Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Wet'suwet'en Agreement and broader action across the country. Indigenous Services Canada. March 10, 2020

Logistics

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: TBC

Subject: Wet'suwet'en agreement and broader action across the country

Notes: It is recommended that witnesses arrive at the committee meeting room at least 15 minutes before they are scheduled to appear.

Appearing

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

At the table

• Minister Marc Miller
• Deputy Minister Jean-François Tremblay

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC)

At the table

• Minister Carolyn Bennett
• Deputy Minister Daniel Watson

Context

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) is composed of 12 members: six Liberal, four Conservative, one BQ and one NDP. This composition can present challenges for the Government Members, as the opposition parties can work together to vote down Government's motions.

On February 25, 2020, MP Bérubé provided a notice of motion that the committee undertake a study on "the ongoing Indigenous crisis in Quebec and Canada," and "to invite the main actors at the heart of this crisis -- the We'tsuwet'en hereditary chiefs and Indigenous affairs experts and report to the House." She wanted to discuss this motion during the meeting, but the committee decided to make it the first order of business at the next meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2020.

On February 27, 2020, at the beginning of the meeting, the committee discussed MP Bérubé's motion. MP Viersen (CPC) proposed an amendment to the motion, asking to remove "the We'tsuwet'en hereditary chiefs" and replace it with "in spirit of reconciliation and to ensure that all indigenous voices are heard, the committee should hear from the affected indigenous chiefs, indigenous local leaders, including the coastal gas link so they can provide a more useful exploration of this issue". His motion was defeated. MP Johns (NDP) then proposed another amendment to the motion, mentioning that the NDP supports the Bloc's motion, but would like to broaden it and make it more inclusive. The NDP motion was carried, and reads:

"that, in accordance with Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study on the current Indigenous crisis in Quebec and Canada; that it invite the ministers concerned and experts on Indigenous affairs; and that it report back to the House."

Opposition parties have been vocal on this issue on all parliamentary platforms. They could take advantage of this opportunity to express their disagreements with the actions taken by the government on this issue.

This will be the first meeting of this study. Following your appearance, the committee will hear from an expert panel comprised of one witness suggested per party. The names of these witnesses are not yet available. Following the second hour, the committee will determine if further meetings on this issue are required.

Meeting proceedings

It should be noted that Minister Bennett, Minister Miller, and supporting officials from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada, are appearing for the first hour of this meeting from 11 a.m. to noon.

1. The Ministers will each have up to 10 minutes each to deliver their remarks
2. Members of the Committee will ask questions after the statement. Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:
   • First round (6 minutes for each Party)
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
     • Bloc Québécois
     • New Democratic Party of Canada
   • Second round (5 minutes for each Party)
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
     • Conservative Party of Canada
     • Liberal Party of Canada
   • 2.5 minutes for the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party

Tyendinaga

It is in this spirit of peace and co-operation that I gathered with members of the Kanienkehaka along the rail tracks in Tyendinaga, as Members will know.

We pursued an open dialogue and made concerted efforts to move toward a peaceful resolution. Modest but important progress was made through this dialogue.

However, there was an immense amount of suspicion toward my presence; fear that it was a ruse and that the police would move in. It is not every day that people are surrounded by police, and the reactions are normal.

Parts of the conversation with the leadership of the community, elders and community members, were very difficult, very painful and very personal. Upsetting stories were shared about this country's troubling treatment of indigenous peoples.

These are very serious issues which demand our attention, and have demanded it for hundreds of years and there's no place in this discussion for rhetoric and vitriol.

The question I have found myself asking in the last few weeks is this: are we going to do things the way we have always done them, which has brought us to this point in our relationship, or… do we take a new approach that engages in a true government-to-government relationship.

My greatest challenge in the past month in particular, but in the relationship in general, is trust. It prevents the best and most well thought out initiatives from moving forward. It is clear that our work must earn that trust over time.

History

In looking towards building a better future where we earn that trust, I believe it is important to acknowledge the past.

For almost 500 years, Indigenous Peoples have faced discrimination in every aspect of their lives. The Crown has prevented a true, equal partnership from developing with Indigenous peoples—imposing instead a relationship based on colonial, paternalistic ways of thinking and doing.

This approach has resulted in a legacy of devastation, pain and suffering. And it's not acceptable.

