House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs May 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, it is the expressed intent of all three signatories to the Nisga'a treaty that the Constitution and the charter of rights do apply to the Nisga'a people.
It is the intention of the government to ensure that is reflected in the enabling legislation that will accompany the treaty when it is presented to the House.
Aboriginal Affairs May 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I will quote to the House from Dr. Joe Gosnell, the president of the Nisga'a people. He said, “We are not prepared to be marginalized by any political party in the country. We want to be a part of this great country of ours, to take part politically, socially, economically. That's the basis of the treaty”.
The Nisga'a are Canadians and the charter applies to all Canadians.
Aboriginal Affairs May 12th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member gets at the heart of the issue of self-government and local government in the context of writing treaties in British Columbia.
If there is one thing I know, when I talk to British Columbians they want to ensure that local decisions are made by local authorities. That is exactly the case for aboriginal people. That is why we are very proud of the legislative structure that has been established in the context of this treaty.
Aboriginal Affairs May 12th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, what is clear is that the charter applies to all Canadians.
As we come to the table as a party in negotiating this important treaty, it is clear from the federal government's point of view that the Constitution and the charter of rights apply. We have worked with the province and with the Nisga'a people to assess and sort out the application of laws in all areas of the subject matter pertaining to the treaty.
Mining May 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, my department is fully aware of the collection of arsenic as a result of the processes at the giant gold mine. We know that Royal Oak is under considerable duress and that there has been a receiver appointed in regard to that mine.
It is our hope that a private sector interest will be found to take over the mine. However, I would like to confirm for the House that my department has a plan of action in place to deal with the arsenic should the mine be closed down. The safety of the community will be protected.
Aboriginal Affairs May 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member would read the bill he would see that the 14 first nations that are part of Bill C-49 have agreed to include matrimonial property issues as they develop their land code. If they would just read the bill they would see the answer.
Aboriginal Affairs May 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I continue to believe that Bill C-49 is a very good piece of legislation not only for Canadians but certainly for the 14 first nations who will now have the authority and jurisdiction to deal with lands on their reserves.
As is always the case, the Senate has the prerogative to hear witnesses and make recommendations for amendments. I would be pleased to hear them if they wish to present them to me.
Aboriginal Affairs May 6th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the claim of the Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta is a priority for me as minister of Indian affairs.
I recognize that I have received countless letters from Canadians encouraging this resolution and thank so many members of parliament who have written to me in this regard as well.
I can tell the House that there is an active table of negotiations under way as we speak between Canada and the first nation. The province is there. There is good momentum and I am hopeful that we will be able to resolve this long outstanding claim in a very positive fashion.
Aboriginal Affairs May 6th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult to try to explain to a party that refuses to understand treaties and treaty making in Canada why its answers are so incorrect.
Let me share this with the House. It comes from the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Concerns have been raised that the new Nisga'a system of government will be “racist” and “undemocratic” because only Nisga'a may vote for representatives to the central and village governments. In the Commission's view, these accusations are based on a misunderstanding. The Nisga'a people governed their own affairs within their territory long before European contact and have never renounced that right. This inherent—
Aboriginal Affairs May 6th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, we need to do some educating for the sake of the other side.
The questions they are asking get to the heart of the issue of the inherent right to self-government. We are not talking about ethnicity; we are talking about indigenous people to Canada, people who lived here before my ancestors came and before many of theirs.
The understanding is that indigenous people, first nations, were governing themselves before we arrived and, as one of the rights protected in our Constitution, aboriginal rights, the inherent right to self-government is such.