First, Mr. Speaker, let me thank the hon. member for Yukon for raising the issue of Canada's aboriginal people who live in poor conditions off reserve, which was the basic premise of the question some time ago.
Unfortunately far too many aboriginal people across Canada live in very poor conditions. We recognize that.
However, it is worth noting that our government has put in place a government-wide action plan that addresses the key challenges facing all aboriginal people whether they live on or off reserve. This action plan, known as Gathering Strength, was announced more than a year ago and includes partnerships as one of its key principles.
It recognizes that a new partnership with aboriginal people is a prerequisite if we are going to effect real change. It also recognizes the importance of involving other partners such as the provincial governments. In fact it is the provinces that are particularly important players when it comes to issues facing aboriginal people living off reserve since they have the primary responsibility here.
Having said that, it is important to stress that Gathering Strength was developed in the spirit of working together to find practical solutions.
Continuing on the theme of partnership, the federal interlocutor has actively engaged the aboriginal groups to listen to their ideas and concerns. More than ever, the interlocutor has been an effective advocate within this government for Metis and off reserve aboriginal people.
Over the past year he has met a number of times with the aboriginal organizations representing all aboriginal peoples. The interlocutor has personally met with over 20 organizations on a bilateral basis and a great number more through multilateral fora. His door has always been open to aboriginal people and it remains so.
These meetings have resulted in several key accomplishments, for example, a number of signed agreements, an aboriginal trade mission to Latin America, and the hosting of a round table discussion on urban aboriginal issues in Regina, which is a first. All participants have found these meetings to be incredibly useful and necessary if we are going to make a difference.