Bernard Valcourt

[Aboriginal Affairs, November 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows, or should know, that we have made unprecedented investment in first nations infrastructure above and beyond the core infrastructure funding, from investment in over 130 major projects, to funded maintenance of over 1,200 water and waste water treatment projects to more than 263 school infrastructure projects including 33 new schools.

We continue to work in partnership with first nations toward our shared goal of stronger and self-sufficient aboriginal communities.

[Aboriginal Affairs, November 5th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, since 2006, our government has invested over $10 billion to support elementary and secondary education for about 118,000 first nation students. In addition, during that period, we have invested approximately $1.7 billion just for school infrastructure. We are on the right path, and we will continue in that direction.

[Aboriginal Affairs, November 5th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our government was really disappointed that the Assembly of First Nations dropped the ball and did not honour the agreement it entered into with the government to reform elementary and secondary education.

That said, there are many programs to improve primary and secondary education outcomes on reserves. As the most recent budget demonstrated, we are determined to continue working with first nations to improve the situation.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious he will not take “yes” or “no” for an answer.

I just stated that, indeed, we are presently in negotiations, talking with our partners, in order to give this extension so that the victims of residential schools who are eligible for this education credit may get it.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, although reminder notices were mailed to close to 75,000 of those recipients and although there has been an email and social media campaign to inform them, yes, indeed, we are going to work with the partners in the agreement to try to get an extension.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 23rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member stated, children living on reserves are entitled to the same health care as Canadians who do not live on reserves.

I do not have the details of the specific case he mentioned. However, we have applied a principle that was adopted in the House. Jordan's principle guarantees that there is no dispute between the federal and provincial governments when it comes to the care to be given to a child in need.

We know that health care comes under provincial jurisdiction. However, we have this principle that enables us to avoid situations like the one he mentioned.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 23rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, among the measures taken has been an increase of 40% since 2006. We now invest close to $630 million in child and family services on reserve, but more important than that, what this government has done is introduce a prevention-based approach to delivering child and family services on reserve. This is an initiative that is taking place as we speak and that will continue in the future.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 21st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the health, safety and well-being of first nations children is a priority. I remember that very party opposing, for example, the matrimonial property legislation introduced to protect women and children on reserve. They ignore the fact that our government invested close to $630 million in child and family services on reserve, which represents an increase of 40% since 2006. We will continue to take action to ensure that children and families have the support they need.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 21st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, that statement by the hon. member is totally false. Protecting women and children, in particular on reserve, is and remains a priority of our government. That is why since 2006 we have introduced a prevention-based approach to delivering child and family services.

I know the opposing party often measures the deed by the size of the investment. Since 2006, we have increased our investment by 40% to over $400 million for these services.

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 1st, 2014]

Indeed, Mr. Speaker, we have made significant progress in recent years because of the investments of this government. As to that particular application, the member will understand that without prior notice, I cannot comment on the status, but I will surely look into the matter and advise him as I can.