Jane Stewart

[Aboriginal Affairs, May 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, let me say how proud I was today on behalf of the Government of Canada to sign the final agreement.

[Aboriginal Affairs, May 3rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, if the hon. gentleman would take the time to read Gathering Strength and take the time to understand the position this government has taken in working in partnership with first nations in the area of accountability, he would know that we are supporting the creation of aboriginal institutions such as an auditor general and an ombudsman. We will do it in partnership, not by going into communities to divide and conquer.

[Aboriginal Affairs, May 3rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. The United Nations congratulated the government for introducing “Gathering Strength” and recognizing the partnership role that we have to play in improving the lives of aboriginal people in Canada.

I might point out that the auditor general last week attended a symposium sponsored by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians which focused specifically on accountability.

That is the view we take: we have to do this in partnership. I would ask the hon. member to join us in that regard.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the legislation will come to the House when we are ready.

I will reiterate the strong commitment the government has, and it is a proven commitment to this treaty, to ensure that it is passed into legislation in Canada.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, let me point out yet again that the hon. member has his facts completely wrong. In the treaty, provincial laws associated with matrimonial property will apply.

When it comes to talking to grassroots Nisga'a, I have probably been in Nisga'a lands more often than the hon. member and it is his constituency. I suggest that maybe he meet with the chiefs and with the Nisga'a people so he really understands why this treaty is so very important.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, in fact I said no such thing. When it comes to matrimonial property in the Nisga'a agreement, provincial laws will apply.

I note that a couple of days ago the hon. member was also talking about the Nisga'a treaty and the issues regarding the labour provisions and he had his facts wrong there.

I suggest before the hon. member asks any more questions about the Nisga'a treaty that he do what I suggested a few days ago which is to go and talk to his constituents, the Nisga'a people, and find out what the treaty is really all about.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, what I know is that as a result of talking with aboriginal women, in Bill C-49 we have actually taken steps to ensure that land codes will include the reflection of matrimonial property for women in those 14 first nations.

Under the Indian Act now we talk about communal properties and there are no opportunities for aboriginal women. We have identified and want to have a fact finder to help us deal with the issue of matrimonial property. I expect to receive input from that fact finder and make continued progress in this regard.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to ensuring that aboriginal people in this country have access through their inherent rights to the strategies and the undertakings that will allow them to be full partners in the economy of this country. That is the strategy of the government and it will build strong, healthy first nations into the future.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I will tell the member what the Nisga'a people are appalled at. They are appalled that this member, their representative, has not ever met with the president of the Nisga'a tribal council, Joe Gosnell.

They are wondering how the critic for the Reform Party can dare stand in the House, talk about grassroots people, talk about the Nisga'a, not ever having met with their president and their leadership.

[Aboriginal Affairs, April 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear that no matter when this government brings the Nisga'a legislation to the House, that party will stand against it. We know that because it has done it every other time we have brought forward a piece of legislation that supports and improves the lives of aboriginal people in this country.

The member talks about grassroots aboriginal people. He represents the Nisga'a First Nation. How is he going to stand here against the Nisga'a treaty when 5,000 of his constituents support it?