House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the concern of our government for post-secondary education should be evident from the last budget that was tabled in the House. Again this year, we have renewed our commitment to post-secondary education by designating new resources, important resources, to post-secondary education so that first nations and aboriginal youth, all across Canada, Metis, Inuit and first nations members, can access post-secondary education throughout Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the government is taking concrete steps to ensure that government funding for our organizations is directed at the delivery of essential programs and services for aboriginal people. We recognize, of course, the important contribution that aboriginal representative organizations make on behalf of their members and that is why we continue to provide them with the core funding that enables them to continue dispensing these essential services to first nations all across Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the duty to consult is the solemn duty of the Crown, which we are respecting throughout. The duty to consult is an important part of the reconciliation that is called for by the Supreme Court of Canada in so many decisions. We take this obligation seriously and we discharge that obligation in respect of the honour of the Crown.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, Canada takes its legal duty to consult obligations very seriously. We are committed to an approach to aboriginal-Crown consultation and accommodation that is fair, efficient, accessible, transparent and meaningful.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Quite the contrary, Mr. Chair. This government and this department is working co-operatively with first nations all across Canada to improve the situation, the self-sufficiency and the prospects of first nations all across Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the hon. member should know by now that this government remains focused on four priorities and they have been outlined by the Prime Minister many times. These are priorities that Canadians care most about: first, their families; second, the safety of our streets and communities, and that does not stop at the door of first nations because they are included; third, their pride in being a Canadian citizen of our country; and fourth, their personal financial security.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, as I just said, the government has recently announced long-term sustainable and predictable funding to help first nations police on first nations lands. We can trust these professionals to do their job to the best of their ability. They know the terrain really well and I trust they can discharge their responsibilities.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I thought the member was going to congratulate the government for the announcement by the Minister of Public Safety that long-term sustainable and predictable funding has been committed to provide those services for first nations all across Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I know for a fact that my colleagues the Minister for Status of Women and the Minister of Health and our departments are working together to address that situation. There are programs in place which are gender-neutral, but efforts are being made to work with the stakeholders and these groups in order to improve their employability.
That is why the NDP should revise its position to oppose the measures that will lead to better skills training of these young girls and women throughout all first nations in Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the department has an economic development program, which is in place and which benefits, without gender regards, all first nation members all across Canada.