Evidence of meeting #36 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was status.
A video is available from Parliament.
Citizenship Commissioner, Anishinabek Nation, Union of Ontario Indians
In the best of worlds, there should be. There would have to be.
National Chief, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Just coming back to the first part of your question, as you know, CAP represents off-reserve aboriginals.
I would ask Mr. Coté to answer the question you asked.
Senior Manager, Engagement, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
I just find it a little odd—and please don't take this as an insult or anything, because I don't mean any disrespect—coming from the Conservative side, considering that the Harper government appealed this decision from the onset, and the Liberal government is the one that withdrew the appeal.
That being said, let me finish that first part. For consultation, yes, it's guaranteed that there needs to be more consultation, but that's just in general on all aspects. The courts have been clear about consultation within the legislative body. In the legislative process, through Mikisew, they went to court and they won in dealing with the omnibus bill and the changes to CEAA.
Going to the second part of your question, yes, there needs to be more money injected into it. When Bill C-31 was enacted, there was some money, but definitely not enough. There was some housing money given, but definitely not enough to meet the demands that the communities faced. With Bill C-3 there was no money injected when it came into effect.
When these people returned to their communities and asked for programs and services, it was a huge strain on communities, so definitely more money is always welcome and needed.
Conservative
David Yurdiga Conservative Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB
Mr. Chair, I'd like to give the rest of my time to Cathy.
Conservative
Cathy McLeod Conservative Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, BC
I want to note for the record that this decision came down during the election. Cabinet does not meet during that time. Caretaker provisions kick in to keep options open for a future government. I think that was an important piece for the record. This was during a writ period when there are caretaker provisions only and options remain open.
Thank you.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Andy Fillmore
Are we all done?
We are out of time on that question.
Do you have a short...?
National Chief, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Yes, Mr. Chair.
I would just like to leave the committee with one small bit of information. I mentioned it in my notes, but I want to make sure that everybody goes home with it.
Right now, 70% of aboriginal peoples live off reserve. CAP is the one that is out there helping them. I just want you to take that back and, whenever you write your report, to make sure that is included. We find that sometimes we are set apart, and I think with all our constituencies that we represent, we should take a more active role, Mr. Chair. That's all I have to say.
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to us.
Citizenship Commissioner, Anishinabek Nation, Union of Ontario Indians
Can I make one comment about off reserve?
I totally agree, that we should not be concerned about our reserves being flooded by people returning. Of my three children, only one is living on the reserve. The other two are out within the broader Canadian society. There will be that give and take. I don't think it will be that big a problem.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Andy Fillmore
Thank you all for your testimony and your time today.
Thank you.
The meeting is adjourned.