Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the government uses the concept of the rule of law when it comes to helping their corporate friends build development projects without the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous people. We can all agree that upholding the Constitution, which includes section 35, aboriginal title and treaty rights, requires the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous people prior to developing.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, I am noticing a general lack of focus on the fact that this trade agreement has not done a substantial job of addressing issues of gender equality. This is something that I have seen on both sides of the House today. I am wondering what the hon. member thinks about CUSMA's failure to address gender equality in any sort of way, other than in the superficial language used in this agreement.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, I have just a couple of questions. I know that one of the items the hon. member discussed, in terms of an achievement, was working with indigenous peoples. The Liberal government promised an entire chapter to promote indigenous rights in 2017. This was not delivered in CUSMA.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the government's record on the treatment of first nations children is getting worse by the day. We have learned that the government has actually spent not $5 million but over $9 million on legal fees to fight first nations children in courts. This is shameful for a government that was found guilty for willfully and recklessly discriminating against first nations children on reserve.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, there are a couple of areas that the hon. member totally neglected to discuss in his comments. One is in regard to gender. Of course we know that the Liberal government promised an entire chapter to promote gender equality. It failed to do that. The government also promised to include an entire chapter to talk about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, one of the concerns that have been raised about the new agreement is its failure to acknowledge indigenous rights. It makes no mention of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The other area of deep concern is related to the environment and the fact that this new agreement does not have binding and enforceable provisions to ensure we meet climate targets at a time of climate emergency.

Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, when it comes to indigenous kids, the Liberal government continues to wilfully and recklessly discriminate against first nations children on reserve. The Liberals have fought court order after court order and are ignoring the unanimous will of this House. The Prime Minister is so committed to his crusade to deny these kids justice that he has spent over $5 million on court fees to fight them.

Winnipeg Centre Fire  Madam Speaker, on December 26, 2019, a fire broke out in Winnipeg Centre, burning an affordable apartment complex to the ground and, in turn, displacing almost 40 individuals, including children. They lost everything. The holiday season is a difficult time of the year for so many and the very worst time for such an event to occur, but our wonderful community of Winnipeg Centre came together.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I want to share some of the thoughts that I have about the agreement. We need trade agreements that have enforceable protections for workers, the environment, the rights of indigenous peoples and women. We need trade agreements and processes in Canada that make government more accountable and allow all parliamentarians to play a greater role in this—

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, during the agreement, the Liberals have over-promised and under-delivered in terms of holding consultations and working with all parliamentarians in a meaningful, comprehensive and public way. Even though I would agree that there have been some positive amendments with the new NAFTA, there continues to be this disturbing trend in trade agreements of giving more rights or favouring the privilege of corporations rather than real people, the environment, the rights of indigenous peoples and women.

Poverty  Mr. Speaker, my riding has the third-highest poverty rate in the country. In Canada, over one million children live in poverty. The Liberals promise one thing but do the opposite. They could end child poverty today, but they choose not to. Instead of financing their corporate buddies and letting the ultra-rich off the hook, they could invest in pharmacare, child care and a $15 minimum wage.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I was very happy to hear my colleague's commitment to investing in housing for urban indigenous populations. In Winnipeg Centre, as the third-poorest riding in the country, we are currently experiencing a very severe housing crisis, which is exacerbated even further with the kind of harsh climatic conditions in our community.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, in Winnipeg Centre, we have an increasing issue with homelessness. People are calling for affordable housing. We need to push for more affordable, accessible social housing. Could my colleague across the way comment on some of her party's plans with respect to major investments in affordable, accessible social housing?

Poverty  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the good people of Winnipeg Centre for electing me to represent our strong and progressive community. Winnipeg Centre has the third-highest poverty rate in the country. Lately we have seen increasing rates of violence, violence that has included the murder of innocent children and youth.