Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
To all members, hello, kwe, ulaakut , tansi and bonjour. I'm so pleased to be here with you today on the territory of the Algonquin peoples to discuss my priorities as Minister of Indigenous Services.
Supporting long-term and reliable access to clean water for first nations communities is a top priority for this government. For decades, boil water advisories have persisted in first nations communities, creating a shameful reality where families are living with uncertainty over their most basic need. We've been working with partners to ensure this reality in Canada comes to an end.
Over the last eight years, we've invested in communities, and today, 83% of the long-term drinking water advisories impacting first nations that were in place in 2015 have been lifted. These investments have also prevented over 275 short-term advisories from becoming long-term ones.
This summer, I was in Star Blanket Cree Nation to celebrate with them the opening of their new water treatment plant. The chief, council and water operators were so joyful to be able to bring this most essential service to their members. It was an honour to be with this community on such an emotional day.
We do see a path to all remaining advisories being lifted, but as we continue this work, we must make sure we never find ourselves back in this place again. Bill C-61 is our response: a commitment built on partnership, engagement and recognizing the inherent rights of first nations to manage and control their own water systems.
This bill creates the tools of self-determination for first nations to protect source water and maintain drinking water and waste-water infrastructure on first nation lands. You've heard from over 60 witnesses that the status quo needs to change, and as the committee is set to begin clause-by-clause consideration very soon, I hope you will all treat this bill with the urgency that it deserves.
Children are the future, and ensuring that indigenous children have access to the services they need remains a shared responsibility.
All children and youth deserve a quality education. First nations, Inuit and Métis children should grow up with access to education that is aligned with their cultures and traditions without having to leave home. By working directly with communities, we have focused on building culturally mindful, healthy learning environments for indigenous students that reflect their distinct needs and priorities.
Earlier this month, I joined Piikani Nation to announce the funding for a new school facility that will serve over 600 students from kindergarten to grade 12 in their community. This $50-million investment will make sure that kids have access to high-quality education while they stay deeply connected to their culture and their homes.
Supporting students contributes to the growth and prosperity of communities.
When we support these kinds of projects and communities, we're supporting future generations of indigenous leaders who are proud of where they come from and who they are.
We also believe in self-determination and support first nations-led health organizations and projects across the country, including the June 2024 agreement in principle with the Southern Chiefs' Organization in Manitoba.
We all recognize that historical trauma and colonization have contributed to the poor mental health and substance use challenges that many indigenous community members face.
By following the lead of indigenous partners in supporting holistic approaches to wellness, as well as indigenous-led, community-based and culturally relevant interventions, we are together building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
First nations living in communities should also have access to primary care and safe, welcoming facilities to receive their health services. Our government has made progress in this area.
We have invested $157.9 million in the Norway House Cree Nation Health Centre of Excellence, which opened in August 2024 and is the largest indigenous-run health centre in Manitoba.
I think the work we've done in partnership with indigenous communities since 2015 is making an important difference. We've come a long way, but we can't take our progress for granted. Members of Parliament of all political stripes can be part of lasting systemic change by moving on urgently needed legislation like bills C-61, C-38, C-23 and S‑16.
Together, we really can build a system where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
I'm looking forward to your questions. Thank you. Meegwetch. Qujannamiik. Marsi. Merci.