Many of us know where this has gotten us…

• A broken child and family system — where Indigenous children up to age 14 make up 52.2% of kids in foster care, even though they represent only 7.7% of all Canadian children.
• Shocking rates of suicide among Indigenous youth—causing untold pain and hurt that will plague families and communities for generations to come.
• Untenable housing situations where water that is unsafe to drink, or even bathe in, comes out of the taps.
• Communities that don't have reliable access to roads, or health centres or even schools.

Approach as a Government

When we formed government 4 years ago, we made many significant promises including on some of these areas I just touched upon.

We have delivered on much of that but the most important learning for us was that everything has to be done in true partnership. That Canada will succeed when we follow the voices of those who we have ignored and disrespected for far too long, and those who lead communities across this country.

We know that there is no quick fix for the decades of systemic discrimination that Indigenous Peoples in Canada have faced. But our government is committed to putting in the time, energy and resources to right past wrongs and build a better way forward for future generations.

We do our best to undertake this work in a way that departs from much of our shared history – a history in which the inherent rights, leadership and cultural vitality has not been respected as it should have.

Our approach is founded in partnership, in co-development… and is anchored in listening – listening to Indigenous leaders, elders, youth and community members and working to support the attainment of their goals based on their priorities.

Since 2016, we've invested $21 billion into the priorities our Indigenous partners have set. And, together, we've made some progress.

But we still have a long way to go to close the unacceptable socio-economic gaps that still exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Moving towards self-determination

For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples have been calling on the Canadian government to recognize and affirm their jurisdiction over their own affairs. To have control and agency over their land, housing, education, governance systems, and child and family services.

Self-determination improves the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous communities. And that is something all Canadians should strive to support.

We have undeniable proof that self-determination is a better path to take.

Self-governing Indigenous peoples have better socio-economic outcomes. More children finish high school, fewer people are unemployed, health outcomes are better.

Indigenous-led initiatives get better results. We have seen the evidence for this time and time again.

It is absolutely necessary that we support nation-led and community-led success in every Indigenous community in Canada. And not just in education, but in health care, water and resource management, child and family services… in every sector.

This is why our government continues to work on shifting its policies to recognize the inherent right of self-government and self-determination of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

This means moving to models of Indigenous governance and supporting Indigenous communities to assert their rights.

We are working to support First Nations to opt-out of sections of the Indian Act in areas such as land, environment, resource management and elections.

As an example, we are working with Indigenous institutions and First Nations to develop the tools they need to drive local economic development, empower their communities and promote prosperity.

Since January 2019, nine First Nations have begun operating under their community ratified land codes through the Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management and the First Nations Land Management Act. In addition, 18 First Nations have joined the 264 other First Nations asserting jurisdiction in the area of fiscal governance by opting into the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.

Self-determination is key to unlocking economic potential, creating opportunities for growth, and closing socioeconomic gaps.

We know that with advancing self-determination, the potential for success is enormous; for the success of Indigenous peoples and for all of Canada.

To get there, we need to:

• understand that recognizing and affirming rights is a first step in finding a way forward;
• support our Indigenous partners to identify our challenges and then we need to rise to them;
• And, recognize that the most important actions we can take are to listen to the hard truths; embrace change and welcome creative ideas.

But a transformation like that will take determination, persistence, patience and truth-telling.

Conclusion

The work ahead of us will be difficult. As I mentioned, this path will require much from us:

• It will require that we work in true partnership; listening even when the truth is hard to hear.
• It will require that we keep communicating even when we disagree.
• It will require that we continue to collaborate and seek creative ways forward as well as new paths to healing and true understanding.

We have all seen what happens when we don't come together to keep the conversation going. That path results in mistrust and confusion which can be the root of conflict, and is a barrier to moving forward together.

I want to be clear. It is up to rights holders to determine who speaks on their behalf regarding their Aboriginal rights and title and we will continue to dedicate effort to continuing those conversations.

Acknowledging all of the challenges, I know that the hard work ahead of us is worth the effort.

We can, and will, build a better Canada together. One in which healthy, prosperous, self-determining and self-governing Indigenous nations are key partners.

We have an opportunity to get to learn our shared history, to share in pain and joy, and to dig in and do the work that gets us a country where we can all succeed.

