House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, from 2008 to 2013, a total of $468 million was reallocated within the department. The reason for this is very simple. Capital funds were reallocated to priorities. When we have pressure on what our government considers to be priority areas for first nations, such as education and social services, a decision is made by the government to prioritize these essential services to first nations.
That explains why we have reallocated those funds.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, the answer is the same.
In the fourth quarter, these funds will be dispersed. When the whole year has expired, she will find in the next public accounts that, indeed, the capital funds that were earmarked for these programs will have been dispersed.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, the answer is quite simple.
The PBO refers to funding that has occurred over a period of time, which is not the complete year. The way that the funds are dispersed means that a good chunk of them are dispersed in the fourth quarter.
When that figure is added to what has already been spent, the hon. member will find out, when she looks at the public accounts next year, that the full amount has been invested under that program and sub-programs.
Aboriginal Affairs May 8th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I would be tempted to say that the good news is never on the front page. If we look at this budget, for example, we are increasing expenditures and investment in first nations and aboriginals in Canada by over $500 million. We are going to continue to work on our shared priorities with first nations throughout Canada, with Inuit and Métis, and continue to have them prosper along with other Canadians.
Aboriginal Affairs May 8th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, our immediate priority, of course, is the health and safety of the Shoal Lake residents. For the information of the member, repairs are being carried out on the ferry as we speak. Our officials are in daily contact with the people to ensure food, medicine, and good care is taken of the residents. We will continue to co-operate with the chief and council of Shoal Lake.
Aboriginal Affairs May 7th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, it is strange to see a member rise in the House of Commons and argue that the Canadian Constitution and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms do not protect aboriginal rights in Canada. That is utter nonsense.
The fact is that the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was endorsed by Canada as a blueprint that we respect but that is nevertheless subject to Canadian law. If the NDP wants to make Parliament's decisions subject to veto by a particular group, that is not okay.
Aboriginal Affairs May 7th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, this is a baseless and totally false charge of the NDP, simply for political grandstanding and political reasons.
The fact of the matter is that this government is the one that amended the Canadian Human Rights Act in order to ensure that people on reserve have the same rights as all Canadians. She and they voted against it. In addition, we improved the matrimonial property rights on reserves, and they also voted against it. They should stop the grandstanding.
Aboriginal Affairs May 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to learn from the member that Alberta will follow the lead of the federal government.
Whenever we tried to give human rights, basic rights, to first nations in our country, that party and the member voted against it. I am talking about marital property rights. Why would they vote against them?
Furthermore, anytime—
Aboriginal Affairs May 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the highest form of aboriginal and treaty rights acknowledgement and protection is constitutional protection. Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada does that.
Furthermore, the human rights of all Canadians, including aboriginals, are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other constitutional guarantees. We do not need any legislation that is lesser than the Constitution of Canada.
Aboriginal Affairs May 5th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, our government continues to take action on first nations across Canada so that they have the same quality of drinking water as all other Canadians. That is why, since 2006, we have invested approximately $3 billion in first nations' water and waste water infrastructure and related public health activities. We have made targeted investments in more than 130 major projects and funded maintenance of over 1,200 waste water and water treatment projects.
As a matter of fact, in the economic action plan of 2014, we committed a further $320 million for two years.