Debates of May 4th, 2022

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

[Matthew Green, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Madam Chair, the hon. member raised a very important point in the context of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and that is the culpability of men. He talked about the need for greater attention to young boys and the perpetration of toxic masculinity. I would like the hon. member to have the opportunity to expand on what he feels we could be doing better as a society to end the talks of masculinity that results in the violence against missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Chair, so much of the teaching of young boys starts in the home and starts with the examples set by families. I spoke about the importance of strong families and the instruction that is provided in the home, as well as the importance of young men receiving a positive image of masculinity and how to treat women and all people they come in contact with respectfully. Having a strong family to model that positive image, as well as doing what we can around access to violent images, are steps we can take as legislators on that side, along with supporting strong families.

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Madam Chair, kwe, unusakut, tansi, hello and bonjour.

I will be sharing my time with the member for Sydney—Victoria, whom I respect so much and who has taught me a lot about indigenous people and their culture.

I am here today speaking to members from the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

Last week, I had the opportunity to rise in the House to speak to the impacts of gender-based violence within my riding of Mississauga—Streetsville. I also spoke in detail about the increase in targeted hate and violence in this country, and how budget 2022 was addressing these items. It is proven that violence and abuse can lead to poor physical and mental health, serious injuries and even homicide.

Today, it is difficult talking about indigenous missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, but it is a topic that is much needed and necessary to help all of us learn and be a part of change.

Culture is the foundation on which we build identity, our sense of self. In Canada, colonialism has robbed generations of indigenous people of their sense of knowing and of their community. It robbed indigenous peoples of their languages, spirituality, and ways of interacting with the land and in the world. It forcefully disconnected indigenous people from each other and their communities. It stripped indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, LGBTQQIA+ people of their vital role, undermining their inherent value and positioning in society.

To heal, indigenous peoples must be able to reclaim, preserve and practice their culture. They have the wisdom and resilience to do this. However, it is the responsibility of the federal government to support this work with steadfast listening and actions that match our words.

The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, truth, co-operation and partnership. Historic investments have been made to support indigenous priorities and their path to self-determination, but there is so much work to be done, and our government will continue to be there to work alongside indigenous peoples to address historic injustices.

This evening, I would like to highlight some of the Canadian Heritage programming that responds to the calls for justice from the report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls addressing the violence against indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, LGBTQQIA+ people.

As the lead for the culture thematic for the federal pathway component of the national action plan, Canadian Heritage has worked closely with colleagues at other department portfolio organizations and indigenous partners on advancing this work. The culture theme for the federal pathway outlines three ways for us to do that. One is supporting the retention, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of indigenous languages, cultures and spaces. Two is strengthening opportunities for indigenous cultural expression, participation, promotion and representation in the arts, cultural industries and media. Three is addressing systemic anti-indigenous racism in the public and policy spheres to see lasting change. As we have talked about in this House this evening, we absolutely need lasting change.

The government has shown its commitment and support for the culture thematic priorities through budget 2021 and budget 2022 investments. Budget 2021 provided $453.1 million over five years and $4.9 million per year ongoing for initiatives under the culture theme, and budget 2022 provided $25 million over three years. The funding has been used to support a number of activities.

First, progress continues to be made on the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act, which responds to a number of calls for justice. Canadian Heritage will administer $275 million for the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act with $2 million in ongoing support. This funding supports the reclamation, revitalization and strengthening of indigenous languages as a foundation for culture, identity and belonging. This funding has been used to support various initiatives, including language and culture camps, mentor apprentice programs and the development of indigenous languages, resources and documentation ensuring indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada have meaningful access to their culture and languages, which is absolutely fundamental.

Second, Library and Archives Canada was provided $14.9 million for the preservation of indigenous heritage. To further this work, budget 2022 proposed $25 million to support the digitization of documents related to the federal Indian day school system—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

The hon. member may be able to complete some of her speech during questions and comments.

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Fort McMurray—Cold Lake.

[Laila Goodridge, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Cold Lake, AB]

Madam Chair, it took two years for the government to come up with an action plan, and there does not seem to be any urgency on the part of the government when it comes to implementing the plan. That can be seen in the fact that there really is not anything in the budget.

Does the member have any concerns that the delayed duration will have short-term and long-term impacts on this plan?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Madam Chair, budget 2021 invested $18 billion to narrow the gaps between indigenous and non-indigenous people, supporting healthy, safe and prosperous indigenous communities.

