Thank you so much, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the committee members for the invitation to be before you this evening.
I would also like to begin by acknowledging that we meet today on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people.
I welcome the chance to join a conversation about issues that I believe can and should be addressed collectively across parties.
The work of this committee helps to guide Parliament as we walk the path of reconciliation.
We are looking for true reconciliation, with renewed nation-to-nation and government-to-government relationships, as well as relationships between the Crown and first nations, the Métis and Inuit, through which we will strengthen partnerships with rights holders.
At the heart of this journey is economic reconciliation. How can we work with our indigenous partners to build a fair and equitable Canada? All departments have a role to play in this work. At Employment and Social Development Canada, we are working to close the skills and opportunities gaps that affect far too many indigenous people.
We created the indigenous skills and employment training program, a co‑developed framework designed to reduce skills and employment gaps between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Organizations have the flexibility to prioritize training and skills development based on the needs of their communities.
The skills and partnership fund fosters partnerships between indigenous organizations and employers. This program supports training that directly connects indigenous peoples to jobs, enhancing access to meaningful economic opportunities.
I would be remiss not to mention, in my capacity as Minister of Veterans Affairs, the ongoing work that my department is doing to improve services and recognition for indigenous veterans. First nations, Inuit and Métis people served Canada with pride, yet often they faced discrimination. The indigenous veterans engagement team works to reduce barriers to access, improve outreach and increase the offering of culturally appropriate services.
We’re also investing in indigenous-led initiatives. Through the veteran and family well-being fund, we have provided funding directly to organizations like the Assembly of First Nations, the Southern Chiefs' Organization and others whose work improves the well-being of indigenous veterans.
More broadly, our government has invested in the next steps on the path of reconciliation through budget 2024. This year’s budget includes indigenous housing and community infrastructure investments of $918 million. This is beyond the $5 billion already available for communities in 2024-25.
A recent report from the Assembly of First Nations found that every dollar invested in first nations infrastructure generates $1.82 in economic output. This additional funding will accelerate work to narrow housing and infrastructure gaps in first nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Specifically, $426 million is earmarked for first nations on reserve, $62 million is targeted towards self-governing and modern treaty first nations, $370 million will go to Inuit communities and $60 million is set aside for Métis communities.
Restoring and promoting language and culture is an important part of healing, reconciliation and the promotion of a strong sense of identity and community.
We are investing $1.8 billion to support indigenous communities in exercising their jurisdiction under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
Budget 2024 supported indigenous cultures by investing over $290 million in indigenous-led efforts to reclaim, revitalize and strengthen indigenous cultures and languages.
There is also an investment of $388 million to support indigenous entrepreneurship and indigenous tourism, to unlock new clean energy opportunities and to support the strategic partnerships initiative.
Together as partners, we must do the work of creating opportunities and more prosperity for indigenous people across Canada so that they can succeed on their own terms.
I hope we can do this work together, and I hope our conversations today will help advance this collective goal.
Again, I want to thank the committee for the invitation. I also want to thank the officials for being here. We look forward to your questions.