I look forward to working with my colleagues from all sides of the aisle to undertake this essential work,we look forward to taking your questions.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

Key message

• We recognize that the recent events across the country are deeply concerning to all Canadians.
• It is a very difficult situation for everyone, whether you are an Indigenous or non-Indigenous Canadian.
• Last week, I, along with the provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, met with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs to discuss the recognition of Wet'suwet'en rights and title and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project.
• Our discussions resulted in an arrangement that sets a path forward for recognizing Wet'suwet'en rights and title.
• The Wet'suwet'en clan members will review the draft arrangement through Wet'suwet'en governance protocols for ratification. If ratified by the Wet'suwet'en Nation, I will return to the Wet'suwet'en territory to sign the document.
• Once signed by the parties, we will work to implement the commitments made in the arrangement.
• We are heartened by the development that the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police has extended an opportunity to the hereditary chiefs to sit down and work towards a long term plan that can involve a decreased presence on their territory.
• We all want a peaceful and rapid resolution that brings down the blockades and continues to advance dialogue with the Wet'suwet'en.

Background

Wet'suwet'en members, with the support of Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, have been occupying provincial Crown land within Wet'suwet'en traditional territory to prevent Coastal Gaslink from accessing a work site. On December 14, 2018, the British Columbia Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily ordering that workers be permitted access. On January 8, 2019, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police began to enforce the court injunction, resulting in a number of arrests.

On December 31, 2019, the British Columbia Supreme Court granted Coastal GasLink's application for an interlocutory injunction restraining protesters from barring workers from accessing the work site for the natural gas pipeline project. Since this decision, other Indigenous groups across Canada have taken actions in support of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, including a blockage of the CN/VIA rail corridor near Tyendinaga, Ontario. On February 6, 2020, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police began to enforce the court injunction.

CIRNAC has a longstanding relationship with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, beginning under the British Columbia treaty process in 1994. The Wet'suwet'en were in Stage 4 of the process (negotiation of an Agreement-in-Principle) when, in May 2015, they ceased participating out of concern that their self-government rights and title interests would not be met. In March 2017, the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs wrote to the Department seeking reconciliation discussions and, in July 2017, the Department initiated Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussions with the Wet'suwet'en, with an initial focus on child and family services. On October 11, 2018, Canada, British Columbia and the Wet'suwet'en signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing the parties to work together on child and family service transformation and to explore a transfer of jurisdiction over child and family services back to the Wet'suwet'en.

From February 27-29, 2020, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, as well as representatives from CIRNAC and British Columbia met with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs to discuss the recognition of Wet'suwet'en rights and title throughout the Yintah (territory) and the issues arising out of the Coastal GasLink project. The topics were discussed separately. The result of these discussions was a draft arrangement that includes a commitment to an expedited process to implement the recognition of Wet'suwet'en rights and title throughout Wet'suwet'en's Yintah. This arrangement will be reviewed by Wet'suwet'en clan members through Wet'suwet'en governance protocols for ratification. If ratified, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation will return to Wet'suwet'en territory to sign.

On the Coastal GasLink project, the parties engaged in direct discussions and explored means to come to a resolution. The province agreed to provide further information on the project. All parties recognize that the differences relating to the project remain.

Key messages

• The Government of Canada deeply values its relationship with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and is working with the First Nation in a spirit of co-operation and renewal to resolve this claim through negotiations.
• The Government of Canada prefers negotiated settlements wherever possible.
• Negotiated settlements live up to legal obligations and resolve longstanding disputes about land in a balanced way that respects the rights of all Canadians.

Background

The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation's Culbertson Tract claim relates to a land transaction that took place about 170 years ago. The First Nation's claim alleges that approximately 923 acres of land was improperly taken from the First Nation in 1837. The Culbertson Tract includes 448 separate land parcels and makes up a large portion of the town of Deseronto and part of Tyendinaga Township, in Ontario. Currently, 2174 people live on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, just east of Deseronto.

In October 2013, the Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte wrote to the Minister asserting that the First Nation expects Canada to assume responsibility for acquiring the lands in dispute, (including much of downtown Deseronto) in light of the Court's decision in the judicial review.

