House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Tobacco Sponsorship November 25th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to reducing the use of tobacco in this country, recognizing that it does have an influence on the health of our young people and Canadians in general.
The minister has responded to this question in a number of venues and circumstances and he, like us all, believes and understands the importance of managing tobacco use in this country.
Indian Affairs November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the stories of residential schools were explained and described very well in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
It is a commitment of the government to respond to the royal commission as soon as possible, and we will do so.
Nunavut November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the creation of the new territory of Nunavut is a priority for this government, as it is for the people of the Eastern Arctic. It is our belief that the success of this initiative will be dependent on the degree to which Inuit people are part of the administration of that government. To that end a unified human resource strategy has been signed with all the parties.
I had the benefit of travelling with the hon. member to Iqaluit to announce a $40 million federal investment to that strategy. To date 800 Inuit people have received training under this program.
I know that in April 1999 we will welcome them to their responsibility.
Self-Government November 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, this government's position on self-government is very clear.
We introduced a policy recognizing the inherent right to self-government and our government is working in partnership with First Nations to ensure the development of those self-governing bodies that will allow for better and more timely application of programs and strategies for our aboriginal people.
Health Care November 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as part of the election platform presented by what is now this government, we identified the important need to modernize health care. We identified the need for home care and pharmacare. We have identified a number of strategies to which the hon. Minister of Health is responding.
It is my clear partnership with him to identify that the biggest input was to restore funding to $12.5 billion as was requested by the National Forum on Health.
Land Claims November 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member points out, over the last two weeks senior officials from the Labrador Inuit Association, from the province of Newfoundland and from the federal government have completed pressure cooker negotiations. These have resulted in the initialling of a framework that has been accepted by the principals. I trust they will lead us to an agreement in principle on this very important land claim and self-government agreement.
I congratulate all the parties involved because it was difficult. I commit the government to a quick return to the table to finish that agreement in principle as soon as possible.
Krever Inquiry November 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is presuming response.
What I have indicated and what the hon. Minister of Health has continued to indicate is that he is welcoming the report from Justice Krever, that we will review it in its entirety and we will make an appropriate response when we receive the report.
Krever Inquiry November 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the government is looking forward to the report of Judge Krever.
We have recognized that this is a piece of work that has been expansive, that will direct us with a very important initiative. I know the Minister of Health will welcome that report and act on it as he can.
Aboriginal Affairs November 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the First Nations Land Management Act is an important initiative that could provide more control for First Nations over their lands. Concerns have been raised over the issue and the need for a process to manage matrimonial property. We take these concerns very seriously.
It would be my hope that we could find a solution out of court through positive discussions with all the parties. We certainly respect the right of the B.C. Native Women's Society to pursue its concerns through the courts.
Indian Affairs October 9th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the issues facing the Stony people are of grave concern to me. That is why since taking office as the minister there are three things I have done.
To deal with the present there is a third party, Coopers & Lybrand, that is managing the day to day operations of the First Nation. To deal with the past, a forensic audit is being completed by KPMG, looking at the band's records and the records of my department to ensure things have been managed appropriately.
To deal with the future I am working with the Minister of Health and the province to make sure the programs available to support the Stony people are managed and developed in appropriate ways.
I would ask the hon. member to—