Post-Secondary Education  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek for his hard work. The creation of Yukon University this year was an important milestone for the north. Building on this, last Friday I was proud to announce the creation of the northern post-secondary education task force, which will play an important role in delivering on the objectives of the Arctic and northern policy framework to close the gaps that exist between the north and the rest of Canada.

Northern Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the support we have given northern Canada during these difficult times. In April, we invested $130 million for economic and health supports for all of northern Canada. We have also invested significantly in aviation support. Through these difficult times, our government will be there for all Canadians, including, of course, Canadians who live in the north.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Our government is committed to improving the quality of life for northerners. In the last few years, we have invested $40 million over five years to support options for post-secondary education in the north, in the Arctic. Through our national housing strategy, we are helping more than 3,000 northerners find a place to call home.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to working in partnership with territorial, provincial and indigenous partners to co-develop priorities for the north. Together, we revised the nutrition north list of subsidized food and lowered the cost of the northern food basket. We have signed an agreement in principle on the devolution of crown lands and water rights in Nunavut, and we launched the Arctic and northern policy framework in September 2019.

Northern Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Northwest Territories for his hard work in the north. The Arctic and northern policy framework is historic because it was co-developed with our provincial, territorial and indigenous partners. Northerners have told us that they want Arctic people at the centre of the framework and we have listened.

Niakwa Park Residents Association  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to once again rise in the House to talk about a resident association in my riding of Saint-Boniface—Saint-Vital. Niakwa Park is a small but vibrant community that was built some 65 years ago. It is well represented by an active residents association. Chaired by Chris Chipman, the volunteer-led Niakwa Park Residents Association organizes many family-friendly activities throughout the year: a winter sleigh ride, an outdoor ice rink, pizza in the park, movie night in the park and an annual picnic.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the health issues that the people of Grassy Narrows have endured for over 50 years and that continue today. We share the community's goal of finding a solution that meets its needs. We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a health facility in Grassy Narrows.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her commitment and contributions at committee on this very difficult and important issue. This really is a bill about jurisdiction. For the longest time, since the beginning of Canada, indigenous child welfare was under federal jurisdiction. Provinces have been involved for a long time, and many people respect provincial jurisdiction.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his fine work at committee. This legislation was codeveloped, and I am very proud that the minister and his staff went to those on the ground, from coast to coast to coast, and consulted before the bill was written. Over 2,000 people were consulted.

Indigenous Languages Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage for his hard work on this languages bill. It really came together through the contributions of many individuals on all sides of the House. Five or six years ago, if we had asked ourselves whether the words “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” would actually be in the text of a bill that was approved in the House of Commons, and I hope will be approved in the Senate and receive royal proclamation before we rise, we would have told ourselves that it was absolutely impossible.

Indigenous Languages Act  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the work we have done in indigenous communities on many fronts. Since being elected in 2015, we have invested, in partnership with the Métis, Inuit and first nation peoples, over $21 billion in infrastructure, education, health and child welfare.

Indigenous Languages Act  Mr. Speaker, our government was very proud to support the private member's bill on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UNDRIP. I believe every member on this side of the House supported that legislation, which is currently in the Senate. We hope that it will receive royal assent before we rise for the next election.

Indigenous Languages Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise in the House to once again discuss an important issue. It is always an honour to rise and speak in this House on behalf of the citizens of Saint Boniface—Saint Vital on legislation that will have such a profound impact on Métis, first nation and Inuit people across this great country.

Indigenous Nurses Day  Mr. Speaker, on this National Nursing Week, I rise today to pay special tribute to the exceptional work of the indigenous nurses who provide care to all Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day. The over 9,700 strong and skilled indigenous nurses are invaluable in the promotion, development and practice of indigenous health and nursing.

Norwood Legion Ladies Auxiliary  Mr. Speaker, on February 11, 1929, the Norwood Legion Ladies Auxiliary was constituted by the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. For 90 years, the volunteer auxiliary has worked tirelessly to support the Norwood Legion and Saint Boniface. It was a pleasure to be able to join them last Sunday to mark this very important milestone.