Since March 2016, Canada, the First Nation and Ontario have been meeting to explore potential options to resolve the claim. The Province of Ontario has not formally accepted the claim for negotiation, but has participated in these discussions. Discussions between the parties is ongoing.

In December 2019, Canada accepted a second specific claim submitted by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte known as the Turton Penn claim. This claim concerns the November 14, 1835, lease of a 200 acre parcel of land by the Crown to Turton Penn, a Montréal merchant, retroactive to September 1, 1830. The land in question is part of a larger tract of land granted to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in 1793 in Treaty No. 3 ½ (also known as the Simcoe Deed). The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte submits that the Turton Penn Lease was null and void, and alleges that the Crown breached fiduciary duties owed to the First Nation in both entering into the Lease and in its administration and management thereof.

Commencement of negotiations on the Turton Penn claim are pending receipt of a Band Council Resolution from the First Nation accepting Canada's offer to negotiate.

Neither the Culbertson Tract claim or the Turton Penn claim involve the railway line that was recently blocked by the First Nation near Belleville, Ontario.

Key message

• We are involved in more than 150 negotiation tables with Indigenous groups to explore new ways of advancing reconciliation.
• These negotiations involve almost one million Indigenous people from over 480 First Nations, 44 Inuit communities and 7 Métis organizations.
• Since 1973, Canada and its Indigenous partners have signed 25 modern treaties, covering almost half (40%) of Canada's land mass.
  • Nineteen of these have related self-government arrangements, while three others are stand-alone self-government agreements, and two more are sectoral self-government agreements.
• We're making progress and having discussions with groups we never did before, focused on co-developing paths forward and advancing self-determination.
• Since 2015, almost 100 new negotiation tables have been established, helping to create co-developed and flexible solutions to address key priorities for Indigenous groups. These tables have produced concrete results, including:
  • 6 agreements-in-principle signed to explore new ways to advance treaty rights;
  • 17 substantive agreements signed that, among other things, support collaborative fisheries management, help to reduce socio-economic gaps, and recognize the rights and jurisdictions of a variety of Indigenous groups; and,
  • 5 exonerations and apologies issued to atone for the mistakes of the past and make amends with those who were wronged.
• We have made exciting and unprecedented progress with the Métis in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario through recognizing and affirming their inherent right to self-government in core governance agreements.
• We saw the exoneration of Chief Poundmaker by the Prime Minister in May 2019, which is a historic step toward reconciliation and addressing the wrongs of the past.
• We've also made strides in amending outdated policy regimes, such as through the creation of Canada's Colaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy, which establishes a new, co-developed funding model to better support Indigenous groups in implementing their treaties and agreements.
• Finally, we're changing the way we approach the cost of negotiations. Through Budget 2019, we've identified a total of $1.4 billion over seven years to forgive and reimburse loans incurred by Indigenous groups in pursuing their agreements.

Background

The recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights is central to Canada's relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and to advancing the vital work of reconciliation. To support this work, in recent years Canada has shifted its approach to engaging with Indigenous peoples on their rights with a focus on co-developed paths forward and flexible solutions. This new approach to discussions and negotiations related to treaties, self-government and other constructive arrangements has resulted in the creation of new discussion tables with Indigenous groups across the country as well as a renewed interest in the existing modern treaty and self-government negotiations.

The goal of Canada's new approach is to bring greater flexibility to negotiations and ensure they are based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Discussions at all tables now allow for a co-development exercise based on the recognition of rights and seeks to achieve common understanding to improve the Indigenous-Crown relationship, and to discuss issues that may not be addressed within existing policy frameworks. At these tables, which are community-driven and respond to the unique rights, needs and interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups, Canada and Indigenous groups can explore new ideas and ways to reach agreements that will recognize the rights of Indigenous groups and advance their vision of self-determination for the benefit of their communities and all Canadians.

