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Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, let me use an example. Maybe this will help.
I travelled to the Alexander first nation which is north of Edmonton in the member's community. There we have a new relationship with the fiscal transfer. The leaders in that community have changed their whole provision of social assistance. Where they had 100 people receiving income support, through modern strategies there are now only 11.
The changes are happening. We just have to speed them up, modernize them and work together.
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it was the department that commissioned this report in response to the auditor general's requirements. We do not stop working while we are waiting for reports. We understand we have a responsibility to make change and do it effectively.
I ask hon. members to look at communities across the country that are modernizing their approaches and providing new ways of modern transparent governance to make life better for aboriginal people. We all have a responsibility in this regard. I would ask them to understand how things have been changing, to get on the wave and to join us.
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
My point is that there are other ways of receiving information. It has become clear to me that first nations are making changes to support their people and to provide not only income support but new strategies for connecting aboriginal people to the economic levers of the country.
We all have a role to play in that regard. I would ask the opposition to consider that and join us in partnership.
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member would care to look into things and really understand what is happening in first nations communities, she would find indeed—
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we have been reviewing the recommendations of the royal commission. As the new minister I have been coming to understand the roles and responsibilities of my ministry. It is absolutely clear to me that changing and modernizing the support we provide to aboriginal people must occur.
In my view we could look to the provinces that have found new and modern ways to provide social assistance, income support and real training initiatives for Canadians. We must do the same for our aboriginal people.
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have already spoken out on the need for change to social assistance for aboriginal people.
It is a program of great support for aboriginal people. Their unemployment levels are at 40%, 50% and 60%. We need to modernize the system to ensure that it is not a system of dependency but a system that is proactive and empowers aboriginal people to engage in economic development and the strategies that will make their lives better.
Aboriginal Affairs November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, having travelled across the country and spoken to first nations leaderships, having spoken with the commissioners involved in the royal commission report on aboriginal people and having received the report to which the hon. member referred, there is nothing clearer in my mind than the fact the social assistance program we have in place to support aboriginal people needs modernization and change.
It is my commitment to work with first nations and aboriginal people to do just that and to modernize the program. I would ask the hon. member to work with me.
Aboriginal Affairs November 25th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I would again indicate that the department is working with the first nation through a co-manager to focus on the need to restore fiscal certainty to that community.
I would just caution the House, however, not to generalize from a particular case. While some first nations need remedial support, the vast majority of them are working within the constraints of their fiscal realities.
Aboriginal Affairs November 25th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am aware of the financial difficulties being faced by the Oromocto first nation. A co-manager has been put in place to assist and to provide advice on the fiscal decisions that are being made there.
The department is watching the results of that intervention very closely. We are committed to ensuring the restoration of fiscal stability to that first nation.
I would ask the hon. member to continue.
Tobacco Sponsorship November 25th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, again, this government understands the importance of reducing tobacco use among Canadian youth.
We have, in a very focused and clear way, identified and brought forward legislation which will better these circumstances for Canadians.