Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, I appreciate a lot of what the parliamentary secretary had to say. Unfortunately, he was not able to answer the question again, specifically on the timeline. Could he provide more detail of the work the Liberals are doing? I know they are doing some good work on this file.

Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, it is an honour for me to join the debate today to speak about an issue of immense importance to people across the riding of Kenora and across Canada, and that is the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Before the parliamentary break, I raised this issue in question period, asking when the government would confirm it would be able to provide its action plan, as promised, on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Mr. Speaker, I think, as for all Canadians experiencing the impact of the lack of vaccines, there is a lot of worry. A lot of people are feeling uneasy about what lies ahead. Specifically with regard to my region, as the member will know, there are many remote first nation communities and vulnerable populations who have begun to receive vaccines, but that has not been enough to ensure that all of those who are in a vulnerable situation can be vaccinated in a timely manner.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Mr. Speaker, of course we know that public health officials and the experts have to be the ones guiding these decisions. However, to my colleague's point, I would say that the lack of transparency by the government about what it is hearing from public health officials has caused a lot of frustration.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from the Bloc mentioned, we do agree that the government has botched the vaccines procurement process. We have seen a very slow rollout across the country, which has resulted in a lot of frustration and uncertainty for Canadians. Moving forward, we really want to see the plan from the government on how it is going to move forward and distribute vaccines in a way that can help get our economy going again and secure our health and future.

Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to join debate today on Bill C-14, which would implement measures put forward in the government's fall economic statement. Many residents of my riding have been very hopeful for some time to see a new plan from the government to get our economy going again.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, today marks 26 years since the Neskantaga First Nation in my riding fell under a boil water advisory. Not only has the community had to overcome the advisory itself, but last year a malfunction with the water system caused residents to have to evacuate entirely. The government has stated that no relationship is more important to it than its relationship with indigenous peoples; however, its inaction on this issue speaks far louder than its hollow words.

Telecommunications  Mr. Speaker, in 2016, the government promised high-speed Internet to the communities of Madsen and Shoal Lake 39 in my riding. This funding was announced five years ago, yet these communities are still waiting for improved service. If it was not to deliver high-speed Internet as promised, where was this funding actually spent?

Questions on the Order Paper  With regard to the government’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for Indigenous and remote communities: (a) what is the government’s specific plan for vaccine distribution; (b) during which month is each community projected to receive enough doses of the vaccine to inoculate the population; and (c) how will the vaccine be delivered or made available to those living in the most extreme remote communities, including those where traditional transportation methods may not be readily available?

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  With regard to the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and the section outlining support for Indigenous people: what is the total amount dispersed and the total number of recipients to date for each of the following listed programs and initiatives, (i) supporting Indigenous communities, (ii) boosting the On­Reserve Income Assistance Program, (iii) funding for additional health care resources for Indigenous communities, (iv) expanding and improving access to mental wellness services, (v) making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable, (vi) providing support to Indigenous post­secondary students, (vii) ensuring a safe return to school for First Nations, (viii) new shelters to protect and support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence?

Regional Economic Development  Madam Speaker, I do realize that the government has been taking some steps to address the situation. What I worry about is that there are similarities in the parliamentary secretary's response and that of the Prime Minister, where they simply name everything they have done for the north, whether it is related to this issue or not.

Regional Economic Development  Madam Speaker, on November 4, I asked the Prime Minister when the government would support much-needed upgrades to the Iqaluit post office. We know that everyday items are prohibitively expensive in northern Canada, particularly in Nunavut. As a result, many northerners have turned to online retailers that can offer lower cost alternatives.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his tremendous insight and thoughts on this topic. One of the things he mentioned was some of the challenges and vulnerabilities facing indigenous communities. As a member representing a northern Ontario riding with 42 first nations, three distinct treaty territories and the Métis homelands, it is something I and our region understand quite closely.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from northern Ontario for sharing his insight and a very thought-provoking speech. I would like to speak directly to Bill C-7. As the member noted, this is a very complex issue for many people and a very complicated debate. It is for me as well.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I appreciate a lot of what my colleague had to say on this matter. One of the things he mentioned was the importance of having all health care options available, including palliative care and a stronger support system for those who are struggling and potentially nearing the end of their lives.