Madam Speaker, yes, we must speak out against situations where people get access to funding even though they are not indigenous or, in this case, not an indigenous woman.
My colleague and I attended an event held by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. This association has created support programs for entrepreneurs and committees where young people and women get to participate in co-development, mentoring or coaching sessions. These are resources “by and for” indigenous people that work.
I urge the government to create more initiatives that invest in development funds “by and for” indigenous people. Resources like these help young entrepreneurs, women and indigenous people gain a deeper understanding of their trade and learn how to use indigenous knowledge to develop and market artisanal and other products that Quebec and Canadian consumers will love.