Debates of May 13th, 2015

Indian Affairs and Northern Development--Main Estimates, 2015-2016

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, I cannot. However, if the member is so concerned about education for first nations students on reserve, it is funny that when last year's budget earmarked $1.2 billion for statutory funding that would have provided the children living in Kashechewan and everywhere else with the same level of funding that they were getting from the province, he voted against it.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, I do not know what the minister is talking about. We are talking about numeracy and literacy rates of 18% and 21% in the Ontario region, and I asked whether he could confirm that the internal audit of AANDC into elementary and secondary schools on reserve had been cancelled. Will he confirm that?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, I was talking about a budget measure in 2014 of $1.25 billion, increasing annually at a rate of 4.5%, to ensure that we could increase the numeracy and literacy rates among first nation children on reserve, and he voted against it.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, that was a fairly ridiculous response to something that he should know, because they were bragging about cutting this internal audit in their own end-of-year report. I would be surprised if the minister did not know that.

In 2013-14, how much of the $300 million that was planned for educational facilities was actually spent?

The answer is that they held back $86 million and did not bother to spend it on first nations children.

According to AANDC's $8.2 billion infrastructure gap, how much is needed for school facilities?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, most recently—and he voted against it—we committed $500 million over seven years through our economic action plan in 2014, and the 2015 economic action plan has an education and infrastructure fund beginning this year. These funds represent the continuation of the $175 million over three years for school infrastructure that we had announced in economic plan 2012.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, as I said, it is not very helpful when they make these promises and then pull the money back and actually do not spend it, as their own reports say.

Will the minister tell us, because he is the minister in charge of the education of thousands and thousands of indigenous children in this country, what the graduating rates are for elementary school and high school first nation students on reserve?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, I do not have that figure in front of me.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, would he be able to tell us, from his own government studies, what the cost is to the Canadian economy for each cohort of 14- to 19-year-old students who drop out? Could he tell us that?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

No, Mr. Chair, I do not have that information in front of me.

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

We have about a minute and a half left.

The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, I am not trying to make this hard, but these are from his own education reports in 2012 on first nation education. It said there was a 40% dropout rate and that the cost to the Canadian economy was $887 million for each cohort of 14- to 19-year-old students who drop out. I would think the minister would be very concerned about that, but obviously he does not bother to read his own reports.

Would the minister tell us how much AANDC allocates specifically for special education for first nation students on reserve?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, what I know is that we were concerned enough, at a time when the priority was balancing the budget in the last economic action plan in 2014, that we budgeted close to $2 billion to improve the education system so that we would have better outcomes. If I recall, clearly the member's party voted against that budget.

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

We have time for one more short question.

The hon. member for Timmins—James Bay.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Mr. Chair, I am not going to engage in silly rhetoric with the minister. I am going to ask him, given the horrific death rates that we have among children who do not have access to schools, if he can tell us what the national suicide rate is on reserve among young people under his watch?

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, the assertion of the hon. member that these children are under the minister's watch shows a great misunderstanding by the member of the responsibility of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. These children are first and foremost the responsibility of their parents throughout Canada, and the government—

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

That is not your responsibility? You are a clown. That man is a clown—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Order. That is out of order.

Resuming debate, the hon. member for—

[Bernard Valcourt, Conservative, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

You have no clue—

[The Assistant Deputy Chair, Conservative, Bruce Stanton]

Order. The hon. minister will take his seat.

The hon. member for Red Deer.

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Chair, I would like to take this time to discuss advances we have made in relation to the Canadian High Arctic research station, or CHARS, which is a key element of Canada's northern strategy.

Canada's north is a fundamental part of Canada. It is part of our heritage, our future and our identity as a country. Our Conservative government recognizes the north's importance and unlike previous governments has taken action to strengthen this region. Our northern strategy outlines an overarching vision for the north for the benefit of all Canadians. It is taking concrete actions on four priority areas: exercising our Arctic sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and evolving northern governance.

The mandate of the research station includes undertaking science and technology research that supports resource development, the promotion of Arctic sovereignty and environmental stewardship. By conducting research that addresses some of the pressing problems facing northerners, CHARS is also committed to the development of strong and healthy communities across the north.

Within the 2015-16 main estimates, $47.6 million is being allocated for the construction of the Canadian High Arctic research station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and the implementation of the associated science and technology program. However, our government's support for CHARS is not new. In 2012, our Prime Minister announced funding of $142.4 million over six years for the construction and start-up of the station.

