Evidence of meeting #37 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sahtu.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
For all intents and purposes a reserve is a park, subject only to those.... Are those the only reservations with respect to—
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
Leona Aglukkaq Conservative Nunavut, NU
When I say “reserve”, I'm talking about dedicating an area that would eventually be converted into a park as a national park reserve.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
I'm trying to see whether there's any real material difference between your presenting a park bill as opposed to a park reserve bill. Am I to assume that the aboriginal claim—
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
—issue is the only thing that's keeping...? Is that true in all parks? You mentioned that Labrador was also a reserve, or Nunavut was a reserve.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
Leona Aglukkaq Conservative Nunavut, NU
In cases where we're negotiating land claims, that's the process we follow.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
How far along are we with respect to the settlement of those land claims?
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
Leona Aglukkaq Conservative Nunavut, NU
I believe the Sahtu Dene is concluded.
Do you want to speak to the time?
4:05 p.m.
Director, Parks Establishment, Parks Canada
In the case of the Kaska Dena Council, Canada has accepted their land claim for negotiation. Where they are exactly in the process, we would have to check with aboriginal affairs, but usually it takes a fair amount of time to conclude them.
4:05 p.m.
Director, Parks Establishment, Parks Canada
The important point here is that they were consulted on this proposed park, and they were supportive.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
Leona Aglukkaq Conservative Nunavut, NU
Negotiations of land claims vary by groups that you deal with. It's difficult to determine the exact timeline and how those negotiations are going. I'm not familiar with those files, but some can take longer than others. The point here is that the National Parks Act allows us the flexibility to name an area that has been identified as a national park reserve until those are concluded.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
I don't argue the point that you're putting it aside. I just want to know when it's going to become.... I guess the issue is when it becomes a park.
Did any of the other parks that you mentioned...? You said there were six areas, 49,000 square kilometres. Are any of those areas reserve areas?
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
Okay, so they're all settled claims. I thought you did—
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Harold Albrecht
Just for clarification, my recollection is that Sable Island National Park is also a national park reserve.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Harold Albrecht
Yes. Only because we recently discussed that one, it was top of mind.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
I thought you used the word “reserve” with respect to Labrador as well. I'm not quibbling; I'm simply finding out whether there's a material difference between the two.
This consultation stuff that was raised by Mr. Bevington is curious. Sorry, Dennis. Apparently only two people supported what you proposed as option 3. Who are the 1,600 people who were consulted? Do they include people from the various aboriginal nations you're negotiating with at the present time?
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
Leona Aglukkaq Conservative Nunavut, NU
Absolutely. It's essential to negotiate with the land claims groups you're developing the park with.