Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As minister, Mr. Anandasangaree, you are responsible for relations with indigenous peoples, and that includes the issue of self-determination. As I see it, self-determination has to happen on an economic level as well, if first nations are to be fully empowered. I want to tell you about a young entrepreneur I met last week, Jason Picard‑Binet, and the hard time he's having.
He took over Bastien Industries, which makes the moccasins I am delighted to be wearing right now.
The economic vitality of indigenous communities is a source of pride and, above all, a tool to support communities. Bastien Industries' roots go all the way back to 1878, so the business has stood the test of time. Jason Picard‑Binet took over when he bought the company in 2022. A proud member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, he wants to carry on the work of the Bastien family while adding a modern touch.
Young entrepreneurs need supports. He, for instance, is looking towards new international markets and export growth. The CanExport program, however, does not make exemptions for registered businesses, because indigenous businesses are not corporations.
Are you willing to create a legal exemption to give companies like Bastien Industries better access to markets? The Department of Canadian Heritage makes exemptions like that.