Bill C-21 (Historical)

Appropriation Act No. 5, 2008-2009

An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2009

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

Mr. Chair, we chose two years because it seemed clear to us that, two years after the passage of the bill, the report we will get will be very short. That seems quite clear to us. Things have to be put into place.

However, two years after the first report, we expect a much more complete report. That is why we prefer to opt for two years. As with Bill C-21, it seemed important to us that, every two years, Parliament should know what is happening with the implementation of this very important bill. All we are doing is reflecting the request made to us by Quebec Native Women Inc.

[Michael Wernick]

Yes. On Bill C-21, we've been working with AFN, CAP, and the Native Women's Association to get their input. We'll be able to provide a full report to Parliament in June 2011, as you've mandated.

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

In that respect, Minister, I have to admit we have a little difficulty. Having said that, I don't want to use up my speaking time.

Minister, we passed Bill C-21, which abolishes Section 67 of the Indian Act and states that the Canadian Human Rights Act will apply. Another consequence of that is that the Canadian Human Rights Commission has to start looking at this issue.

The problem, Minister, is that nowhere have I seen any increase in funding for the Canadian Human Rights Commission. I can assure you that, if there is no additional money, all of the government's great projects… You insisted on the need to pass it quickly, and I recall quite clearly that you even threw a fit in the House for that very reason.

So, I would like to know whether additional funding has been set aside to proceed with the repeal of Section 67 of the Indian Act.

Royal Assent

[The Speaker, Liberal, Peter Milliken]

Order. I have the honour to inform the House that a communication has been received as follows:

Rideau Hall

Ottawa

March 26th, 2009

Mr. Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 26th day of March, 2009, at 17:05.

Yours sincerely,

Sheila-Marie Cook

Secretary to the Governor General

The schedule indicates the bills assented to were Bill C-21, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2009; and Bill C-22, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2010.

Supplementary Estimates (C), 2008-09

[Vic Toews, Conservative, President of the Treasury Board]

moved that Bill C-21, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2009, be read the first time.

(Motion deemed adopted and bill read the first time)