Evidence of meeting #56 for Status of Women in the 40th Parliament, 3rd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was welfare.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Ms. Murphy.
Now I'm going to go to Monsieur Desnoyers, for the Bloc. You have two minutes.
Bloc
Luc Desnoyers Bloc Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I realize that the witness is reading a document or a number of documents related to our questions. Would it be possible to have a copy of those documents? She's giving us answers that appear in her document.
My questions are as follows. In your introductory speech, you mentioned that what might increase the risk of violence against aboriginal women is, among other things, low education levels, unemployment and poverty. Would it be possible to have a written answer on what the department has done on those three issues to improve the plight of the various aboriginal communities?
Then, on page 4, you say that “106 agencies deliver programs under agreements with provincial child welfare authorities.” Would it be possible to have a list of those groups and the extent to which they are subsidized?
I'd like to have one or more copies of the agreements that have been signed between the provincial and federal levels with regard to enhanced prevention, as you call it—which is a new term we've just learned—in the aboriginal communities.
On page 4 of your report, you state that, in 2007, “the federal government took action to help first nations child and family services providers to improve outcomes.” Have there been any substantial improvements as a result of this approach since 2007?
On page 5, you state: “In the past three years, for instance, the number of Alberta first nations children in care on reserve has dropped; permanent placements are on the rise.”
This is somewhat the same question as my colleague, what is—
Luc Desnoyers Bloc Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC
All right. I'd like to have that list. In the end, I'll stop here.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
There is no response except that we would be expecting that the clerk would have copies of all those requests for information.
Director General, Social Policy and Programs Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Yes, we can provide the requests for information.
NDP
Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON
I have two quick questions.
First, Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba has an extensive healing program that looks at sexual abuse as a root of many of the problems in that community, including addictions, anger management, and violence. What is needed in order for other communities to have access to that same kind of healing program? Have you considered the Hollow Water template for others?
Finally, I was at an event this morning with the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence. They've created a workbook for use in shelters, and it's a step-by-step process that helps a woman, a victim of violence, acquire financial skills and literacy skills in order to get the support that she needs in order to escape the violence that she faces. Has this come across your desk at INAC, and what are the chances of getting this funded? They're looking for support for this program.
Senior Policy Analyst, Social Programs Reform Directorate, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
With respect to the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence, INAC, through the family violence prevention program, provides the circle with core funding and also with funding to support their annual training forum. We do support the circle and their efforts to provide those resources for shelters.
Director General, Social Policy and Programs Branch, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
You also asked about the Hollow Water addiction centre in Manitoba. I'm not personally familiar with that centre. This is my second month in this position; however, I think we would look at that, see what that is, and see what's appropriate in terms of its providing services. We could get back to you with a response to that question.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you very much.
Now I'm going to suspend for one minute while we go in camera. There are some things that have just come up that I need to get your answers to with regard to decisions that the committee has to make.
Thank you.
Will everyone who is not authorized to be in the room please leave?
[Proceedings continue in camera]