House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 40% of the vote.
Points of Order May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, during question period today the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development was consistently quoting from a document. Page 518 of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice states:
Any document quoted by a Minister in debate or in response to a question during Question Period must be tabled.
I would like to know when the minister will be tabling the document from which he was quoting in accordance with the rules.
Aboriginal Affairs May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, a 90% cut, that is the difference between what the previous Liberal government had booked and committed, and what the present government committed to. That is not enough to close the gap on any aboriginal priority. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said disbanding the agreement is simply not acceptable.
When will the Prime Minister admit that the western premiers are right, that he is wrong, and that he needs to put the Kelowna accord back on track?
Aboriginal Affairs May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the Kelowna accord built upon other successes like the creation of Nunavut, the Nisga'a treaty and other enabling legislation. It is the result of over 18 months of hard work with the aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Yesterday the western premiers reaffirmed their commitment to Kelowna. Premier Gary Doer said the federal government is morally wrong for breaking promises to Canadian aboriginals. How can the Prime Minister justify abandoning the Kelowna accord which has garnered huge support across Canada?
Aboriginal Affairs May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the Kelowna accord built upon--
Nunavut Awareness May 16th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, today is a special day for parliamentarians. Premier Paul Okalik and cabinet colleagues are hosting Nunavut Awareness on the Hill. I thank all members who came to the open house.
By sharing information and raising awareness of Nunavut, Premier Okalik and his cabinet colleagues will bring to the attention of parliamentarians the important issues currently facing Nunavummiut. Housing is key to the future advancement of Inuit. Severe overcrowding is making it very difficult for our people to lead healthy lives as do other Canadians.
I ask the government to reconsider its decision on the Kelowna accord and to implement the recommendations of Thomas Berger in regard to the Nunavut land claim and education in Nunavut. Nunavut has many resources and opportunities to contribute to our country, but the unique challenges we face need a special understanding by the federal government.
The Budget May 4th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, as an Inuk of which there is no reference, I am deeply troubled by the Conservative government's budget tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday, May 3.
The current government has not addressed the needs of Canada's aboriginal peoples. The government has neglected to address the serious challenges for the people of Nunavut, to develop educational programs and promote language skills geared specifically for Nunavummiut.
The recent Berger report stressed the importance of education and development in Inuktitut and English language skills in the north and yet another opportunity has been ignored to implement the recommendations.
The announcement of the annual $1,200 universal child care benefit for children under the age of six does not address the serious shortage of child care spaces in Nunavut.
While I applaud the funding for housing, it is a one time investment, not the multi-year plan we had under the Kelowna accord.
Nunavut Project April 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, Thomas Berger's final report, “The Nunavut Project”, for the Government of Canada and Nunavut and the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. states that my unique territory drastically needs to increase Inuit employment and provide an effective Inuktitut-English bilingual education system.
Seventy-six percent of Inuit youth drop out of school compared to a national average of 25%. Without a basic education and competency in Inuktitut or English, Inuit youth are not reaching their potential. That results in high unemployment, while bringing in other workers costs taxpayers tens of millions of dollars per year.
Instead of spending millions on Arctic defence, surely it should be spent on Inuit employment and bilingual education.
As Inuit become more involved in their own governance and territorial development, Canada's sovereignty is asserted.
It is imperative that the Kelowna accord plus Mr. Berger's essential recommendations for Nunavut be implemented without hesitation.
Aboriginal Affairs November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, a historic meeting will take place in Kelowna between the Prime Minister and aboriginal leaders at the first ministers meeting.
The dedication shown by this government in addressing the many issues facing aboriginal peoples of Canada has been steadfast.
This government is committed to closing the gap in living standards between aboriginals and other Canadians, not because it is the interest of the week or to score cheap political points but because we want real partnerships and community solutions, and chances for the first peoples of Canada to establish their rightful place in this country as contributors to society and because it is the right thing to do.
Jose Kusugak, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, always notes that Inuit are first Canadians but Canadians first, and they want to do their part for a healthy united Canada.
I know a great deal of hard work and collaborative efforts by all partners have gone into preparing for this meeting and I look forward to the concrete results. I wish the Prime Minister great success.
Inuit Land Claims November 18th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, after 12 long years the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement negotiations have been successfully concluded and all the outstanding Inuit land claims in Canada have now been concluded.
I would like to congratulate Makivik Corporation, which represents some 10,000 Nunavik Inuit, the government of Nunavut, and the Government of Canada for initialling this unique and modern treaty which resolves all outstanding aboriginal claims of the Nunavik Inuit of northern Quebec.
They now have certainty to the area offshore Quebec, northern Labrador and an area offshore Labrador. This provides them with clearly defined land and resource rights, and important overlap arrangements with other aboriginal groups. We can now say there is certainty to the Nunavik marine region.
Congratulations to Pita Aatami, President of Makivik Corporation, and the Nunavik Inuit for a job well done.
Pat Lyall November 16th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness we learned that Pat Lyall of Taloyoak, Nunavut, passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2005 at the early age of 60.
Son of Nipisha and Ernie Lyall, Pat was born March 12, 1945 to the famous Lyall family that everyone knows in Nunavut.
Pat was one of 10 Lyall brothers and sisters, all known for their commitment to keeping the Inuit culture strong and taking important leadership roles to strengthen our communities. Pat was no exception, especially in his strong defence of our language, Inuktitut.
Pat will be remembered for his compassion, dedication and love of people, evident in the marks he left in his community and the many boards on which he served. He will be missed.
I ask the House to join me in expressing condolences to his wife, Leah, and children, Ernie, Patricia and John, and the whole family. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.