Evidence of meeting #61 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendments.
A video is available from Parliament.
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS
I'm wondering if any of the leaders would object to that.
Is there consensus that what Manny has just said is reflective of the wishes of the organizations?
5:20 p.m.
Executive Chair, First Nations Financial Management Board
Yes. He's described exactly what we're all looking for. It has taken five years to get to this point. It took three times for this legislation to be introduced originally to get it passed. We can't wait with that time frame anymore. These are non-partisan issues. They should get everyone's support. The state of the indigenous community in this country is something that we should all be wanting to improve as quickly as possible.
May 1st, 2023 / 5:20 p.m.
President and Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Finance Authority
Agreed here. We would like to see this fast-tracked, if that is possible. It allows us to get on with other things. We have to start looking at other amendments down the road as well, as was mentioned here today, so I think getting this done quickly would be really beneficial to all first nations.
5:20 p.m.
Development Board Chair, First Nations Infrastructure Institute
FNII has probably moved quicker than all of the other institutions, because these folks paved the way for us. We have a clear path, a clear road, and we're excited about it. We want to become a new institution as early as possible. Infrastructure needs in our communities are insurmountable right now, and some communities don't even have safe drinking water. That's a vital part of living. We want to get going, and we're looking for this support.
Hych’ka Siem. Thank you very much.
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
Jaime Battiste Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS
Thank you. I have no further questions.
Leave it with us. We'll start the discussions on how we can try to speed this up.
5:20 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Jenica Atwin
Excellent. With that, it's been an illuminating two hours.
Thank you so much to our witnesses. It was incredible testimony.
I'm always so proud of this committee, and it is an honour to be your chair.
We will do all we can to ensure that we see this pass quickly through the House.
I will adjourn. Thank you very much.