Mr. Speaker, it is clear from the evidence that the problems of inadequate housing, poor water supply, crumbling infrastructure, economic underdevelopment and substandard education are causing aboriginal people across Canada unneeded pain and suffering.
Now the auditor general confirms what band members and the official opposition have been saying for years. I quote:
Regardless of program devolution, the department remains accountable for the way federal funds are used and for ensuring the results are acceptable.
He goes on to say that this minister and his department have a wide variety of problems including poor accountability and unacceptable results.
Why does the Sagkeeng Band not have a decent school for its children? Why cannot members of the Sturgeon Lake Cree have their education and health needs met? Why do the Kanesatake Mohawks question the validity of recent votes on the reserve? All of these issues are without adequate responses from the department.
I call upon the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to listen to these band members and be accountable. The auditor general has made it clear that these issues need to be resolved. I join with the auditor general and call for the government to clean up this mess.