Indian Claims Commission  Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the 2007-08 annual report of the Indian Claims Commission.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the government does take the issue of family violence in native communities very seriously, which is why we invest $18.5 million annually in prevention programs and in services. Furthermore, we are investing over $55 million to support existing shelters and we created five new ones.

Indian Oil and Gas Act  Madam Speaker, I was asked a question about the regulations going forward from here. It has been pointed out to me that the regulations will come into effect in 2010, assuming that the bill is adopted. There has been considerable consultation. Specifically referring to the speech by the member for Labrador, it is worthwhile to point out that since consultations started on the bill in 1999, 10 years ago, on Indian oil and gas, the committee has heard testimony during 40 technical committee meetings on various amendments proposed to the bill.

Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act  Madam Speaker, I have enjoyed listening to the two speakers from the Bloc, who are both members of the committee on aboriginal affairs, talk about the legislation. I am also very pleased that they want to see the bill go to committee where we can have a full discussion and full discourse.

First Nations Elections Act  There are elements in the bill about trying to alleviate some of the problems we have seen with the Indian Act, but the fundamental problem is the breach of trust in relationship that is not being done with the communities. Once again, it is Ottawa, the Department of Indian Affairs, imposing upon the people themselves how situations are going to be resolved, rather than recognizing that in the 21st century it is not acceptable to treat an entire section of our Canadian population, basically, as a hostage people under a bureaucracy.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity today to speak to some of the recent first nations infrastructure investments our government has taken through budget 2009, Canada's economic action plan. Of course the action plan includes spending for other aboriginal groups in the north and elsewhere, but I only have ten minutes.

Labrador-Inuit Land Claims Agreement  Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, copies of the 2007-08 Annual Report of the Labrador-Inuit Land Claims Agreement Implementation Coordinating Committees.

House debate  Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada makes it a key priority to address violence against all women, and in particular aboriginal women who experience both a higher rate and more serious forms of violence than non-aboriginal women. As to the question of when, we are working right now to address the complex web of societal issues related to the disappearance and murder of so many aboriginal girls and women in Canada.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the minister has been clear. The purpose of the Copenhagen negotiations is to achieve a new global framework to replace Kyoto. There are 192 countries at the table. We have tough negotiators to ensure an agreement makes sense for Canada's economic, geographic and industrial realities.

Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act  Mr. Speaker, I know the member for Ottawa—Vanier was not on the committee in the last Parliament, nor was I, but I do know that the legislation that came forward from the government in the last Parliament to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act so that the exclusion of status Indians from its provisions would end was virtually in the same position.

Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague from Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River. I know that was the first 20-minute speech that he has made in the House of Commons, and he made it a memorable one for multiple reasons. I think it was one of the longest 20-minute speeches in the history of the House because of technical difficulties.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the government is working to achieve the North American target of 20% by 2020 and our plan will include hard caps for all major emitters. Our policies will ensure harmonization with the U.S., and we are working, unlike the Liberals, toward a balance between environmental protection and economic prosperity.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the government has demonstrated international leadership and committed to working with the international community to deal with the challenge of climate change. Copenhagen is a very significant factor in how matters will be approached, continentally and domestically.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the government is working continentally to achieve the North American target of 20% by 2020. Our plan will include hard caps for all major emitters and our policies will ensure harmonization with the U.S. The government will continue to move forward, working toward a balance between environmental protection and economic prosperity.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, we are making progress on tailpipe emission standards, aviation standards, carbon capture and storage, and a North American integrated approach to cap and trade. By contrast, the Bloc would have us move away from the North American target, isolate Canada continentally, ruin our economic recovery and do nothing for the environment.