House of Commons Hansard #213 of the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, let me be clear. No member of this government, neither I nor any member of the Conservative caucus, has ever endorsed or uttered that characterization of the movement by a sole employee of the RCMP, who I understand the RCMP has apologized for. I think it has appropriately apologized as it should have. This is not a view of that movement which is shared by this government. Going forward, we should instead work positively to improve the lot of members of first nations all across Canada.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB

Mr. Chair, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety said that it was absolutely abhorrent that anyone would ask the government to apologize for this kind of discriminatory language. Does the minister agree with the parliamentary secretary?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, can I do more than just reiterate that the Government of Canada does not share the view of that sole employee of the RCMP who has chosen to characterize the movement the way he has. This is not the view of our government and I repeat, we think that the RCMP has appropriately apologized for the statement of that member of the RCMP and that we should move forward positively to address the real issues affecting first nations across Canada.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB

Mr. Chair, I would remind the minister that this is a real issue and this was about a report that the RCMP had. It was not a single member and it is important to have clarifications from the minister in the House during question period as well.

Let us turn to the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women.

Does the minister agree that we must address, without delay, the problem of violence against first nations, Inuit, and Métis women?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, that is a serious and important issue. That is why last September, my colleague, the Minister of Status of Women announced on behalf of the government a plan of action to address this phenomenon that has been plaguing our country for far too long now.

Our government has put measures in place. I would remind my committee colleagues that in February, the provinces, territories, and national organizations agreed on a framework for action, which everyone endorsed, in order to adopt measures to address this issue.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

NDP

Niki Ashton NDP Churchill, MB

Mr. Chair, why did the minister refer to unreleased statistics in a private meeting with Alberta chiefs and is he now sorry for these comments?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:50 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, the member opposite has been raising the issue of violence against aboriginal women in the House for some time, yet each and every time we have put forward any single measure to improve the well-being of aboriginal women and girls, she has voted against it. Whether it be the matrimonial property rights, whether it be human rights that we have extended to members of first nations all across Canada, the NDP stood against this. The member has the gall tonight to stand and criticize us on a matter like she did. I think this is just flabbergasting.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

NDP

The Chair NDP Joe Comartin

Resuming debate with the government side, the hon. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

7:55 p.m.

Madawaska—Restigouche New Brunswick

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt ConservativeMinister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Chair, first of all, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to appear before the committee of the whole to discuss the main estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development for the fiscal year 2015-16.

Since 2006, our government has been honouring its commitment to foster the emergence of first nations and northern communities that are strong, healthy and self-sufficient. I am pleased to announce that our approach is producing results. By working with our aboriginal and northern partners across our great country, making carefully targeted investments, introducing legislation that enables first nations to overcome the constraints of the Indian Act, settling claims and signing self-government agreements, we are building on the progress we have made over the past nine years to stimulate the full participation of aboriginal peoples in the economy.

We know that increased aboriginal participation in the economy is the key to improving the well-being and quality of life of aboriginal people in Canada. We also know that aboriginal people are the fastest-growing population in Canada, and we simply cannot ignore this immense human resource potential. What is more, I firmly believe that a good job is better than any social program, which is why we are so determined to promote job creation.

That is why the purpose of every measure, every decision and every dollar that our government invests to assist aboriginal people and northerners is to help us reach our ultimate goal of creating jobs and economic opportunities for aboriginal and northern communities. We are getting results. Just this morning, I sent out the first report on the strategic partnership initiative, which the government first announced in 2010 and in which it invested another $61 million as part of economic action plan 2014. Since 2010, this initiative has made it possible to help over 400 aboriginal communities and organizations across the country create economic development opportunities. It has resulted in over 100 partnerships and nearly $100 million in additional funding from other sources.

We are also helping first nations to create tremendous economic opportunities in their communities through the First Nations Land Management Act, which enables first nations to manage their own land rather than be limited by the constraints of the Indian Act. The first nations that are participating in this regime have experienced significant economic growth. In fact, a recent KPMG survey on the advantages of this regime for participating first nations showed that investments in reserves were estimated at $270 million and that thousands of jobs had been created on reserves. That is why, in economic action plan 2015, we allocated an additional $30.3 million over five years to encourage other first nations to join this initiative.