Of that $18 billion, $2.2 billion and $160.9 million ongoing is directly dedicated to addressing root causes that contribute to the tragedy of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls and 2SLGTBQQIA+ people.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Chair, the member spoke about the importance of culture, and I absolutely agree with my hon. colleague, even as a foundation.

I am wondering if the member agrees with me that in addition to culture, it is important to have these issues led and driven by indigenous women, girls and diverse-gendered people in terms of decisions that directly impact our lives and our safety.

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Madam Chair, what I appreciate about this evening is the fact that we are having open dialogue with each other. This is the type of dialogue we must continue to have with each other to be able to learn and grow and implement the type of change that is necessary to prevent this from happening in the future.

[Mike Morrice, Green, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Madam Chair, I thank the member for Mississauga—Streetsville for speaking from her heart, as she always does in this place.

My question is with respect to call to justice 4.5, with respect to a guaranteed livable income, a policy that has really been championed in this place by the member for Winnipeg Centre.

Would the member be willing to offer her comments on the importance of following through on a guaranteed livable income?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Madam Chair, the Government of Canada supports the national action plan released in 2021, which includes a short-term priority of a guaranteed annual living income. I acknowledge that a guaranteed annual living income for indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people would provide autonomy for individuals as well as addressing the broader root causes of violence against indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

[Matthew Green, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Madam Chair, the hon. member mentioned that this evening provided an opportunity for us to have open dialogue, and yet if it were not for the hon. member for Winnipeg Centre calling for this take-note debate, we would not be in this space and this would not be a priority of the government.

Would the hon. member not finally concede that absent a push from the opposition side, the government would not be able to centre this particular conversation and critical issue in this moment?

[Rechie Valdez, Liberal, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Madam Chair, I just want to acknowledge my colleague. I appreciate her sharing her beautiful story about her mom and her experience. That was truly from the heart.

I just want to say that this government has prioritized reconciliation since 2015, and we will continue to work towards building our relationship and assisting with preventing any of these types of tragedies in the future.

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations]

Madam Chair, kwe. Tansi. Hello. Bonjour. First I want to acknowledge that Canada's Parliament is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, and second I want to say a special word of thanks to the strong first nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, community members and allies who have been preparing for Red Dress Day this week.

According to statistics in Canada, more than six in 10 indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetimes. Almost six in 10 indigenous women have experienced physical assault, while almost half of indigenous women have experienced sexual assault. More than four in 10 indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This is unacceptable. While making up only 5% of the Canadian population, indigenous women now account for more than 42% of the female inmate population in Canada.

That is why this government is working to address injustices and the causes of violence against indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. That is why we have invested more than $2.2 billion over five years to address the missing and murdered indigenous women inquiry's calls to justice. At the same time, we have to support the survivors, their families and their communities that have been harmed by devastating acts of violence and ongoing crisis.

As part of the federal pathway, we have been developing ongoing, accessible and culturally relevant healing programs and support for children, survivors and family members. We have been working with indigenous partners across the country, as well as other levels of government. At every step of the way, we have been listening to indigenous partners for their expertise and insights into which culturally appropriate approaches will best help those who need the support.

So far, we have provided $2.5 million to 20 indigenous partners who are working on projects to promote healing for survivors and families. I would like to recognize these organizations, highlight them a little and talk about their dedication and efforts toward helping families and survivors by designing and delivering culturally effective, sensitive programming.

To begin, I would like to talk about a project that takes place in the Atlantic region: the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance. 2SLGB—

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

I am sorry. The hon. member for Manicouagan is rising on a point of order.

[Marilène Gill, Bloc, Manicouagan, QC]

Madam Chair, we have not been hearing the interpretation for nearly a minute now.

[The Deputy Chair, NDP, Carol Hughes]

There seems to be an issue with the interpretation.

Is it working now?

The hon. parliamentary secretary.

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Madam Chair, to begin, I would like to talk about a project that takes place in the Atlantic region: the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance. 2SLGBTQ+ people have been ignored and erased by traditional colonial data collection and analysis. The Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance will aim to lay the groundwork for improved methodologies and new approaches to produce better data around the safety of 2SLGBTQ+ people that are inclusive of indigenous world views and perspectives.

I would like to thank John R. Sylliboy and the team for their advocacy and hard work in our Mi'kmaq communities, including the Mi'kmaq community I reside in of Eskasoni. Another example is the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society that operates in the Kaska homelands in Yukon and northern British Columbia. They are supporting families and survivors in efforts to commemorate their loved ones and celebrate their lives. This is done through potlatch, a traditional feast and ceremony. The potlatch is held to bring a sense of balance to those who have been affected by losing someone close to them.