Key message

• Over the past five years, we have been moving away from the parameters of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies.
• The Government of Canada's approaches to negotiating rights-related agreements are being developed through lessons learned at over 150 Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion tables across Canada.
• Since 2015, we have been advancing interest-based discussions and ensuring that co-development is at the core of any negotiations with Indigenous Groups to advance treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.
• In 2019,the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit co-developed the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia.
• This policy demonstrates Canada's commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous and provincial partners based on the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights, and in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• This policy will improve the treaty process with BC First Nations and help advance self-determination and the implementation of rights. It reinforces our commitment to implement United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and outlines a new relationship with Indigenous partners based firmly in the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
• This new policy could also inform future policy development work elsewhere in the country.
• On a national scale, Canada continues to review options for the redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies to better align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the rights-based approaches that we are currently using at discussion tables.
• We know there is still much work to do and no deadline has been set for its completion. The work that we are undertaking at tables together will build on what we have heard from our Indigenous partners in past engagement processes and will help us to determine a collaborative path forward.

Background

The December 2019 mandate letter of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations states that Canada will "continue ongoing work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to redesign the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies." This is a continuation of the Prime Minister's 2018 commitment to address gaps in these policies with Indigenous peoples:

"…by fully embracing and giving life to the existing Section 35 of the Constitution, we will replace policies like the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and the Inherent Right to Self-Government Policy with new and better approaches that respect the distinctions between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples."

Canada has been working collaboratively with Indigenous partners to replace the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies, recognizing that the existing policies are out of step with current federal practices and are not sufficiently flexible to address the priorities of Indigenous groups.

National Indigenous Organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami) are key partners in this process, but significant work is also needed directly with rights-holders, particularly as some rights-holds have indicated they do not wish to be represented by a national organization in these discussions. Regional, and/or distinctions-based approaches could be effective in ensuring a balanced approach.

No deadline has been set for redesigning the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies. Constructive and meaningful engagement and co-development of a new policy with First Nation, Inuit and Métis will take time.

As the British Columbia Treaty Process is based on the tripartite recommendations of the 1991 Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force, treaty negotiations in British Columbia are organized somewhat differently than in the rest of Canada [Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit are formal partners in the BC Treaty Process and negotiations take place according to a six-stage process]. In 1993, a made-in-British Columbia treaty negotiations process was created to guide negotiations in British Columbia under this process. For years, Canada, the First Nations Summit and British Columbia have been working collaboratively to strengthen and improve treaty negotiations toward the advance reconciliation and to make progress on concluding treaties and other negotiated agreements in British Columbia.

More recently, Canada, British Columbia and the First Nations Summit have worked collaboratively to advance other meaningful initiatives on a tripartite basis, resulting in the co-developed Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia.

The development of this policy demonstrates Canada's commitment to working collaboratively with our Indigenous and provincial partners based on the recognition and implementation of rights. This policy supports a rights-based approach to treaty negotiations. A central feature of the policy is basing negotiations on the recognition and continuation of rights without modification, surrender or extinguishment. Under this policy, future treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements will set out guidelines for reconciling Crown and Indigenous rights based on a relationship that can evolve over time. It also provides greater flexibility to develop agreements incrementally in British Columbia. It reflects an unprecedented effort by the Principals to the BC Treaty Process to co-develop guidance for how treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements are to be negotiated in a manner consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Key message

• The Government is committed to working together with Indigenous partners to build a renewed Nation to Nation, Inuit-to-Crown and government to government relationship.
• The permanent bilateral mechanisms that we have established with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation leadership provide a forum to co-develop policy on shared priorities, and ensure joint accountability for the results.
• We are making progress on shared priorities as we continue our shared journey towards reconciliation, reducing socio-economic gaps and advancing self-determination.

If Pressed on First Nations-Crown Relationship:

• The Government is committed to working with First Nations partners.
• Progress has been made in furthering this important relationship, including the signing of the Understanding on Joint Priorities between the Assembly of First Nations and Canada in June 2017.
• Key investments in Budgets 2018 and 2019 continue to advance positive change in important areas, including: reform to child and family services, the preservation and protection of Indigenous languages, and a new fiscal relationship.

If Pressed on Inuit-Crown Relationship:

• The Government is committed to working with Inuit partners.
• In February 2017, the Inuit-Nunangat Declaration was signed by Canada and Inuit leaders to create the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee.
• The Declaration and key Budget investments in 2018 and 2019 demonstrate a shared commitment to a renewed relationship, and support positive outcomes in areas such as the elimination of tuberculosis, addressing housing issues, and the development of an Inuit early learning and childcare framework.