In the north, our vision is embodied in our government's northern strategy and our actions are bringing this vision to life. It is a fact that no one can dispute that no other government in the history of this country has ever done more for northern Canada and northerners.

We are working toward an effective, predictable northern regulatory regime that will attract new investors and foster new economic opportunities for the north. Through the Northwest Territories' devolution and now in Nunavut, we are working with northerners toward greater control of their own land and resources. We are on track to ensure that the Canadian High Arctic Research Station located in Cambridge Bay is operational by July 2017, creating a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada's north.

As everyone can see, in nine years, we have made notable progress, and these are only a few examples.

The means through which this progress, both north and south of 60, can be sustained year over year is, among other things, the funding allocated to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada through the main estimates. However, my department is not the only way our government is contributing to progress for aboriginal people and northerners. There is also a host of other departments, including the private sector, the provinces and territorial governments. We are but a link in the chain.

The 2015-16 main estimates for my department forecast budgetary and non-budgetary expenditures of approximately $8.3 billion. That is a net increase of $178 million, or 2.2%, above last year's main estimates. This funding will support initiatives that improve social well-being and provide opportunities for economic prosperity in aboriginal and northern communities, vital initiatives such as safe drinking water, access to services and support for claims negotiations.

Healthy, sustainable communities require robust infrastructure and reliable water and waste water systems. That is why we provided $323.4 million over two years in last year's economic plan to implement the first nations water and waste water action plan. In the 2015-16 main estimates, $137.3 million has been allocated for the action plan so it can continue to fund these vital investments in water infrastructure projects in first nations communities.

Since 2006, we have spent roughly $3 billion to help communities manage their water and waste water infrastructure, and related public health activities. The recent passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act enabled us to work with first nations to develop federal regulations that would help protect the health and safety of residents on first nations land through much-needed enforceable standards.

The main estimates also show a net increase of $68.7 million to support the negotiation, settlement and implementation of comprehensive claims and self-government agreements across Canada. That is in line with our government's belief that in addition to resolving outstanding specific and special claims, negotiating and implementing comprehensive claims and self-government agreements contribute to stronger, healthier, more self-sufficient communities.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:05 p.m.

Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon B.C.

Conservative

Mark Strahl ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Chair, it is unfortunate that the member got cut off because I believe the actions of our government have shown that we are taking steps to improve the social well-being and economic opportunities for aboriginal people and northerners, and they have been substantial.

Could the minister expand on what he said in his remarks about the results we were seeing? Since I have been appointed to this role, I have had the pleasure of travelling across the country and seeing first hand how our government's focus on increasing aboriginal participation in the economy is the key to improving the well-being and quality of life of aboriginal people in Canada.

Could the minister describe, for the benefit of the committee, our government's approach to improving these economic opportunities on reserve?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, first, let me thank and congratulate the parliamentary secretary for the excellent work he does on the aboriginal file. I have never seen such dedication before. He is contributing a lot to the agenda of our government, which really is to try to improve the situation of all aboriginals across Canada from coast to coast to coast.

The recipe for improving the situation is very simple because of the situation we all know is there. We need to invest in education, skills training and promote business development and economic opportunities for first nations. This is the mainstay of our actions and we see improved results. These estimates continue in that same direction to create those opportunities for aboriginals all across Canada.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC

Mr. Chair, one of the items we saw in the recent budget was a commitment to the First Nations Land Management Act. The first duty I had when I was appointed parliamentary secretary was to accompany the minister to an announcement of additional member first nations, which were clambering to join this First Nations Land Management Act. It would remove them from 34 sections of the Indian Act and would give them more economic freedom to move at the speed of business. There were $30.3 million more added to the last budget.

