The hon. member for Winnipeg Centre is rising on a point of order.
Marc Miller Liberal
This bill has received Royal Assent and is, or will soon become, law.
This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament has also written a full legislative summary of the bill.
This enactment provides for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation as an independent, non-political, permanent and Indigenous-led organization whose purpose is to advance reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-29s:
National Council for Reconciliation ActGovernment Orders
The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes
The hon. member for Winnipeg Centre is rising on a point of order.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Madam Speaker, this is a just a friendly reminder not to refer to indigenous people as “our indigenous people”, because we are not pets.
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for pointing that out. I sincerely apologize. It was a mistake on my part.
Notably, the board of directors, primarily composed of indigenous members, will include representatives nominated by major indigenous organizations, ensuring a broad and inclusive range of voices in guiding the council’s mission. This legislation empowers the council to monitor and evaluate our nation's progress in addressing the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The annual report produced by the council, and the Prime Minister’s mandated response, would ensure transparency and accountability, providing a clear measure of our progress. By incorporating the council under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, we would also ensure that it has a solid structural and legal foundation to operate effectively and independently.
The path to reconciliation is long and challenging. However, with the establishment of the national council for reconciliation, we would reaffirm our commitment to a just and equitable future. Let us move forward together, with renewed dedication and hope.
In the coming years, the status of indigenous peoples in Canada is anticipated to reflect significant advancements in reconciliation and self-determination. Building on current trends, there will likely be greater acknowledgement and implementation of indigenous rights, with increased political representation and leadership across various sectors.
Lori Idlout NDP Nunavut, NU
Uqaqtittiji, while this bill is important, it is definitely not enough. It was unfortunate that, when the Minister of Finance gave her budget presentation, she did not even mention indigenous peoples or reconciliation.
The government is not even increasing enough what needs to be done to lift indigenous peoples out of poverty. He mentioned marginalization; that did not end when residential schools ended. It is allowed to continue because governments, such as the Liberal government, continue to underinvest in indigenous peoples.
Does the member agree the Liberal government needs to show action and not just use symbolism when it comes to working with indigenous peoples and reconciliation?
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Madam Speaker, I agree with the hon. member that this legislation is not enough. This is a path towards doing what is right and just, and we have been doing it for the last eight and a half years. We have shown a real commitment to taking concrete steps and implementing a lot of steps. I agree there is still much more work to do.
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Madam Speaker, a few moments ago, my colleague from Rivière-des-Mille-Îles asked a question and received an answer.
Given that we are not doing enough and that there is an urgent need for action on the Indian Act, does my colleague agree that we need to prioritize this issue to show that we really want things to change? Does my colleague agree with his colleague who spoke before him?
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Madam Speaker, I repeat that we have shown a real commitment, not just with words but with actions. We have made it a point to do so. The things that we have done during the last eight and a half years, the things we are doing with this particular bill, show a real commitment to doing what is just and right.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Madam Speaker, I would have to disagree with my hon. colleague's bragging about everything the government did.
The budget just came out. There is no mention of indigenous people, and the Liberals actually put more money into auto theft than they did into the MMIWG crisis. It sends a very clear message, as I pointed out to the minister, that Canada cares more about finding cars than it does about finding indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. That does not look like reconciliation to me.
I would also point out there are more kids in care now than at the height of residential schools, partly because of ongoing systemic racism, which has been reported. The government has been in power eight years since the truth and reconciliation report was released in 2015. It is just now putting in place an oversight body, after 10 years. Madam Speaker, give me a break.
Is my colleague willing to be honest and admit that his government needs to do more if we are going to achieve reconciliation in this country?
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Madam Speaker, I have to respectfully disagree with the member. The cumulative amount that we have invested in indigenous peoples' needs during the last eight and a half years is out there; it is public. We can see the commitment we have shown and what we have done.
I agree that more needs to be done. We have been doing it, and we will continue to do it.
Corey Tochor Conservative Saskatoon—University, SK
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Last night I referenced four documents in a speech concerning wet, limp and utterly useless paper straws. I would like to table the four studies showing that it is worse for the environment—
National Council for Reconciliation ActGovernment Orders
An hon. member
No.
National Council for Reconciliation ActGovernment Orders
The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes
There is no unanimous consent.
Resuming debate, the hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.
National Council for Reconciliation ActGovernment Orders
Kevin Lamoureux
You're welcome.
National Council for Reconciliation ActGovernment Orders
The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes
Order. I want to remind the hon. member that he asked his question and I gave him an answer.
I also want to remind the hon. parliamentary secretary that, if he wishes to have a further conversation on this with the member, they should step outside.
The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.