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

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, I would like to follow up on a question from the member for Timmins—James Bay on the main estimates, for which he supplied the minister with the answer, which was that the sunsetting of targeted funding to improve first nations education revealed a decrease of $133.4 million.

If the department is expecting to save $133.4 million this year alone from sunsetting first nations education, and it is receiving only $40 million per year to replace those investments in budget 2015, is that not a cut?

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

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, what is important to recall is that there is in the budget an increase in the overall budget of this department.

As for education, I explained that the estimates are not the last word. There will be further supplementary estimates during the year, and with those we will address the issue of the sunsetting programs that can be renewed. These decisions, of course, are subject to the government and cabinet making those decisions.

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, budget 2015 proposes $200 million over five years, starting in 2015-16, for the first nations student success program and the education partnerships program. In terms of the fiscal framework, is this the same $40 million per year from budget 2014 to support implementation of the education legislation, which is currently on hold?

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

No, Mr. Chair, these are funds aimed at continuing the school initiative programs that sunsetted on March 31. That is what this money is intended for.

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, is the minister saying, therefore, that the $160 million over four years from budget 2014 is still in the fiscal framework to support the implementation of education reforms?

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

May 13th, 2015 / 10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, the money attached to the implementation of Bill C-33, just like Bill C-33, is on hold. The $200 million, which is not reflected in the estimates, because it is an economic action plan 2015 measure, will have to be accessed through supplementary estimates.

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, is the $1.25 billion in core funding over three years in budget 2014 that was to close the funding gap between first nations schools and those run by the provinces still in the fiscal framework?

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, that $1.25 billion over three years, increasing annually at the rate of 4.5%, is statutory funding that would follow Bill C-33, which is still before the House. If, for example, tomorrow morning we had a special meeting of the chiefs and assembly, and they decided to support Bill C-33, the money would be there.

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, I take it that it is in the fiscal framework.

I would like to ask the minister how he can justify withholding money for providing equality of opportunity to first nations students when all first nations communities, educators, students, and most Canadians do not think that any student entering the school system this year should have to wait.

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

10:15 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, we have been very clear that funding would not replace reform. Since the decision by AFN and the Assembly of Chiefs to reject and ask the government to abandon Bill C-33, we are working with stakeholders in the region to try to find a way to reform this non-system to ensure that at the end of the day the first nations' children can enjoy a good education system that produces good outcomes and results. We are talking with several stakeholders and trying to find a way to ensure that those objectives are met.

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

10:15 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, with due respect, I believe that the first nations' educators know exactly what it takes to get success. They want their students to do better, as is evidenced by the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative at Walpole Island.

Can the minister tell us what the current total backlog for first nations and Inuit individuals waiting for support through the post-secondary student support program is? What is the wait list backlog?

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, post-secondary education, as the hon. member ought to know, is administered by first nations band councils throughout Canada. AADNC, our department, transfers these funds to the first nations and they are the ones who make those decisions. Therefore, this is information that they have and we do not.

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, I understand that in 1997 the post-secondary student support program supported 22,938 individuals. In 2009, it supported 18,729 individuals. How many students were supported in 2014?

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, the post-secondary students that we want to encourage to pursue post-secondary studies were very happy to learn that in the last budget we again renewed our contribution to Indspire to ensure that post-secondary education students benefit from bursaries. Indspire levers from other stakeholders because of the federal contribution, so this will help greatly.

Specifically as to the number of students, in the vicinity of 20,000 to 22,000 people benefited from the post-secondary education program. However, the conditions for access to this post-secondary education fund is decided by first nations and we have no control over their decision as to what amounts, for how long, and what indeed they do subsidize with those funds.

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, I would suggest the minister go and sit in the offices of those first nations as they pore over the backlogs and the wait lists. The fact is it is the responsibility of the Government of Canada to get these students who have been accepted into post-secondary education that much needed education.

I will switch to water now. In 2011, the national assessment of first nations water and waste water systems indicated that the infrastructure was in a crisis and identified the need for an immediate additional investment of $1.2 billion to meet existing protocols. How much of that $1.2 billion of additional required funding has been allocated and how much has been spent?

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

10:20 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, just quickly on the issue of education, I would point out to the hon. member that since we have taken office we have increased funding for education by some 25%, which is an unprecedented amount in this country.

