John Duncan

[Aboriginal Affairs, October 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, also under the same provisions, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the 2007-08 Annual Report of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and the Northeastern Quebec Agreement.

[Aboriginal Healing Foundation, October 22nd, 2010]

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 2010 Annual Report.

[Human Rights, October 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada will take steps to endorse the UN declaration, which is an aspirational document, and we will do so in a manner fully consistent with Canada's Constitution and laws and in balance with the rights of all Canadians.

Our commitment to helping improve the lives of aboriginal peoples builds on the Prime Minister's historic apology to former students of Indian residential schools and the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

[Aboriginal Affairs, September 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I had a meeting today with the national president of the Native Women's Association of Canada. We understand the Sisters in Spirit initiative is next week. The government will continue to push forward on a response in terms of the $10 million that have been allocated on this file.

[Aboriginal Affairs, September 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the government is engaged in a new approach to providing support for first nations and Inuit post-secondary students to ensure they receive the support they need. The new approach will be effective and accountable and will be coordinated with other federal student support programs. We will be working with aboriginal organizations as we move forward.

We are committed to ensuring students are supported and we intend to correct a program that is ailing.

[Aboriginal Affairs, September 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we are well aware of the challenges. I joined the member for Nanaimo—Cowichan at the rally today. It is a very impressive group out there.

The government is committed to improving first nations' education and we are working with the first nations and with the provinces. There are some real issues that need to be looked at, including declining access to the fund right when the aboriginal population is growing. We are committed to ensuring students get access to this educational fund.

[Aboriginal Communities, September 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, there have been great new investments since this government came into power in 2006.

I might add that the throne speech this year made a strong commitment that we would endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We will be doing that very soon.

[Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, September 22nd, 2010]

moved for leave to introduce Bill S-4, An Act respecting family homes situated on First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves.

(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)

[Aboriginal Affairs, September 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we launched two new programs in 2008, the education partnerships and first nations student access. These will help first nation students. Most of this is new money. The moneys we put in place through the economic action plan is also achieving major positive results for first nation education.

[Aboriginal Affairs, September 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this government understands the importance of education and that is why we are committed to improving it in partnership with first nations and the provinces and territories.

Since 2006, our government has invested $400 million in the completion of nearly 100 school projects. Additionally, our economic action plan and building Canada program provided for 18 additional schools and major renovations.

We are working closely with B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, P.E.I. and New Brunswick and regional first nations on initiatives to improve educational outcomes. It is our priority.