House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, I would like to come back to the issue of matrimonial property laws. Those first nations which are, as the member put it, not happy with the decision is simply because they have not done it in compliance with the act in question. As soon as they comply with the act, and if they meet the conditions under the act, their own laws would be registered and published as provided by the act.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, many first nations were, indeed, pleased to see, finally, although the Liberals opposed the measure, that matrimonial property rights have been accorded to couples and people living on reserve with children.
Right now, we have six first nations that have passed their own law under the act in question.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, for the sake of correcting the record, as the member can see in the main estimates, my department is spending $26.3 million on consultation and policy development in 2015-16. Contrary to the member's suggestion, that is the situation. There are indeed funds for consultation.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, if she knows the answer, why is she asking the question?
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, if you will give me a second, I can check the budget for consultations.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, this funding will ensure the co-operation of all stakeholders in the natural resources sector in order to encourage and facilitate participation in the economic benefits of natural resource development.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, this is a completely false charge. It is not a matter of refusing to meet with anybody. Our immediate priority is ensuring the health and safety of the Shoal Lake residents. That is why, very recently, our emergency management team has kept in contact with the community.
With respect to the water issue, we are ready, provided that the two first nations can settle their differences. We are ready to invest, to ensure that the members of both communities have access to water and a good waste water system but, of course, the first nations themselves must solve their differences.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
Mr. Chair, no, I cannot give a date because I cannot speculate about the future. This is a matter which I will have to consider, along with the advice of my department officials. When I am ready to indicate whether I will sign the agreement, I will let the hon. member know.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
The record will show, Mr. Chair, that our government has taken unprecedented steps to remove barriers to economic development on reserve by giving first nations greater control and autonomy over their own land and resources.
Since 2006, in fact, a total of over 400,000 hectares have been added to reserves, which is an increase of more than 10% of first nations land base. In that case, the agreement, I understand, has been signed by Ontario and the first nations. I will see to it soon that we consider signing this agreement.
Business of Supply May 13th, 2015
I indicated, Mr. Chair, that the government considers this a serious issue. That is why every year we invest in mental health measures and work along with the Inuit people and their territorial government to try to address this situation as best as it can be handled.