Mr. Speaker, thousands of aboriginal women in this country are at a disadvantage. When going through a divorce, they can suddenly be banned from their home, or watch as it is sold without their consent and without receiving any of the funds. With the support of aboriginal women across Canada, international groups, and even the Manitoba NDP, our government has introduced matrimonial property rights legislation to protect thousands of women and children on reserve.
This act would allow judges to enforce emergency protection orders in situations of family violence. Yet shockingly, the Leader of the Opposition, his party and the Liberals are against our legislation that would give this basic right to aboriginal women. It has been long overdue, for over 25 years. They are putting political posturing ahead of these rights that, by the way, every other Canadian woman has.
This is shameful. Our government and our Conservative caucus will continue to stand up for the rights of aboriginal women.