House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, the first communities that were accepted under nutrition north were those that were using the existing food mail program, which we changed because this government was of the view that the taxpayers of Canada should not subsidize transporting tires and Ski-Doo parts to the north. Rather, we were and are of the view that we should promote the consumption of nutritious food, which is what this program does.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as I have indicated, the consultation process has taken place. The provisions of Bill S-6 are clear. They have the total and strong endorsement of the Government of Yukon, which speaks on behalf of Yukoners.
The first nations still voice their opposition to a few amendments, but as I indicated, I am ready to work out with them how we can implement those in a full spirit of co-operation and of respect for the umbrella agreement.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, consistent with normal consultation procedures, the draft legislative proposal was shared with the first nations on a confidential basis and with all stakeholders prior to its introduction.
There have been comprehensive and substantive consultations with Yukon first nations in respect of all of the proposed amendments contained in the bill. Consultation on the amendments took place in May and November 2013 and again on a revised proposal in February and April 2014. A final consultation session was held in Whitehorse on May 23, 2014, to share the final form and substance of the legislative proposal.
That said, I remain always willing to talk with first nations to see how we can ensure the proper development of Yukon to the benefit of all Yukoners.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Again, Mr. Chair, this does not hold water or facts.
The granting of this injunction was not based on a decision of merits by either the Canadian or Tlicho's legal positions. The merits of each party's argument will be dealt with at trial.
We are committed to ensuring that the regulatory regime of the Northwest Territories continues to function smoothly. We will focus our efforts on ensuring that the land and water boards in the Mackenzie Valley continue to effectively and efficiently assess land and water applications before them. As this matter is before the court as we speak, I cannot comment further.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, that is completely ridiculous.
First of all, the member was not present at that meeting. Had he been there, he would have seen this minister take the umbrella agreement and point to the definition of government in the agreement. That is simply what I indicated. The umbrella agreement, if the member does not know, indicates that government means either the Government of Canada or the Government of Yukon.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, the hon. member does not seem to appreciate the fact that the law applicable to child and welfare services in Manitoba is a provincial law. It is the law of Manitoba that applies. Manitoba has delegated its authority over child and welfare services to certain agencies. Manitoba would be in a much better position to answer that question than I.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as for knowing how much will be allocated to northern Canada, I do not have the breakdown of the sums available. I can confirm that most of those funds will be allocated to the projects for which we receive applications. Accordingly, if Inuit communities apply for projects, they will be considered on the same basis as all other aboriginal groups in Canada.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as indicated in the main estimates, in 2015-16 we plan on investing more than $20 million to help prevent domestic violence. Naturally, we will combine this with monies provided by the economic action plan that were announced by the Minister of Status of Women in September in order to address the issue of violence against aboriginal women and girls.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as the hon. member may know, there was a round table that was held in February among stakeholders, the national organizations, the provinces, territories, and the federal government along with representatives of the families of the victims. A framework was agreed upon which will measure the results of the initiatives that are taking place right now.
As the hon. member may also know, the RCMP has undertaken to keep its records and data up to date, and we should expect a report in the spring in that regard.