Greg Rickford

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, not only did our government reaffirm our commitment to consult with first nations across Canada on the development of a first nations education act to improve outcomes for aboriginal children in K to 12, we also committed new resources for scholarships, bursaries and training for aboriginal students. These investments build on last year's investments and new resources for new schools, literacy programming and administration of aboriginal education on reserve.

That member, her party and the official opposition voted against it all.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we have to ensure that aboriginal youth have access to personalized training that will help them find work. That is exactly what the provinces have been doing successfully for many years.

Yesterday's comments by the Leader of the Opposition demonstrate once again how out of touch the NDP is with the Canadian economy and the potential of the aboriginal workforce.

While the NDP betrays Canada's interests at home and abroad, we are creating jobs and prospects for the future.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 22nd, 2013]

An interesting question, Mr. Speaker, because every time we make substantial moves forward with our aboriginal partners and communities and leadership, the NDP votes against.

We have been focusing on education. We have been focusing on water and waste water treatment on reserves, the ability to have the capacity to maintain these state-of-the-art facilities, continuing to replace infrastructure and bringing forth the kind of legislation that deals with these major infrastructure commitments and shared priorities with first nation communities.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that young aboriginal Canadians have access to personalized job training to help them secure a job. Provinces have been doing this kind of programming successfully for many years.

The outrageous comments by the Leader of the Opposition yesterday remind us how out of touch the NDP is with the potential of the aboriginal workforce and the Canadian economy. While the NDP betrays Canada's interests at home and abroad, we are creating jobs and growth for aboriginal Canadians.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, not only did our government reaffirm our consultations and our process through the first nation education act, we also committed to new resources for scholarships, bursaries and training for aboriginal students.

These investments build on last year's budget investments in new resources for new schools, literacy programs and administration of aboriginal education. The opposition members voted against all of these. I urge them to stop voting against improvements for aboriginal education and vote in favour of this year's budget.

[Tsawwassen First Nation, March 20th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, in addition, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the 2010-2011 Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement Implementation Report.

[Aboriginal Healing Foundation, March 20th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's 2012 report.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has received the decision and is reviewing it.

Our government has demonstrated its commitment to resolving historical grievances. For instance, we have resolved more than 80 specific claims. We will continue to work with the Canadian Métis to create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, these accusations are completely false. Changes to the funding agreements are solely administrative and do not create new obligations for first nations. Our department is in contact with concerned first nations and encourages any first nation with questions and concerns to contact its local regional office.

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government has introduced matrimonial property rights legislation to protect thousands of aboriginal women living on reserves across Canada. In situations of family violence, the bill would allow judges to enforce emergency protection orders and remove a violent partner. Tragically, the NDP and Liberals continue to oppose this legislation.

The bill is long overdue. We continue to stand up for aboriginal women so they can have the same rights and protections as all Canadian women across the country.