On the issue of water and waste water, from 2006 to 2014 our government has invested approximately $3 billion to support first nations communities in managing their water and waste water infrastructure. We are delivering on our commitment to extend the first nations water and waste water action plan with a further investment of $323 million over two years. That began in the last fiscal year and will continue in 2015-16.

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

10:20 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, unfortunately, like in so many areas, the amount that is being spent and the results that are being achieved are problematic on first nations.

In the most recent departmental performance report, March 31, 2014, only 42% of first nations drinking water systems achieved a low-risk rating. On page 54 of this year's plans and priorities, the government will declare a victory if 54%, roughly half, of first nations drinking water systems are low risk by 2019.

How can the minister justify leaving half of first nations drinking water systems at medium- or high-risk four years from now?

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

10:25 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, this is certainly a difference from the previous government of which she was a member, that obviously left all of those first nations without proper water systems.

Our action plan is a long-term plan. There are several pillars to it, and it is being funded at an unprecedented rate by this government. As indicated in the estimates this year, we will continue delivering this action plan for water and waste water, along with the development of regulations with first nations across Canada to ensure that for the first time they enjoy standards that protect their potable water, just like other Canadians take for granted every day.

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

10:25 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, unfortunately first nations find a bill that says “thou shalt have clean drinking water” and then no funds or resources to make it happen is a cynical approach.

Budget 2014 actually reduced the previous funding levels for the first nations water and waste water action plan by $7 million over two years. Is that correct?

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

10:25 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, again this is a sunset that was in fact renewed. In terms of progress, I would like the hon. member to know that the latest inspection on the annual performance inspection cycle showed that the number of water systems rated as high risk has decreased by some 9 percentage points, from 206 to 127. Significant progress is being made, and we will continue in that direction with investments that are earmarked in these estimates.

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

10:25 p.m.

Liberal

Carolyn Bennett Liberal St. Paul's, ON

Mr. Chair, I want to know if the minister understands that on March 31, 2015, there were 135 drinking water advisories in effect in 90 first nations communities across Canada, excluding British Columbia. There were 35 boil water advisories in B.C. first nations as of January this year.

Does the minister understand that we are talking about real people who are too often living in third world conditions right here in Canada? When will we see a strategy when 100% of first nations homes in 100% of the communities will have clean drinking water?

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

10:25 p.m.

Conservative

Bernard Valcourt Conservative Madawaska—Restigouche, NB

Mr. Chair, the fact of the matter is that many first nations communities face the same challenges in providing access to safe drinking water as do other small, remote or isolated communities, such as difficulties in finding and retaining qualified water treatment plant operators. The aboriginal demographics from the 2011 national household survey showed that 70% of first nations reserves had a population of fewer than 500 people and that 285 first nations reserves had fewer than 100 inhabitants.

That is why, being reasonable, we have this long-term action plan that is in effect. The amount of funds invested in water and waste water is unprecedented. It is close to $3 billion since we took office. As indicated in these estimates, we continue in the same direction to execute our action plan.

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

10:25 p.m.

Conservative

The Deputy Chair Conservative Barry Devolin

Time having expired, we will resume with the hon. member for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River.

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

10:25 p.m.

Conservative

Rob Clarke Conservative Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Mr. Chair, Canadians across the country expect access to clean, safe drinking water. Our government has been working since we were elected to ensure that this rigorous standard applies on reserve as well. We understand that access to a reliable source of clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to the health and well-being of any community. It is a basic part of the infrastructure that communities need to grow and prosper.

I am proud to stand in the House and share with my colleagues all of the important work that our government has accomplished on this front. As they will hear, a key priority of our government is to put in place the conditions that support long-term prosperity for all Canadians, aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike.

Access to safe drinking water, the effective treatment of waste water, and the protection of sources of drinking water in first nations communities is critical in ensuring the health and safety of first nations. First nations should expect access to safe, clean and reliable water, and waste water services at a level comparable to those enjoyed by other Canadians living in communities of similar size and location.

Since being elected, our government has invested heavily to support first nations communities in managing their water and waste water systems. In fact, since we took power, 243 major water and waste water projects, those valued at over $1.5 million, were completed in 177 first nations across Canada.

In 2013-14 alone, 543 first nations and 74 tribal councils received funding to support 733 on-reserve drinking water systems. In addition to major improvements, our government continues to provide funding for operations and maintenance or smaller upgrades to first nations water systems.

