Jane Stewart

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned on a number of occasions, it is critically important for me to have someone that has the calibre of the person that has been identified to do this investigation. He is a man with experience. He has had police experience. I know that he will effectively provide us with the kind of advice I need to not only deal with this letter but also to understand the implications in procedures in my department.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, it is important to me to ensure that the investigation is done thoroughly and completely and that I get good factual information on which to make decisions and to take action.

That is the way it will be and we will proceed under that direction.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, on a number of occasions I have indicated to this House the importance I put on this very issue.

To me it was critical that we have an investigation done to follow the path of that letter. The letter is being tracked, the investigation is under way and I am looking forward to receiving direction from that investigation.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I have met with Chief Whitney on other occasions in his role as chief of the First Nations.

With regard to this particular issue we have not discussed anything.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, that is a good question because I did sign a letter of response to Mr. Starlight. If he has not received it I will have to investigate.

[Points Of Order, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I was not trying to impugn anything against the hon. member. I was just trying to reflect the facts as I see them. If I have hurt them so severely, I would be glad to apologize.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the circumstances facing the hon. member, but I have to look at the other facts.

I recall very clearly the former member for Capilano—Howe Sound talking about the life of aboriginal people. Yesterday in the House the member for Delta—South Richmond indicated quite clearly his party's position when it comes to issues of aboriginal rights. To them they do not exist.

I have a final point. I am reminded of a Calgary Sun piece of October 30, 1995, written by a man named Ezra Levant, a main adviser—

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition drew these concerns to my attention some months ago. Indeed, I have called his office on at least two occasions asking him to come and join me and identify these specific allegations. I have yet to hear from him. I am truly wondering if he is interested in these files or not.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, it is not the usual practice of the department to pay for such things. It would be absolutely inappropriate for me to make a determination of whether it would be the right thing to do until the investigation is complete.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I take the work of the investigator very seriously. I want to make sure that there is a full investigation done. We will report on the results when it is complete.