House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I have a lot of powers, but I have no crystal ball. All I know is that we are devoting important resources throughout the country, especially in western Canada and in British Columbia, to reach agreements with first nations. The new approach, which my predecessor announced in September, has as an objective to conclude, as rapidly as we can, more such agreements.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, this is an issue I discussed with several first nations, with chiefs and councils, across the country. We continue to work together to find ways to improve the housing situation of first nations all across Canada. I am confident that by working together and looking at options and innovations, we can achieve much better results in the future.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the provision and management of housing on reserve lands, as I said earlier, is primarily the responsibility of first nations, with support from the Government of Canada. In addition to government funding, first nations are expected to identify funding from other sources for their housing needs.
We are working co-operatively with all first nations to address those housing challenges that first nations face. We are cognizant of the fact that access to safe, sustainable and affordable housing is essential for improving economic and social outcomes, hence the important investments we are making.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, between 2006-07 and 2012-13, the department provided approximately $1.2 billion in on-reserve housing support to first nations communities. According to first nations reports, the Government of Canada's investments have contributed to an average of 1,750 new units and 3,100 renovations annually over the past five years.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, in 2011-12, our government supported 402 major and minor first nations water and waste water infrastructure projects and 286 were planned for 2012-13.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, we have adopted a comprehensive plan for water and waste water on reserve. From 2006 to 2014, we will have invested $3 billion to improve these infrastructures. Anyone who cares to visit the first nations across the country will see that enormous progress has been achieved.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the concern we have for the education of aboriginal students all across Canada should be echoed by that side of the House. Those members should support and participate in the consultation and the important work that is taking place right now to try to adopt a national education act which would ensure that we improve the graduation rates, so we equip aboriginal youth all across Canada with the tools they need to enter the labour market and contribute to their own community, region, province and country.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I can give the summary of the total. It is $393,763,463.20.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, there are certain students who attend the schools on reserve who are funded federally. Others attend private schools on reserve. Others attend schools that are in the provincial system. Our concern on the education of children is witnessed by our determination to bring about the legislative framework to a national school education act that would ensure we would have better graduation rates so aboriginal youth could enter the labour market much more efficiently for their own benefit.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, students attending these schools is about 116,500 or 117,000. We invest $1.3 billion for the education of those aboriginal youth.