Could the minister expand on this excellent act and why he thinks this benefits participating first nations?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:05 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, as I said in my speech, one of the areas where we have seen significant success is under the First Nations Land Management Act. Operational first nations that are currently under this regime have reported an increase of 4,000 jobs as a result of new businesses created on reserve land, including tourism, entertainment, transportation, warehousing and commercial retail.

In addition, what is more important is that they have attracted approximately $270 million in internal and external investments. Business with operational first nations has increased by as much as 73%. In economic action plan 2015 we will invest more money, more taxpayer dollars, because that will allow 25 more first nations to join the regime, on top of the 94 first nations across the country that have taken advantage of this opportunity.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Conservative

Mark Strahl Conservative Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC

Mr. Chair, I was hoping the minister could talk a bit about the amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which are part of Bill C-59, the budget implementation act that was introduced this week.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, I am really proud of this one. Although I am a very young member of Parliament, I was the minister of state for Indian Affairs and Northern Development when we created these capital corporations in the late 1980s. Last summer, I was proud to be present to celebrate with the first nations from B.C., Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario when the First Nations Finance Authority issued its inaugural bond for $90 million.

We have seen enormous progress, and the amendments in the budget implementation act are important because they will accelerate the process, eliminate red tape and will ensure that more first nations can join this great regime that produces great results.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Chair, I will start by picking up on some questions about the 2% cap.

According to the federal government's own statistics, the aboriginal population increased by 20.1% from 2006 to 2011. Yet, over those same years, the growth for the budget of Aboriginal Affairs was still capped at 2%.

Will the minister be willing to lift the cap?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, as I indicated in response to an earlier question, what members call a cap is really an escalator to take account of inflation and population growth. We must not be misled by the fact that at each budget, our department's allocation goes up by 2%. It goes up by much more than 2%. Between 2006-07 and 2015-16, the government will have invested a total of over $4 billion in new funding for the department for initiatives to support priorities, such as aboriginal economic development, first nation education, first nation child and family services, and on-reserve infrastructure.

It is a misnomer to talk about a cap. There is no cap.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Chair, but if it is supposed to increase by population, we would have seen more than a 2% growth. In fact, many of the individual programs that are required beyond the cap will need to be accompanied by cuts in other areas.

Have we not seen that happen before?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, it is a fact that there are pressures under certain programs, but these pressures are really an answer to the priority which this government puts on certain programs, for example, education.

Yes, there have been reallocations from infrastructure to education programs and there have been reallocations from infrastructure to social programs. These are programs that are in line with our determination to ensure that aboriginal people can participate in our economy.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:10 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Chair, in 2013, an internal briefing documented titled “Cost Drivers and Pressures” showed that the department was forced to shift more than $500 million of funding allocated to first nations' infrastructure to plug other funding shortfalls.

Why not lift the cap and put the adequate amount of money in? Why keep shifting money from one important program to cover the holes in another program?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, I know that the New Democratic Party and the Liberal Party, for that matter, are not really concerned about a budget being balanced. Some believe that budgets balance themselves, others just do not care, but we care. At the end of the day, taxpayers are the ones who hold the bag and have to pay, the working families of Canada.

Because of our determination to balance the budget in order to get all the benefits that this would bring to Canada, we do not just borrow more money to fund certain programs, we believe the budget currently answers—

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton

The hon. member for Labrador.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:15 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Chair, it is about making choices and the government opposite made choices to not put additional funding in the budget for first nation people, but instead to move money around.

When it comes to missing and murdered indigenous women in our country, why is he not supporting an inquiry into the more than 1,000 missing and murdered aboriginal women?

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, people who do not know what to do about a problem study it. This government has said that this issue has been studied many times, by many groups all over the country and a study or an inquiry would produce absolutely no action in solving or addressing the issue. Instead, we have said, just as many families of missing and murdered aboriginal women have told us, that it is time for action. We announced this in September, through our action plan, to address the issue.

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:15 p.m.

Liberal

Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL

Mr. Chair, it is not about a study; it is about getting to the root cause of violence against aboriginal women in our country.

I ask the minister: by not doing this inquiry, is the government sending a message that violence against indigenous women is okay?