Thank you.
My first question is for Minister Anandasangaree.
In the fall economic statement, it became clear that this government is moving away from indigenous peoples being this government's most important relationship, as you mentioned. Not only is this government cutting funding at a time of great need; a number of programs are being sunsetted, including those that deal with the harmful and destructive legacy of residential schools. There's currently no plan to fund this program past 2025, and communities are concerned.
Three years ago, Pimicikamak First Nation here in northern Manitoba was clear that they wanted to work with the International Commission on Missing Persons to help them with the searches of the burial grounds of the residential school on their territory. This contract is slated to end this year.
Why has your department failed to work with Pimicikamak and the ICMP? Are you willing to extend the programming available to Cross Lake at this time?
I will point out that the great irony is that Canada is willing to work with organizations like the ICMP in Ukraine and Iraq but unwilling to support first nations who want to work with them here at home. So much for reconciliation.
I'll go back to my question. What is your plan to support Pimicikamak and their desire to work with ICMP, as others have expressed as well, given that this program is being sunsetted?