Evidence of meeting #86 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was community.
A recording is available from Parliament.
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac, QC
Yes, it is. I want to clarify something. My colleague's questions are off topic. The question is entirely relevant to our study.
1:30 p.m.
Bloc
Jean-Denis Garon Bloc Mirabel, QC
I thank the member for that clarification.
Grand Chief Bonspille, I say that it's entirely relevant to talk about the environment, health and human life. I think that you're carrying the message of the Mohawk nation and the entire region.
You said that relations with the federal government to solve this environmental problem have been difficult.
I'd like to give you the opportunity, in the time we have left, to speak directly to the Council of Ministers and to tell them what you expect in terms of next steps.
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
1:30 p.m.
Mohawk Council of Kanesatake
First I'd like to say that I appreciate everybody sitting here and listening to the issues from Kanesatake and the surrounding municipalities.
The main thing I'd like to get across is that the federal government has a fiduciary duty to the benefit, health and welfare of all first nations, including Kanesatake.
I was also told by former minister of indigenous affairs Marc Miller, and Minister Hajdu, that Kanesatake is a priority. Well, we haven't been treated like a priority at all.
We met with them a few times, and we've been getting more attention from the Province and Minister Lafrenière than we have from the federal government. They are supposed to be taking care of our welfare, our health, our lands, and helping us with that, but they haven't. They've been diverting and keeping away from it and trying to have us fix our own issues. Well, our issue lies within the federal government and the provincial government.
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
That's understood. Thanks.
Mr. Bachrach, you have two minutes.
1:30 p.m.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Could I get clarity on when we're adjourning?
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
It will be two minutes for you, four minutes for Mr. Leslie, four minutes for Mr. Ali—
1:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
No.
1:30 p.m.
NDP
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
The signal I got was that the committee didn't mind doing a full second round.
1:30 p.m.
An hon. member
Is it abridged?
1:30 p.m.
An hon. member
I have to go—
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
It's fine if you have to go. That's fine. Nobody is being kept here against their will.
1:30 p.m.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
I think this testimony has been really important and very interesting. I would like to change topics very briefly at the end of our meeting to move the motion that I put on notice at our last meeting. I move that given the importance of freshwater ecosystem services to the prosperity, sustainability and resilience of British Columbian communities, and given the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, including drought, wildfires and floods, the committee urge the federal government to work with the Government of British Columbia to establish a $1-billion watershed security fund, and that the committee report this to the House.
1:30 p.m.
NDP
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Yes. I think we heard some very strong testimony from the BC Wildlife Federation, and it's an issue on which I think we find common cause around this table. I would hope that we wouldn't have to debate it for three or four days and that we could move to a vote on it and send a message.
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
I do. We have an amendment for this motion, which I'm looking for.
1:30 p.m.
An hon. member
[Inaudible—Editor]
1:30 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
Oh, you guys are frustrated that we're moving a motion? That's funny.