Another project is run by a group named All Nations Hope Network in Regina, Saskatchewan. The group is organizing individual counselling sessions and group sessions targeted toward the 2SLGBTQ community. That work will be coordinated by a two-spirited person.

All the projects that have received funding focus on supporting communities and giving compassionate, culturally sensitive care. These groups are conducting invaluable work, and I am honoured to witness this work.

Make no mistake: There is more work to be done, as healing and reconciliation do not come easily. They require difficult conversations and for Canada to take accountability and continue to support survivors, families and communities. Our relationships with indigenous people are strengthened when we collectively pursue truth, address injustice and combat prejudice, as painful as that can be.

I call on opposition parties to join us, along with indigenous voices across the country, as we work to promote healing and an end to violence. Thank you. Merci. Nakurmiik.

[Lori Idlout, NDP, Nunavut, NU]

Uqaqtittiji, indigenous women and girls have gone missing and have been murdered amid all these so-called investments. None of these so-called investments are reducing the impacts on the crisis that remains today.

What will the member do to ensure that he and his party are being accountable and ensure sustainable and targeted funding to end the genocide against first nations, Métis and Inuit people?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Madam Chair, qujannamiik.

It is important that we look at the budgets that we have been moving forward on over the past two years. Last year's budget put $2.2 billion into missing and murdered indigenous women over five years. We have also put $1 billion into indigenous policing to make sure things are moving safely. In this year's investment, we looked at an agreement in principle that has brought a historic $40 billion in funding. Also, in indigenous housing, there were $4 billion.

These investments are helping and making sure that indigenous women are taken care of and remain safe, but the biggest thing we have to understand is that as a federal government, we have indigenous partners that we have to talk to also. As much as I would like to go as fast as we can as a federal government, as an indigenous person and as a first nations person, it is important that we have the dialogues with those stakeholders. It is important that they get their say, and if it takes one year, two years or three years, it is important that we get it right.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Chair, one of the points that has come up tonight, mentioned by a number of other members, is the colonial nature of the Indian Act. I would be curious to hear the member's reflections on whether we should be working to repeal and replace the Indian Act, and what he sees as an alternative system that could be in place.

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Madam Chair, the member's question gives me the chance to talk about Bill C-15, UNDRIP, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which will turn the page on the colonial legacies within the Indian Act by giving indigenous people the ability to implement that which they fought for at the United Nations for 30 years, that which the Conservative Party voted against.

Our plan and our way of moving forward is to make sure we implement what indigenous nations all across the world have been calling for over the past 30 years. Our government did that historically last year, on June 21, 2021, when it received royal assent, and I am proud to stand with this government, which made sure that was a priority.

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Madam Chair, I thank my colleague for his speech.

Any conversation about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is always a conversation about money. The government has done nothing to bring about reconciliation or take action since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls three years ago.

Can my colleague help me understand why the government is so slow to take action?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Madam Chair, I would say that our government has not been slow. We are moving at the pace of a federal government, but I want to talk about some of the things our government has done when we are talking about reconciliation.

We have ensured that we have the first-ever indigenous language commissioner. We are ensuring that we have UNDRIP passed. We made sure that we have the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With the calls for justice that have come, we are making sure that we are making those investments. We are making sure that we are talking to people and the stakeholders. The $2.2 billion over five years is not a small amount, but it is an amount that we must ensure that we talk to indigenous stakeholders across Canada about, the first nations, the Métis, the Inuit, to make sure that we get this right.

[Matthew Green, NDP, Hamilton Centre, ON]

Madam Chair, we have heard the laundry list of investments, and by my calculation, there should be $33 million going out to every province and territory. I am going to give the hon. member the opportunity to stand today and talk with specificity. Within the $33-million envelope that should be going to Nova Scotia, what is being invested in missing and murdered indigenous women?

[Jaime Battiste, Liberal, Sydney—Victoria, NS]

Madam Chair, I thank the member for his passion and friendship over the years.

The $2.2 billion over five years is an important amount, but what we need to also do is look at the entirety of the budget we just talked about. We are talking about close to $28 billion. In my time being an MP, I have seen it go from $18 billion for indigenous issues and indigenous investments to $28 billion. Those are historic investments. I am proud of the indigenous caucus and all of the indigenous members who have helped make sure that we have gotten there.