The development of CHARS is yet another step forward in achieving our government's vision for a strong, sovereign and prosperous north. It will cement Canada's place as a world leader in Arctic science and technology and provide a medium of exercising sovereignty over our northern lands. Science and technology research undertaken at CHARS will allow people to better understand and protect the northern environment. It will also contribute to the development and diversification of northern economies.

The Canadian High Arctic research station is currently under construction in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and is expected to be completed on schedule in 2017.

Recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge, the station's mandate specifies as a principle that the station will work with aboriginal peoples of Canada's north. The community of Cambridge Bay has also been actively involved in the development of the station. CHARS continues to be engaged in consultation with northerners and with input from aboriginal, academic, industry, territorial and government stakeholders.

The Canadian High Arctic research station will continue to rely upon the expertise and knowledge of all northerners, now and into the future, and will ensure the research conducted reflects northerners' rich history, traditions, expertise and knowledge. CHARS will complement and anchor the existing diverse network of facilities across the north and will comprise a suite of services for science and technology.

While the station at Cambridge Bay is expected to be operational in 2017, valuable research has already begun. Beginning on March 3, 2014, CHAR's chief scientist Dr. Martin Raillard has led the implementation of the science and technology program. In fact, the first field season of research was completed in the summer of 2014. Preparation for the second field season is well under way and proposals for the 2015-16 science and technology call for proposals are currently being reviewed.

The work to be done at the station will lead and support Arctic science and technology to develop and diversify the economy in Canada's Arctic; support the effective stewardship of Canada's Arctic lands, waters and resources; create a hub for scientific activity in Canada's vast and diverse Arctic; promote self-sufficient, vibrant and healthy northern communities; inspire and build capacity through training, education and outreach; enhance Canada's visible presence in the Arctic; and strengthen Canada's leadership on Arctic issues.

The new station will attract international scientists to work on science and technology issues in Canada's north and will strengthen Canada's leadership position in polar research. This station is being built by Canadians to serve Canada, and the world, and to engage northerners in the development of cutting-edge science and technology. Beyond promoting polar science, the Canadian High Arctic research station will also strengthen the Canadian economy.

CHARS will also promote jobs and training at the regional level, starting with the construction of the station, which is expected to generate up to 150 jobs, mostly locally, across the north. To date, 26 tender packages have been awarded, for a total of approximately $70 million; 65% of the value of this work will be undertaken by Inuit-owned or Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated registered firms.

Once CHARS is operational, the research, capacity building, and outreach activities will provide northerners with skills and expertise to better participate in the labour force, from mining and energy, to natural resources, to health and life sciences. CHARS will also develop highly qualified personnel and leadership in the north and across Canada. Once the station is complete, it is expected that approximately 50 full-time scientists and support staff will be based in Cambridge Bay.

CHARS is a strong example of this government's commitment to creating jobs, growth, and prosperity in the north and across the country.

Our government is also continuing its important work under the Arctic science and technology pillar of the northern strategy by demonstrating leadership in Arctic science.

During the northern tour visit to the Cambridge Bay site of the Canadian High Arctic research station, the Prime Minister remarked,

The North is a fundamental part of Canada’s heritage, future and identity, and we must continue to assert our sovereignty over Canada’s Arctic. This new station will undertake science and technology research that will support the responsible development of Canada’s North, inform environmental stewardship, and enhance the quality of life of Northerners and all Canadians.

The Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act, which received royal assent in December 2014, will provide for a year-round, world-class facility for science and technology in our north. It will merge the knowledge and resources of the Canadian Polar Commission with the science and technology program at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The merger will promote the development and dissemination of knowledge with respect to the polar regions as well as strengthen Canada's leadership on Arctic issues. It will also build upon and strengthen the commission's record and increase the national and international prominence of Canadian Arctic science and technology.

The creation of this new organization will support our government's respect for the Nunavut land claims agreement and our commitment to improving the quality of life of northerners.

The new organization will strengthen Canada's leadership in Arctic science, research, and innovation. While the station will be the focal point for research, the new organization that will use the station as its headquarters will also help build partnerships across the north and strengthen innovation and economic growth.

Our government is committed to Canadian sovereignty over Canada's Arctic lands and to ensuring that a strong and prosperous north helps shape the future of our nation. Every Canadian can take pride in the progress our government continues to make on issues of importance to people living in the north and to the future of our country.

