House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, at all times the department monitors the activities that it carries. We want to make sure that the taxpayer dollars that we invest in whatever program are spent in the best interests of taxpayers. Of course, emergency preparedness, just like any other program, is delivered with this principle.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, emergency preparedness for first nations is a serious concern of the department. That is why I was recently in western Canada where I visited other communities that were affected by the 2011 flood. I had meetings with the leadership of the first nations where we discussed emergency preparedness.
As a matter of fact, I will meet with the minister of Saskatchewan in the next few weeks to ensure that emergency preparedness is effectively implemented on first nations not only in Saskatchewan but throughout all of western Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, again, the hon. member will have observed that in the program architecture of that specific program there have been changes. As a result, the estimated amounts budgeted in the estimates for Metis can be found under program 1.
It is important that we continue to work with Metis people to improve their quality of life. As a matter of fact, I had a good meeting with the president of the Métis National Council the week before where we renewed and signed the protocol to ensure that we can--
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, when we talk about economic development there is no question that our government recognizes that the most effective way to address the gap in socio-economic conditions that are faced by aboriginal Canadians remains increasing their participation in the economy. As all members will agree, all Canadians benefit from strong, healthy, self-sufficient aboriginal peoples and communities.
The historic Crown-first nation gathering reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to creating conditions to accelerate economic development opportunities and maximize benefits for all Canadians. The funds that are allocated in the main estimates for economic development are in line with what was done in the previous fiscal year, which will ensure that we can continue to make progress on that front.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, if the NDP is arguing that first nations have veto rights on every piece of legislation or regulation that can be made, I respect its position, but then the NDP members can explain that to all Canadians.
The fact is that this is an enabling legislation that will allow the government to develop, in partnership with first nations, a regulatory system that will ensure the provision of safe water for first nations members.
This is what the bill is intended to do. This is not a finance bill. This is a bill to provide a regulatory system that will allow first nations to get the same level of clean water as other Canadians enjoy.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, what the government is proposing to do is end the spinning of wheels. This has been going on for seven years. For seven years now people have been talking and talking. We say that it is time for action.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, and Canadians must know this, this motion does not shut down debate. It controls the debate.
From here, the bill will go to committee where every section of the bill can be debated and questioned. If members have ideas as to how to improve a bill, they can make their case at committee. Then the bill will come back to Parliament where the people who were elected will vote on it.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, developing federal regulations will take time and will be implemented over a number of years. Regulations will be developed on a region-by-region basis and phased in over time. As I said earlier, this phased-in approach will help to ensure that first nations and system operators are prepared for the coming into force of the regulations.
During this time, the government and first nations will continue to work together to bring in drinking water and waste water infrastructure, monitoring activities and capacity to the level required to meet future federal regulations. That is how we will do it.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I agree, indeed, that in remote communities it is a particular challenge. As a matter of fact, I visited the Kashechewan community not long ago and saw firsthand a water system in which this government had invested and from which the community benefits. I also visited with Chief Naveau and his community in northern Ontario and he showed me with pride the water system that the serious investment of this government allowed his community to get. The chief was telling me the problem is that they needed trained people to protect the system. This is what these regulations would achieve.
I do not understand why opposition members are arguing that instead of improving the system, we should sit and talk about it. That is all they do: talk about it.
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act May 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, once again, the government has had a number of meaningful discussions with the first nations regarding the proposed legislation, and we will continue to do so.
Just like the Liberals, the NDP member is always talking about throwing money at problems. We are trying to establish a legislative framework so we can adopt regulations regarding the quality of drinking water and waste water services on first nations land.
All other Canadians and all other municipalities have this right. This initiative cannot be completed overnight. This is not smoke and mirrors. By working with the first nations, the regions and stakeholders from the communities, we can develop regulations to bring first nations drinking water and waster water services to a level and quality equal to or comparable to those enjoyed by other Canadians.