If Pressed on Métis-Crown Relationship:

• The Government is committed to working with Métis Nation partners.
• The signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 affirmed a renewed relationship based on respect, partnership, transparency and recognition of rights.
• The historic Métis Nation investments in Budgets 2018 and 2019 were the culmination of work by both parties to ensure concrete outcomes on shared priorities such as: housing, homelessness, Métis veterans and early learning and child care.

If Pressed on Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Relationship:

• The Government is committed to working with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations partners.
• In November 2017, the Prime Minister met with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations to discuss a collaborative approach towards toward advancing self-determination and self-government.
• The Canada-Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations Forum supports the advancement of key priority areas such as: Canada's collaborative self-government fiscal policy, the creation of a Modern Treaties Implementation Review Committee and National Treaty Commissioner's Office, inclusion of a non-derogation clause in the Interpretation Act, and legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Background

Key message

• The recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights is key to reconciliation and is a central priority of this Government.
• The Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework was one of many pathway towards reconciliation proposed by this Government in 2018. It was to include legislative and policy components.
• Due to what was heard from Indigenous partners, including the need for more time for co-development, the Framework was not pursued beyond 2018.
• However, we have continued to make progress on Canada's commitments through legislation on Indigenous languages and child welfare, policy changes, and through negotiation and discussion tables.
• We know there is more to do, and we look forward to working with our partners to continue to make progress on the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights.
• As stated by the Prime Minister on numerous occasions, including in my mandate letter as Minister, the redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies is an important and ongoing commitment.
• We look forward to working with our First Nation, Inuit and Métis partners to co-develop new policies to replace these outdated policies across the country and to continue co-developing negotiation mandates at tables based on common interests.

Background

To further the Government's commitment of re-setting the relationship, on February 14, 2018 the Prime Minister announced the launch of a national engagement process led by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations to develop a Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights Framework in partnership with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Many Indigenous peoples expressed support for aspects of the proposed Framework. For example, Métis groups supported a process to legally recognize Nations and modern treaty holders supported measures that would increase federal accountability for the implementation of modern treaties. The process was criticized for being too rushed to enable co-development.

In response, by December 2018, a decision was made to focus on Indigenous languages (Bill C-91) and children, youth and families (Bill C-92) legislation, while continuing to work towards the replacement of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies. In June 2019, Canada decided to delay the immediate repeal of these policies, opting instead to continue collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to determine a way forward for federal negotiation policy.

Canada continues to review options for the redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies to better align with the rights-based approaches we are currently using at discussion tables. No deadline has been set for the completion of this work.

Key message

• As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission said – the Declaration charts a path "for reconciliation to flourish in 21st century Canada."
• The Government is committed to implementing the Declaration and I have indicated I will support Minister Lametti in introducing co-developed legislation by the end of 2020. The Government remains committed to implementing the Declaration in close partnership with Indigenous peoples.
• We will ensure government legislation fully respects the intent of the UN Declaration, and establishes Bill C-262 as the foundation on which to build.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent

• The Government of Canada recognizes that meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples aims to secure their free, prior, and informed consent.
• The Declaration must be read as a whole. Its principles are meant to re-balance the relationship between States and Indigenous peoples.

Background

Adopted in 2007, the Declaration consists of 24 preambular provisions and 46 Articles that describe the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples around the world.

The Government of Canada committed to implementing the Declaration in 2016, which includes the concept of free, prior, and informed consent, in partnership with Indigenous peoples. The Declaration establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's Indigenous peoples. In Canada, implementation will be in accordance with the Canadian constitution. Section 35 of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982, provides for the constitutional protection of Aboriginal and treaty rights.

The Liberal platform commitment proposes to introduce co-developed legislation to implement the Declaration as government legislation by the end of 2020. The commitment seeks to ensure that this legislation fully respects the intent of the Declaration and establishes Bill C-262 as the 'floor' rather than the ceiling when it comes to drafting this new legislation.

Free, prior and informed consent is not defined in the Declaration, nor is there a domestically or internationally agreed upon definition or universal approach to implementing it. It is not a freestanding article in its own right, but serves as a qualifier on government action to protect Indigenous interests in specific circumstances (e.g., forceful removal or relocation, dangerous materials on Indigenous lands, military activities, cultural property, etc.). The goal of the principle is to ensure a balancing of interests and that consultation processes are aimed at building consensus.