There are a couple of things I would like to speak to and see if I can get a response from the parliamentary secretary.

As we know, a key pillar of this government's national strategy is the Canadian High Arctic research station. CHARS will establish a new world-class federal research organization that will be responsible for advancing Canada's knowledge of the Arctic, promoting the development and dissemination of knowledge of the circumpolar region, strengthening Canada's leadership on Arctic issues, exercising stewardship and sovereignty over Canada's northern lands and waters, and ensuring a research presence in Canada's Arctic.

CHARS will provide Canada and the world with cutting-edge Arctic science and technology to support and inform decision-making in the north while contributing to the economic prosperity of all Canadians.

I wonder if perhaps our parliamentary secretary would speak to the main objectives of our Canadian High Arctic research station?

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development]

First, Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the member for Red Deer, a strong supporter of our sovereignty, certainly a strong member of our aboriginal affairs committee, and a strong advocate for economic opportunity for aboriginal people.

To get back to his question, the Canadian High Arctic research station will provide Canada and the world with cutting-edge science and technology to support and inform decision-making in the north while contributing to the economic prosperity of all Canadians.

The specific objectives of the Canadian High Arctic research station are to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge in respect of the polar region; to develop and diversity the economy in Canada's Arctic; to support the effective stewardship of Canada's Arctic lands, waters, and resources; to create a hub for scientific activity in Canada's vast and diverse Arctic by connecting with an existing network of northern research stations; to promote self-sufficient, vibrant, and healthy northern communities; to inspire and build capacity through training, education, and outreach; and to enhance Canada's visible presence in the Arctic and strengthen Canada's leadership on Arctic issues.

This is just one part of our northern strategy, which is getting results for Canadians in the north.

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Chair, our government first announced the establishment of CHARS, a world-class year-round institution, in the 2007 Speech from the Throne. Of course, establishing CHARS as a new federal organization represents the next significant milestone in the development of our government's northern strategy initiative, and Arctic science and technology in Canada more broadly.

The CHARS will contribute to Canada's understanding of the north and will anchor a strong research presence in Canada's Arctic to serve Canada and the world. As a former science teacher, I am interested in the educational aspects of this, but I am just wondering again if the parliamentary secretary could explain to the committee what the benefits of CHARS will be.

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Chair, not only will CHARS benefit the scientific community in Canada, and indeed internationally, it will support the local economy and generate service contracts and employment in that region.

It is estimated that the construction phase alone will generate up to 150 jobs across the north. Of the 15 construction subcontracts tendered to date, over $18 million have been awarded to Inuit-owned or Nunavut Tunnqavik Inc. registered firms, and once CHARS is operational, the research, capacity building, and outreach activities will provide northerners with skills and experience to better participate in the labour force, whether it is in mining, energy, the management of wildlife and natural resources, or health and life sciences. CHARS will also develop highly qualified personnel and leadership in the north and across Canada.

[Earl Dreeshen, Conservative, Red Deer, AB]

Mr. Chair, as per its mandate, the Canadian Polar Commission focuses on the promotion and dissemination of polar research and knowledge as well as on collaboration and co-operation with Canadian and international institutions. These functions align directly with the work that is going to be undertaken by CHARS as part of our government's northern strategy. CHARS will be promoting Canadian sovereignty over our Arctic lands and will be focusing on science and technology that will improve the quality of life for northerners.

I am wondering again if the parliamentary secretary could update the House on what will happen to the existing Canadian Polar Commission once CHARS is established.

[Mark Strahl, Conservative, Chilliwack—Fraser Canyon, BC]

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the member's interest in CHARS, as he mentioned, as an educator. Obviously, this sort of science and technology infrastructure will benefit students like his former students for generations to come.

The CHARS Act will repeal the Canadian Polar Commission Act and will incorporate the CPC mandate into that of CHARS. The integration of the Canadian Polar Commission and CHARS into a single organization is proposed to create one point of contact, representation, and leadership for polar science and technology in Canada.

The merger will build on recent advances the Canadian Polar Commission has made and will ensure that science and technology features even more prominently in Canada's north than it has in the past. The merger will increase the national and international prominence of Canadian Arctic science and technology.

As per its mandate, the Canadian Polar Commission focuses on the promotion and dissemination of polar research and knowledge as well as on collaboration and co-operation with Canadian and international institutions. These functions align directly with the work that will be undertaken by CHARS.