Mr. Speaker, the response of the parliamentary secretary proves that the Assembly of First Nations is right: this is a bureaucratic attitude.
The unexpected costs of these forest fires are adding up for local authorities. The band chiefs of Manawan and Obedjiwan have asked the federal government for help as they face this crisis. The Manawan band council, for example, is stuck with an unexpected $80,000 bill.
Can the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development assure the Atikamekw authorities that it will cover the unexpected expenses?