Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, of course we reject the premise of that question. Our government has taken significant steps since taking office in 2006 to advance the cause of aboriginal people across Canada. Whether it is first nations transparency on reserve, safer water on reserve, bringing matrimonial property rights to women on reserve, we are standing in the corner of first nations.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise in this place to speak about an important bill, Bill S-6, the first nations elections act, which, during the last Parliament, passed into committee.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member giving me two sentences to launch into my speech before interrupting with a point of order. We are talking about the government motion, which includes the ability to bring the legislation that was before the House last June and that was referred to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, exactly what I talked about was improving the democratic process for first nations that want to opt in to a new first nations elections act. That is exactly what some other people have said. I will continue with some positive comments. Chief Candice Paul, then executive co-chair of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs, said: Our member chiefs do support Bill S-6 as it currently stands.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Prince Edward—Hastings for his thoughtful question and for his concern for this issue. The development of the bill was a direct result of collaboration and partnership with first nations. We are simply responding to a process that was started in 2008, five years ago.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, of course we are all hoping that someday you may have those powers granted to you in the future. When we have had legislation dealing with first nations before the House, such as the safer water act for our first nations, the NDP voted against it. We brought in matrimonial real property rights for women living on reserves to give them the same protections that are offered to women living outside a reserve; the NDP voted against it.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE AND ITS COMMITTEES  Mr. Speaker, the member for Elgin—Middlesex—London is the hard-working chair of the procedure and House affairs committee, and I know he is respected by all members in the House. The NDP and Liberals, whom I have stated oppose every measure we take to work with first nations and improve conditions for first nations living on reserve, apparently do not want to see progress.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to speak to the question of the hon. member for Nanaimo—Cowichan, a fellow British Columbian and someone who is concerned about aboriginal peoples in Canada. This is my first opportunity to participate in adjournment proceedings and I am glad you are in the chair for that experience too, Mr.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, our government takes its legal duty to consult and accommodate very seriously. Where appropriate, we have said that we would accommodate aboriginal groups if it has been determined that treaty and aboriginal rights could be impacted. I do take issue with the idea that somehow we are rushing forward on first nations education reform.

Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to join in this debate. It is disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising, to see that the opposition is once again standing up for the status quo when it comes to first nations issues. Our government knows that for too many years, 137 years to be exact, first nations communities have been governed by an outdated and archaic Indian Act that has been holding them back from achieving their full potential.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment while supporting our economy. Canada's natural resource sector employs 1.8 million Canadians, many in skilled, high-paying jobs. Resource development generates $30 billion annually in revenue, and we are making sure that aboriginal peoples have every opportunity to benefit from this development.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, our government has always been and will continue to be committed to consulting with Canadians, including aboriginal people, and giving careful consideration to their concerns. Building relationships with aboriginal groups and encouraging and supporting their active participation in the review of projects is essential to making sure that aboriginal peoples can benefit from the economic development opportunities associated with these projects.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the hon. member for Nanaimo—Cowichan. I also appreciate the member for Nipissing—Timiskaming supporting me in giving my answer tonight. I would remind the hon. opposition member that our government firmly believes that all first nations students across Canada deserve access to a school system that meets provincial and territorial standards while respecting first nations culture, language, rights, and treaties.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to reforming the first nation education act and not simply addressing it with more money. We have to have reform of the system—of the non-system, as the minister has called it—before addressing the funding issue. Our government remains committed to the principle of first nation control of first nation education.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have to honour to table, in both official languages, four separate reports. The first is the 2011-12 annual report of the Labrador and Inuit Land Claims Agreement implementation coordinating committee. The second report I wish to table is the copy of the 2013 Annual Report of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.