Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the minister for being here.
Minister, Loon River First Nation is located just outside of Peace River in my riding and it did not submit an application for the Canada summer jobs grant due to the discriminatory practices in the attestation. Chief Bernadette Sharpe wrote me and she said, “We hold to the values taught by our elders, and will not compromise for a few dollars.”
As you know, the Canada summer jobs programs provides training and skills training for students across Canada, especially in the first nations communities in my riding.
On behalf of Loon River First Nation, I'm seeking your explanation as to why first nations in my riding are expected to choose between honouring their elders' values and respecting traditional values and funding for their communities.