Bill C-34 (Historical)

First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act

An Act to provide for jurisdiction over education on First Nation lands in British Columbia

This enactment enables agreements between Her Majesty in right of Canada and individual First Nations in British Columbia with respect to jurisdiction over education on First Nation land to be brought into effect by order in council. It includes the establishment of a First Nations Education Authority and sets out the powers, duties, functions and composition of that entity. Consequential amendments to other federal Acts are also included.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Yes. The agenda is 9 to 10, Bill C-292, and 10 to 11, Monsieur Valley.

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

How about Bill C-34?

[Anita Neville, Liberal, Winnipeg South Centre, MB]

Depending on Ms. Hurley's schedule, if we can do that, it would be very positive, and we could deal with it on December 7. What I want to say is that I'm more than willing to deal with Bill C-34, but I do not want it to pre-empt Bill C-292. As long as we have the opportunity to deal with that—

[The Chair, Conservative, Colin Mayes]

Let's go back into our priorities a little bit. We look at Bill C-34 as a priority, but Mr. Lemay discussed the draft report on post-secondary education; that's unfinished business of this committee. I would recommend that the committee deal with it and get it finished. The question Mr. Lemay brought forward was whether it is possible to deal with the draft report on post-secondary education on December 7. The parliamentary researcher, Madam Hurley, has said she could have it on the morning of...the Thursday, was it?

[Jean Crowder, NDP, Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC]

On Bill C-34, I don't have a problem with it. The only concern is that I just don't know procedurally if we can get it to the committee by the seventh.

[The Chair, Conservative, Colin Mayes]

I'm just going to summarize here, Mr. Bruinooge. The consensus of the committee is that we want to prioritize Bill C-34. Is that correct?

Then we will instruct the clerk that it will be our priority. When it arrives, we'll give it our priority. Second to that will be the witnesses we have approved in the motion by Madam Crowder.

Getting back to the dates prior to the break for Christmas—

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

We are talking about Bill C-34, an Act to provide for jurisdiction over education on First Nation lands in British Columbia? Is that correct?

I have read it and I have read the agreement. The Bloc's position is clear. We will be supporting this agreement, and as quickly as possible, please. In my opinion, it would be good to do this right away in January.

One thing is certain, Mr. Chairman. Perhaps we could delay beginning our study on housing by two weeks — even though I do not want to delay that — but it is important to study Ms. Crowder's two motions, which are now the committee's motions. Bill C-34 is a priority in my opinion. We could do that as quickly as possible.

And since the witnesses are coming from British Columbia... I have read the agreement and the bill. I will not have many questions to ask. This is a very complex matter. However, we should not get into too many details such as where the school will be built and who will look after the secretarial services for the school boards.

We could move quickly, since we are expecting these funds, the ones provided for in the government's budget of whichever month, and given the fact that they should be allocated as soon as possible.

I know that is the priority of the communities in British Columbia.

[Rod Bruinooge, Conservative, Winnipeg South, MB]

I want to speak on Bill C-34, which has already been introduced into the House. Based on some of my discussions, I think it's going to see favourable passage. So there's going to be clause-by-clause on this, and perhaps even some witnesses that we will need to address. I image that might occur early in January. So we need to be mindful of that, in light of the fact that it is government legislation and will trump any other activity we're doing in January.

Aboriginal Affairs

[Jim Prentice, Conservative, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that Canada's Conservative government yesterday introduced Bill C-34, the very first first nations jurisdiction over education in British Columbia act. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation to be tabled in the House. It spells the future of our first nations and the future of their children.

It establishes a system that embraces the languages and the cultural heritage of first nations in Canada. This is the model on a go forward basis for first nations education in Canada. It will offer better results, stronger self-esteem, self-governance, and self-determination accomplishments.

This government is committed to--

First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act

[Jim Prentice, Conservative, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-34, An Act to provide for jurisdiction over education on First Nation lands in British Columbia.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)