in 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Retires: September 10, 2031).

Senator Christmas is from Membertou, a First Nation of less than 2,000 on Cape Breton Island. He is the first Mi'kmaw Senator to be appointed to the Senate of Canada.

Senator Christmas has been actively involved in the implementation of Mi'kmaw aboriginal and treaty rights in Nova Scotia. He served as the Band Manager for the Community of Membertou for five years. He also worked for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians for 15 years, and served as Director for the last 10 years. He was elected councilor in Membertou for 18 years as well as a senior advisor to the First Nation for almost two decades.

Senator Christmas has been active in a number of international, national, provincial and local agencies in a wide range of fields including aboriginal & treaty rights, justice, policing, education, health care, human rights, adult training, business development and the environment. 

In 2005, Senator Christmas was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University and an honorary diploma from the Nova Scotia Community College in 2016. In 2008, he was the recipient of the National Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada.

Senator Christmas is the Deputy Chair of APPA.

Michèle Audette – Independent Senators Group (ISG) Quebec (De Salaberry)

Biographical Information

Michèle Audette was appointed to the Senate in 2021 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Retires July 20, 2046).

Senator Audette is a recognized Indigenous leader from the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam in Quebec. She was president of the Quebec Native Women's Association and then, in 2004, she was appointed Associate Deputy Minister to the Secrétariat à la condition féminine of Quebec. From 2012 to 2015, she served as President of the Native Women's Association of Canada. In 2015, she helped create an innovative graduate program in Indigenous public administration for the École nationale d'administration publique.

Senator Audette was appointed as one of the five commissioners responsible for conducting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Since 2019, she has been Assistant to the Vice-Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, and Senior Advisor for reconciliation and Indigenous education at the Université Laval.

Senator Audette received the 2018 Woman of Distinction Award in the Inspiration category from the Women's Y Foundation of Montréal. She was named Woman of the Year in 2014 by the Montreal Council of Women, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She also received an honorary doctorate from the University de Montréal, for her commitment to the cause of Indigenous women and her work on reconciliation.

Donald Neil Plett – Conservative Party of Canada (C) Manitoba (Landmark)

Biographical Information

Donald Neil Plett was appointed to the Senate in 2009 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Retires May 14, 2025).

As a Red River College alumnus, Senator Plett served on the Board of Governors of the College. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Village Council, and Chair of the local Utilities Board. Throughout the years, he has maintained an active interest in politics, including serving as the President of the Conservative Party of Canada. He remains the longest serving president of a conservative party in Canadian history.

Senator Plett is interested in: the protection of children, supporting Canadian farmers, religious freedom, free speech, fair democratic processes, and issues facing the trades and construction industry.

From 2015 to 2019, he was Opposition Whip in the Senate and since November 2019 he has been Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.

Yonah Martin – Conservative Party of Canada (C) British Columbia (British Columbia)

Biographical Information

Yonah Martin was appointed to the Senate in 2009 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Retires April 11, 2040).

Senator Martin is the first Canadian of Korean descent to serve in the Senate, and the first Korean-Canadian parliamentarian in Canadian history. After immigrating to Canada in 1972, she attended the University of British Columbia. Senator Martin had a 21-year teaching career prior to being appointed to the Senate.

Senator Martin is involved in bridging communities, and co-founded C3 Korean Canadian Society, along with several regional, national and international Boards and Advisory Councils.

From 2013 to 2015, she was the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and was the Deputy Whip of the Government from 2011-2013. She is currently the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (since 2015).

Dennis Glen Patterson - Canadian Senators Group (CSG) Nunavut

Biographical Information

Dennis Glen Patterson was appointed to the Senate in 2009 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Retires December 30, 2023).

Prior to his appointment, Senator Patterson (Nunavut) was Premier of the Northwest Territories.

As a member of the Legislative Assembly in the Northwest Territories, Senator Patterson served as Minister of Education, Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice, culminating in his service as Premier between 1987 and 1991.

He played a key role in the settlement of the Inuvialuit final agreement and the Nunavut final land claim agreement. Senator Patterson also served as a leader of the more than twenty-year campaign which led to the establishment of Nunavut as Canada's newest territory in 1999.

After serving as Premier, Senator Patterson established a private consulting firm, was admitted to the Law Society of Nunavut in 2001 and since 2003 has been a Trustee and, until September 2015, was the Chair of Governance, Compensation and Nomination Committee of the Northern Property Real Estate Investment Trust.

Senator Patterson is a former Chair of APPA during the 41st Parliament.

