House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 37% of the vote.
Indigenous Affairs January 28th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the federal government systematically discriminated against indigenous children for years. In order to implement this week's decision, the government must take meaningful action immediately. We need to see an entire cultural shift in all government institutions. Other cases are still before the courts regarding access to education and health care.
What specific actions has the government taken since Tuesday to finally respect the rights of indigenous children?
Resumption of debate on Address in Reply January 27th, 2016
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague across the aisle for her passion and her genuine concern regarding inequality. I also want to welcome her to the House.
She talked about some of the most vulnerable people in Canada. When we consider the conditions in which indigenous people are living in this country, one of the richest countries on the planet, we are not talking about third world conditions, but rather fourth world conditions. I want to hear her thoughts on that, because her government promised a new era of nation-to-nation relationships with Canada's first nations.
Yesterday the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled that children in indigenous communities have been discriminated against in terms of the funding provided to assist them. I believe she is aware that the circumstances that led us to this point were created by her party in 1996, when it imposed a maximum 2% increase for programs.
I would like her to comment on how the government could rectify many of these inequalities and these injustices towards indigenous people.
Resumption of debate on Address in Reply January 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I welcome the hon. member to this august place.
The member spoke briefly about nation to nation and a renewed relationship with aboriginal peoples. I would like to hear his thoughts, and for him to elaborate a little on those thoughts, around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission proposal that the framework of reconciliation in this country should be the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The mandate letters that several ministers received also talked about implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
What does the member understand about this recommendation and about these mandate letters with respect to those specific questions? Concretely, what will that mean for indigenous peoples in this country?
Indigenous Affairs January 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal delivered a historic ruling, finding that the federal government practised systematic discrimination against indigenous children. It is time to implement that ruling and rectify this injustice.
My question is simple and is for the Minister of Finance. Will the budget include the funding necessary to put an end to that discrimination?
Aboriginal Affairs January 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal affirmed today what aboriginal communities have known for far too long: first nations children living on reserve receive less help than other Canadian children. The Minister of Justice did everything she could to derail the process and to deny the reality facing so many children.
Will the Minister of Justice tell us today that she will not appeal this historic decision?
This is a simple question that requires a yes or no answer.
Health January 25th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, today we are in mourning and we offer our sincere condolences to the community of La Loche.
We must do more, though. Too many young people in our northern communities are growing up without hope, and they need support. The Conservatives blithely made cuts to health care services. Now, Health Canada is regularly turning down requests for mental health services for first nations, even though these services are available to other Canadians.
Will the minister put an end to this discrimination and finally help those who need these services?
Aboriginal Affairs December 7th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, in its throne speech the government reiterated that it wanted to establish a nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and aboriginal peoples.
We commend this commitment and offer our full support. We have had decade after decade of broken promises, but maybe this one will stick. However, we are still waiting to hear details on the $2.6 billion for first nations education they promised during the campaign.
Can the minister tell us when her government will share its plans?
Aboriginal Affairs June 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, many residential school survivors have said that an apology from the Pope would help them find closure and healing. They were hoping that the Prime Minister would raise the issue with the Pope during his meeting today.
According to reports, the Prime Minister invited the Pope to visit Canada for its 150th celebration. When the Prime Minister extended that invitation, I would like to know if he also asked the Pope if he would be willing to issue an apology when he comes.
Aboriginal Affairs June 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations has joined the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and thousands of residential school survivors in calling for an official apology from the Catholic Church for the role that it played in this sad chapter of our history.
The Prime Minister met with the Pope today. I have a simple question. Did he ask Pope Francis to apologize, yes or no?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns June 11th, 2015
With regard to government funding allocated in the constituency of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou for fiscal year 2012-2013: (a) what is the total amount of this funding, broken down by (i) department, (ii) organisation, (iii) any other government body, (iv) program; and (b) this funding is directly responsible for the creation of how many jobs that are (i) full-time, (ii) part-time?