Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to address the question by the hon. member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith regarding the Site C project.
In the fall of 2014, the former government approved the project and set legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts inspection activities to verify that BC Hydro is in compliance with conditions included in the environmental assessment decision statement. When necessary, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will undertake enforcement actions to bring BC Hydro back into compliance with these conditions.
The Impact Assessment Act creates a new, fairer and more balanced system for reviewing and approving major projects. This is vitally important for growing our economy, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for all Canadians.
Our government is committed to building a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples that is based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
Our government notes the efforts of BC Hydro at Site C to mitigate potential impacts, including on-site housing and recreation for workers, mental health and addiction programming, and funding for child care and not-for-profits that focus on vulnerable populations, including indigenous women and girls.
We recognize that consultation with indigenous peoples is not simply a legal duty. It is the honourable way for us to build relationships and work towards reconciliation.
We continue to engage in discussions with indigenous leaders on how we can work together on issues related to consultation, environmental protection and natural resource development.
Our government is committed to ensuring indigenous peoples have the opportunity to express their views, and meaningfully participate and contribute to this ongoing dialogue.
In closing, I want to assure the House and my hon. colleague that we will honour our commitments to Canadians. We will work with Canada's indigenous peoples and other interested parties to achieve results for all Canadians and generations to come.