House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs December 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the only problem with the Nisga'a agreement is the fact that the opposition presents myths about what it is all about.
What the Prime Minister said yesterday is the issue of settling treaties in British Columbia is a priority for this government because it is the law.
Corruption Of Foreign Public Officials Act December 7th, 1998
What about Kim?
Corruption Of Foreign Public Officials Act December 7th, 1998
moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.
Nunavut Waters And Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act December 4th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-62, an act respecting the water resources of Nunavut and the Nunavut surface rights tribunal and to make consequential amendments to other acts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Aboriginal Affairs December 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Nisga'a treaty is a historic undertaking in the province of British Columbia. Over the past number of months, I have enjoyed being in that province going into communities and talking with municipal and business leaders and individual British Columbians about the importance of this treaty. I am very proud of the recognition our Prime Minister has given to the significance of this treaty and his point that we will introduce legislation to settle the Nisga'a treaty as soon as that legislation is available.
Aboriginal Affairs December 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the litany of concerns that the hon. member brings forward was also presented to us in the work of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
As a result of that significant documentation, this government has taken new measures through “Gathering Strength—Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan” to recognize that we have to build a new structural relationship. We have to focus differently on areas of providing income support. We have to encourage educational curricula that will ensure children stay in school. We have to focus on new methods of providing housing on reserve. This is all part of the government's approach through “Gathering Strength” to ensure aboriginal people in Canada also feel the benefits of this great country.
Aboriginal Affairs December 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I ask hon. members opposite why they think the appropriate response is to start at the extreme.
A forensic audit is an extreme measure. Our view and our belief is that we have to work in partnership with first nations communities so that we can build sustainable resolutions to very difficult problems.
Aboriginal Affairs December 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, yesterday we saw the results of a forensic audit at the Stoney First Nation. This was an extraordinary measure taken in extraordinary circumstances.
I can confirm that 43 files were referred to the RCMP for review. We got other recommendations which will help that first nation work toward building a strong, accountable and transparent government.
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, without question one of the biggest challenges we all face is moving toward self-sufficient, economically viable first nations communities.
As a result of our work with “Gathering Strength” we have been able to identify that there are increasing numbers of partnerships not only with provinces but with third party interests that will help us deal with the issue of economic development. It is a challenge for all of us. If we marshall all the resources, I am convinced we can support first nations as they move toward self-sufficiency.
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, if we look at the contents of this treaty, we find that there are so many aspects that are positive for the Nisga'a, for the people of British Columbia and for Canada.
As I have said time and again, this is an historic undertaking. It has taken 20 years for us to come to this point.
This treaty will be debated fully in the House. I look forward to hearing from the hon. member as he joins in that debate.