In communities where it may not be necessary for first nations to operate their own water and waste water facilities, we provide funding for service agreements with local municipalities to provide water services. In 2013 and 2014, we funded 49 of these agreements.

Our government is delivering on its commitment to address water and waste water issues by extending the first nations water and waste water action plan with further investments of just over $323 million over 2 years, beginning in 2014-15.

These investments support the concrete actions that our government has taken to support first nations communities in improving water and waste water services.

Let me share some of our most recent investments. Just last month, we announced $3.8 million to update the Ucluelet First Nation water system. More than $9.9 million was announced in December 2014 to upgrade water systems for the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band and the Okanagan Indian Band. T

In November 2014, we announced $5 million to upgrade water infrastructures for the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band and Upper Nicola Indian Band. We also, recently, announced $27.6 million in funding for the construction of a new water treatment plant and distribution centre for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

These are just the most recent examples of investments that we are making. They are investments that will make a difference in the lives of those living on first nations reserves.

Along with the funding that we provide for first nations to assist in the planning, construction, upgrade and operation, and maintenance of water and waste water systems, funding is also provided to enhance the capacity and training of the on-reserve water and waste water system operators. Results in the 2011 national assessment were very clear. Trained and certified individuals operating these water and waste water systems reduce the risks and help to ensure safe drinking water in first nations communities.

That is why our government is working with first nations and their technical organizations to increase the capacity of operators. We also provide funding to first nations for the circuit rider training program, which is a specialized training program that provides first nations operators with ongoing, on-site training and mentoring on how to operate their drinking water and waste water systems.

In 2014-15, we invested over $10 million into the circuit rider training program across Canada. This is direct evidence of our government's commitment to creating the conditions for stronger, healthier, more self-sufficient first nation communities. Investments in water and waste water infrastructure also open the door to economic and job opportunities that will make a real difference in the lives of people today and generations to come.

In addition to strategic investments to improve first nations' water and waste water infrastructure, our government has worked in partnership with first nations to provide legal protections for first nations' water and waste water quality on reserve.

The Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which was passed in 2013, provides enforceable standards to govern water and waste water quality on reserve. This will ensure that residents on reserve have the same access to clean and safe drinking water that other Canadians do.

Before our government brought this act into force, standards and regulations existed for drinking water quality off reserve, but there was no such protection for hundreds of thousands of first nations who lived on reserve. Thanks to our government, first nations will soon enjoy the same quality of water as all other Canadians.

We are currently in the process of working jointly with first nations to develop specific standards and regulations. While this will take time, it will allow our government the opportunity to bring the water and waste water infrastructure and capacity to the level required for future standards.

It is important to note that this is an initiative that was supported by first nations. When the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was introduced, Chief Lawrence Paul, Millbrook First Nation, offered ringing praise for the bill. He said:

First Nations will be able to look forward to having the same protections that other Canadians have around the provision of drinking water, water quality standards and the disposal of wastewater in their communities. This is not only an important health and safety issue, but will help build confidence in our infrastructure and help create a better climate for investment.

It is clear that our government has made working with first nation partners to improve on-reserve water and waste water services a priority. Through progress on enforceable standards, through substantial investments in water and waste water systems, and by supporting capacity building and operator training, we are delivering concrete results. I am confident and comfortable that our government will continue to make progress as long as we remain on this path.

Our government is delivering on its commitment to address water and waste water issues by extending the first nation water and waste water action plan with further investments of $323.4 million over two years, beginning in 2014-15.

In the spirit of innovation and partnerships, what other innovative solutions is the government pursuing to achieve value for money in the context of supporting first nations in managing their water and waste water infrastructure?

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

10:35 p.m.

Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon B.C.

Conservative

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

Mr. Chair, first, I would like to thank the member for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, a strong member of our aboriginal affairs committee, a proud member of the Plains Cree Nation and former member of the RCMP who has great experience working in first nation communities. I was glad to hear him speak about some of the improvements that our government is making in water and waste water on reserved.

Our government believes that first nations should have access to the same quality of water and waste water as all other Canadians. It is quite simple. That is why we are creating the conditions for self-sufficient first nation communities in exploring alternative ways of financing infrastructure on reserve, and that continues to be a priority for our government.

One great example of this is the collaboration between the government and the four Island Lake communities in Manitoba to implement a multi-year action plan to improve water and waste water services. We will continue to build on these successful partnerships and ensure that first nations have the tools they need to manage their own affairs and be less dependent on the government for financing.