Scott Tannas – Canadian Senators Group (CSG) Alberta

Biographical Information

Scott Tannas was appointed to the Senate in 2013 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Retires: February 25, 2037).

Prior to his appointment, Senator Tannas was the founder, president and CEO of Western Financial Group.

Senator Tannas is currently the director of a number of private and public businesses, a member of the Ranchmen's Club of Calgary, and fundraiser for SOS Children's Villages Canada, and chairman of the Western Communities Foundation.

Senator Tannas is the Leader of the Canadian Senators Group and  Senate Reform one of his key issues. He was a founding member of the Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization, which delivered a series of reports advocating sweeping changes to the operations of the Senate.

Sandra M. Lovelace Nicholas – Progressive Senate Group (PSG) New Brunswick

Biographical Information

Sandra M. Lovelace Nicholas was appointed to the Senate in 2005 by Prime Minister Paul Martin. (Retires April 15, 2023).

Senator Lovelace studied at St. Thomas University for three years and has a degree in residential construction from the Maine Northern Technical College. She is a Maliseet woman from the Tobique First Nation, NB. She has helped to secure rights for Aboriginal women in Canada, and is one of the Indigenous Famous Six. In the 1980s into the 1990s, she and five others challenged discriminatory provisions of the Indian Act, which deprived Aboriginal women of their status when they married non-Aboriginals. She was instrumental in bringing the case before the United Nations Human Rights Commission and lobbying for the 1985 legislation which reinstated the rights of First Nation women and their children in Canada.

In 1990, Senator Lovelace Nicholas was awarded the Order of Canada, and in 1992, she received the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

Brian Francis, (Chair) – Progressive Senate Group (PSG) Prince Edward Island

Biographical Information

Brian Francis was appointed to the Senate in 2018 by

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Retires September 28, 2032).

He was the first Indigenous person in PEI to receive his inter-provincial red seal trade certificate. He went on to obtain a Certificate in Conflict Resolution Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island.

Senator Francis has 40 years of combined experience in government positions from the front lines to management. He served in various capacities with the public service including from 2002 to 2007 as the Aboriginal Coordinator with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where he acted as a point of contact for Prince Edward Island First Nations on fisheries related matters. Coming from a fishing family, he used his years of knowledge and firsthand experience to assist the Prince Edward Island First Nations with implementing their funding agreements. In addition, Senator Francis was one of the formal signatories to the Canada/Prince Edward Island/Mi'kmaq Partnership Agreement and the Canada/Prince Edward Island/Mi'kmaq Consultation Agreement, which set out a framework for consultation on proposed actions or decisions that could adversely impact asserted or established Aboriginal and treaty rights in the province.

From 2007-2018, Senator Francis was the elected Chief and Band Administrator of the Abegweit Mi'kmaq Nation. During his term, he worked to improve the social, economic and cultural well-being of his community.

Senator Francis is the Chair of APPA.

Patti LaBoucane-Benson – Non-affiliated Alberta

Biographical Information

Patti Laboucane-Benson was appointed to the Senate in 2018 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Retires: February 20, 2044).

Senator LaBoucane-Benson is Métis, and is currently working as Director of Research, Training, and Communication at the Native Counselling Services of Alberta.

She attended the University of Alberta where she received a Ph.D in Human Ecology, with a focus on Indigenous family resilience.

Senator LaBoucane is also a lecturer for the University of Alberta's Executive Education program, and with the Peter Lougheed Leadership College. She was the director and lead facilitator of the Canadian Nelson Mandela Dialogues 2017.

She has been the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including the Alberta Aboriginal Role Model Award for Education, the Legal Aid Access to Justice Award, the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and the Sam Laboucan Memorial Award.

Patrick Brazeau – Non-affiliated Quebec (Repentigny)

Biographical Information

Patrick Brazeau was appointed to the Senate in 2008 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. (Retires: November 11, 2049).

Senator Brazeau is a member of the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi, and was the National Chief of the Congress of Aborginal Peoples (CAP) from February 2006-January 2009.

He served in the Canadian Armed Forces and holds a diploma in Social Sciences from Heritage College and has also studied Civil Law at the University of Ottawa.

Senator Brazeau is an advocate for mental health, and accountability, responsibility and transparency regarding Indigenous Affairs. He is vocal proponent for the replacement of the Indian Act with more progressive legislation that aims to reconstitute true historical First Nations, including jurisdiction over their own affairs. He supported the efforts to hold an inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.