House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 28% of the vote.
First Nations December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have done more than our share on first nations education. We are working in tripartite arrangements. We are working to improve K to 12. We are working on post-secondary education. We came to an agreement on First Nations University of Canada.
We are doing everything we can to ensure better educational outcomes.
First Nations December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we recognize the bill tabled by the Bloc member today. We have no idea when or if it will be debated in this place.
The government does understand the importance of education for first nations. We are committed to improving it in partnership with first nations, the provinces and the territories.
Since 2006 we have invested over $700 million in more than 100 school projects, with another 100 under way. We launched the education partnership program and the first nations student success program. Most of this is over and above—
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is very nice to hear the member for Yukon talking once again, pretending to represent his backyard, when he spent his time this summer saying, when I was there, that we should be listening to Yukoners. We did. What did the member do? He voted against the removal of the gun registry and he voted for the anti-mining legislation in the House, against the wishes of his own constituents.
Aboriginal Affairs November 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar for sponsoring her bill. We are committed to improving the transparency and accountability of funds flowing to first nations. First nation community members and all Canadians have a right to know how tax dollars are spent and how much money chiefs and councillors earn.
We are seeking to expand Bill C-575 to cover all sources of income. I hope that this bill receives support from members from all parties in the House.
Aboriginal Affairs November 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not a blank cheque to open up for every issue.
However, this government has also invested very seriously in housing for first nations and aboriginal peoples. We have spent almost $1 billion on reserves since coming to government in 2006. We have created an annual average of 2,300 new units and 3,300 renovations. We have also supported social housing and aboriginal capacity development.
Aboriginal Affairs November 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we indeed endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We indeed are moving forward on an agenda that includes education as a priority. I would invite the member to stay tuned, because we will be announcing some measures on the education front.
Questions on the Order Paper November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, in response to (a) (i) to (v), since 2001, the federal government has supported the University of the Arctic Canada as a means of expanding access to university education to northerners while the territories build capacity and explore options for establishing a northern university. The University of the Arctic Canada delivers relevant programming in the north, both virtually and through a consortium of colleges and universities, including the three territorial colleges. In so doing, it reduces the need for students to travel south to pursue post-secondary studies.
As the Government of Canada has focused its energies on supporting an existing institution, no federal study to explore need, costs and benefits, potential federal assistance or best location for a university of the north has been undertaken.
In response to (b), no study has been undertaken; therefore, no efforts have been made to involve each territorial government.
In response to (c), while the government has not undertaken its own a study on the creation of a university of the north, the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation is in the process of conducting a study on options for a northern university. An environmental scan has been completed, and key community members and leaders met in Yellowknife in early November 2010 to participate in a dialogue aimed at outlining a shared vision for a future university in Canada's Arctic. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development participated in the dialogue. It is unknown at this time when the results of the study will be released by the foundation.
Aboriginal Affairs November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, aboriginal leaders in Canada have spoken with passion on the importance of endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we have listened to them. We are proud to endorse this aspirational declaration in a way that balances the rights of all Canadians. National Chief Atleo calls this endorsement “an important shift in the relationship between first nations people and the federal government”.
This government will continue to demonstrate leadership by advancing the cause of indigenous rights around the world and creating opportunities for a better future for all aboriginal peoples here in Canada.
Questions on the Order Paper November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), the report was commissioned in March 2009 as part of the department’s review of its post-secondary education programs.
In response to (b), the contract was valued up to $24,675 only $11,750 was paid out under the contract.
In response to (c), in 2008, the Educational Policy Institute was contracted by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Ontario region. The contract was valued at $103,110; however, the supplier was not able to complete the work, so the contract was cancelled.
In response to (d), in the last five years, two contracts have been awarded to study the post-secondary student support program.
In response to (e), (i) Derek A. Sagima was awarded a contract to conduct a preliminary survey and audit of post-secondary education. The duration of this contract was from April 21, 2008 until November 28, 2008 and involved three phases. The total value of this contract was $330,619, including travel but not GST; $298,181 was paid out.
In response to (e), (ii) In September 2008, Applied Research Centre was awarded a contract to prepare a gap analysis of aboriginal post-secondary education programming. The value of the contract was $14,973.
Aboriginal Affairs November 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, those statements are simply incorrect. We built a new water treatment plant at Red Sucker Lake in Island Lake. Wasagamack is in the plan for a water and sewer project worth $5.5 million in 2014-15. St. Theresa Point is identified for the third phase of the water and sewer project. Garden Hill is awaiting connection to the hydro grid so we can move ahead with infrastructure improvements.