Thank you.
Since 1986 the commission has heard from the Cree-Naskapi people about many issues and concerns. That's almost 30 years that we've been around. These concerns raised by the people usually form the basis of our recommendations in the various reports we have prepared. Many of these issues have been resolved. Unfortunately, however, a few matters have remained unresolved year after year, and we keep repeating our recommendations.
The main issues in this category include the need to amend the act—that is the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act—that was put into force back in 1984, so we're talking about the fact that it's been around for almost 30 years. In fact, it will be 30 years this year, and the act remains unamended with respect to improving the decision-making process of local governments and local administrations.
The quorum provisions under the act are much too high for people to comply with. At the time when the act itself was being considered by the parties, the Cree population was about 6,000 people. We now have a population triple that size and is now 18,000. A quorum provision requiring something like 20% of electors voting on an issue is much too high, considering that the number of electors has risen in numbers greatly over the past years.
These provisions are in the act, so the Cree are stuck with these quorum provisions. They need to be reviewed and amended accordingly.
Such things as long-term borrowing bylaws require a quorum provision that is much too high. It's not practical to expect bands to hold a referendum on a long-term borrowing bylaw. Sometimes the Cree do have to conduct a referendum, because they cannot have 20% of the electors meeting in the band hall somewhere to vote on an issue, so they have to revert to a referendum. We don't think that should be necessary. It simply impedes local administration.
There is also the need to address a large and growing housing shortage in the Cree communities. This is not simply an isolated Cree issue. We know that it is in fact a big issue right across Canada among other first nations. Every time we bring the people together for hearings on the implementation of the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act, housing is an issue that has repeatedly been reported to us and is a matter that needs to be resolved as it remains a critical issue.
The other issue is the block D lands, which are lands near the community of Chisasibi. There is an airstrip on block D. Since 1986 it's an issue that has again and again been brought to our attention. That strip of land was promised to be transferred to Chisasibi and it remains unresolved today. Some progress has been made, but the matter is not finalized as of today.
Another issue that's been brought to our attention again and again concerns the youth and the need for programs and services for the youth, and adequate funding for these programs and services. Because of the high rate at which our young people remain in the communities in comparison with other first nations, the need is especially great. The commission has recommended that Canada address this issue with the Cree-Naskapi communities for 22 years, and the need continues to grow.
At this point I will call upon my colleague Commissioner Kanatewat.