Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, let me complete what I was about to say. While we cannot underestimate the impact of COVID-19 on long-term drinking water timelines, we are optimistic that by spring 2021 the number of communities under long-term drinking water advisories will be down to 12. We ar

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the member opposite would probably appreciate an update on Attawapiskat. Our officials are in direct contact with leadership and WAHA to ensure that contact tracing and isolation are under way. People should rest assured that they will have the backing of the Governm

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, what I would like to say to all Canadians is that we are not backing away from our commitment to ending all long-term drinking water advisories for first nations on reserve, but are instead making a more profound commitment for the long term. Yesterday we announced

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I will be absolutely speaking to Chief Redhead later today to help support and be on hand to combat and prevent further spread of COVID-19. A rapid response team has been deployed, along with BLU-MED shelters that have been in operation since last week. We will remai

Indigenous Affairs  Madam Speaker, we welcome the order of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. I would note for the member opposite that our department is currently reviewing and revising what was said in the order, but we are looking forward to the implementation of this definition, which expands t

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, incidents like this should never happen again. The incident in question was exceedingly alarming. I would invite the member opposite, and indeed all Canadians, to review the 911 transcript. It is unclear at this time, but if there is any trace that Indigenous Servic

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the incidents in question are exceedingly alarming. Indeed, they did occur a year ago, and what we saw was the process of systemic racism showing its head on the ground, and the results that it had with the police intervening. Clearly all members of society need to

Health  Mr. Speaker, as the member well knows, the last week for indigenous peoples has seen multiple rises in cases affecting indigenous communities. It is, indeed, alarming. What the member has also seen are targeted responses in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The Government of

Health  Mr. Speaker, the collection of data is an ongoing process. What we do know is what we are able, as a matter of effective jurisdiction, to control, which is the situation on reserve. We know that the data has so far been positive. The alarming rate of increase over the last few we

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to speak to chief and council yesterday. Currently, members should know that the timeline for getting back into the community would be early December. Obviously, with COVID we are being extra careful to prevent contamination in vectors of the

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, as I have said to the member, we are cautiously optimistic. This is a decision that will be taken in conjunction with the community and not dictated by Indigenous Services Canada. I would ask the member what she would have said to that community, with the abhorrent

Health  Mr. Speaker, my thanks to the member for her tireless advocacy on behalf of indigenous peoples. I do think that she and the rest of the House will appreciate the update that I have with respect to Opaskwayak. I have been in conversations with Chief Sinclair over the course of t

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, first I would like to acknowledge the unacceptable situation in Neskantaga. I would like to update the House on the current discussions we are having with the chief. The plan forward involves a staged path of opening up the new plant, which we have invested $16.5 mil

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the overrepresentation of indigenous children in care is a fact, and a dark part of our shared history that we must address. This government has been crystal clear: We intend to compensate first nations children harmed by the discriminatory child and family service

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I will tell the member opposite exactly what the plan is. It is to lift all those long-term water advisories with investment, partnership and hard work, 96 to date. The prior government left them all to waste for a decade. This is unconscionable action. This is somet