Key message

Background

As part of its closing events on June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released a summary of its final report, which included 94 recommendations, or Calls to Action (CTAs), directed to a wide range of institutions, including the Government of Canada, provincial/territorial governments, churches, corporations and schools. The CTAs focus primarily on social, cultural and rights-related issues, touch upon a range of policy areas, implicate a number of federal departments and agencies and would require a variety of mechanisms to implement (such as legislation, program or policy change, reports or gestures).

As part of Budget 2019, over $200 million was invested to address specific Calls to Action, which include:

• $9.1 million over three years, to support the construction of an Indigenous Legal Lodge at the University of Victoria, as per Call to Action 50;
• $126.5 million to establish a National Council for Reconciliation and endow it with initial operating capital, as per Call to Action 53-54;
• $15.2 million over three years for an Indigenous youth pilot program delivered by Canadian Roots Exchange, as per Call to Action 66 (A three year contribution agreement is currently in place and the pilot project was launched in July 2019);
• $33.8 million over three years to develop and maintain the National Residential School Student Death Register and to work with parties to establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries, as per Calls to Action 72-76; and,
• $10 million over two years to support the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as per Call to Action 80.

Key messages

• While the transfer of service delivery to Indigenous partners will be a lengthy and multifaceted process, work is underway towards achieving this important commitment.
• It is vital that the transfer of service delivery is Indigenous-led and that the transfer takes place at a pace established by Indigenous communities, institutions and organizations.
• We have seen Indigenous-led successes at the community level to support this approach and confirm that this is not only the right thing to do, but is also a key lever for success.
• While there continue to be challenges and barriers as we move towards substantive equality, we need to continue to make room for Nations and Indigenous communities to reconstitute their communities in a way that is culturally-specific to them and meets their individual needs.
• Advancing a new fiscal relationship and Indigenous health legislation are priorities that will support this commitment over the next two years, among others.

Background

The Department of Indigenous Services Act (the Act) commits Canada to the gradual transfer of services.

This commitments is an important dimension of the departmental narrative and is a key lever towards self-determination and advancing reconciliation.

Transferring control to Indigenous partners is the best way to improve services. Indigenous partners have expressed that they want ISC to recognize and support their inherent right to self-determination with flexibility approaches that are inclusive and responsive to the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

A number of recent examples highlight how transferring service delivery to Indigenous control contributes to reconciliation and self-determination, while improving outcomes.

The Whitecap-Dakota, Musqueam, and Tsawwassen First Nations are managing successful economies that are benefiting the broader regional economies.

The First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB), which provides tools and guidance to instill confidence in First Nations' financial management and reporting systems to support economic and community development, has demonstrable results including:

Nations that have been certified through the FMB's Financial Management System show a higher Community Well-Being Index ranking and percentage of own-source revenue than other Nations in Canada; and, Over the past 5 years, FMB Financial Management System certified Nations have increased their own-source revenue by an average of 64%.

The education agreements with the Mi'kmaq and Anishinabek Nation are a successful example of self-determination. In 1997, nine of Nova Scotia's 13 First Nations and the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia signed An Agreement With Respect to Education in Nova Scotia, which was enshrined in law under the Mi'kmaq Education Acts in Parliament and in the Nova Scotia Legislature in 1998.

Since, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey reported a high school graduation rate of 89.6% in the 2016-2017 school year, nearly on par with the graduation rate for the Province of Nova Scotia, which is one of the highest in Canada at 92.3%. Nearly 3,000 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students on-reserve and approximately 600 post-secondary students are served by the Agreement annually; with a 90.9% school attendance rate, and 620 students enrolled in post-secondary education.

Some communities have successfully leveraged the financing power of the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) to address needs such as:

Salt River First Nation in Northwest Territories opened its new Community Centre in April 2019, a $17.5 million project financed by the FNFA.

$24 million state-of-the-art high school in Fisher River First Nation that opened in northern Manitoba in September 2018.

A first of its kind tripartite partnership led to a BC Tripartite Framework Agreement in First Nation Health Governance in 2011 which created a new province-wide First Nations Health Authority which is governed by First Nations and works with the province to coordinate health services.

