A senator says a new bill gives the Aboriginal Affairs minister too much power to intervene in First Nations communities.
If passed, Bill S-6 would give the minster the power to settle lengthy governance disputes in bands.
During a Senate committee hearing earlier today, Liberal Senator Nick Sibbeston described the measure as “paternalistic” — comparing it to a “godfather” interfering in disputes.
He said Aboriginal people don’t want people in Ottawa dictating their lives, adding the “people should decide for themselves”.
Aboriginal Affairs official Brenda Kustra said even if that clause was eliminated, that power still exists under the Indian Act.
Kustra also said that power would only be used after all efforts to solve the issue had failed.