Key messages

• We are delivering on a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, where we are working together to improve quality of life and advance self-determination.
• To get there, we are supporting First Nations to opt-out of sections of the Indian Act in areas such as land, environment, resource management, elections, and child and family services.
• The end goal for the Department is to become obsolete over time as design, delivery and control of all services is led by and for Indigenous peoples.

Background

• The Department continues to work with First Nations on moving beyond the electoral provisions of the Indian Act. As of January 31, 2020, 362 First Nations hold their leadership selection under a custom leadership selection system, 38 First Nations are under a self-government agreement and 68 First Nations hold their elections under the First Nations Elections Act. There are 152 First Nations who hold Indian Act elections and many of these First Nations continue to work toward moving beyond the Act's electoral provisions. The Department also continues to work with First Nations by supporting Band Councils in the exercise of their powers and building capacity by providing training in the area of by-law making.
• In First Nation Land Management, First Nations opt-out of 44 lands-related sections of the Indian Act and instead operate under a community developed and approved land code to manage their land, environment, and natural resources. First Nation Land Management is neither a program nor delegated Ministerial authority –First Nations with a land code in force have full jurisdiction and control over their lands and are liable for all actions and omissions. As a result, these First Nations have seen success in the development of institutional and governance capacity, economic development opportunities, and re-investment into social programs. They are leaders in consistently bringing forward innovative solutions to land management.
• The Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management is a government-to-government agreement, jointly negotiated and signed by the original 14 First Nations and Canada in 1996. It is ratified by the First Nations Land Management Act, which was passed in 1999. The dual function of the Framework Agreement and the Act is fairly unique in Canadian law and requires careful management to ensure complementarity. First Nations in First Nation Land Management consider the Framework Agreement as one of the first nation-to-nation partnerships in Canada and view it symbolically as paramount to the Act. It is viewed by Canada as First Nation-led sectoral self-government and an incremental pathway to increased self-determination.
• Budget 2018 provides $143.5 million over 5 years and $19 million ongoing to support: the expansion of First Nation Land Management to 50 more First Nations; the continued successful participation of the First Nations currently active in First Nation Land Management; and targeted pre-readiness and capacity funding to facilitate take-up of First Nation Land Management and successful transitions from the Indian Act to a community developed and approved land code. In December 2018, amendments to the Framework Agreement and the First Nations Land Management Act modernized First Nation Land Management to better meet the needs of First Nations across Canada and improve First Nations' access to land management.

Key message

• Strong governance capacity is foundational to achieving ISC's mandate of reducing socio-economic gaps and supporting greater self-determination.
• Indigenous Services Canada provides $352 million annually for core governance and administration support to First Nations.
• ISC provides governance and administration support to First Nation governments and Indigenous organizations and institutions through four distinct but related grants and contributions programs, collectively known as the Indian Government Support programs:
  • Indigenous Services Canada provides core governance and administration support to First Nations through Band Support Funding.
  • The Professional and Institutional Development Program seeks to develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform core functions of government.
  • The Employee Benefits Program enables eligible employers to establish competitive employee benefit packages.
  • The Tribal Council Funding Program provides core operational funding to eligible tribal councils to develop the capacity of their member First Nations, as well as deliver programs and services.
• Budget 2019 announced supplementary funding of $48 million over two years to Band Support Funding for First Nations in greatest need of support for their local governance.
• Investing in core governance costs and governance capacity projects supports the objective of renewing Nation to Nation relationships with First Nations by providing opportunities for communities to:
  • take greater control over the decisions that affect their lives; carry out effective relationships with other governments;
  • take advantage of economic development opportunities;
  • improve programs and services; and,
  • enhance their social and economic well-being.
• Some examples of the diverse outcomes that the Professional and Institutional Development Program supported from the 2018-2019 fiscal year included:
  • Integrating traditional and contemporary governance systems;
  • building more comprehensive membership records to plan for future development;
  • developing culturally appropriate governance indicators through the community-led planning process;
  • achieving financial stability through stronger financial management policies; and
  • implementing financial administration laws that were necessary to qualify for the New Fiscal Relationship Grant.

Background

First Nations are increasingly assuming primary responsibility for delivering programs and services to their members. The Indian Government Support programs contribute to the ongoing costs of First Nation governments and institutions while also providing tools and support to help First Nation governments and institutions build on their capacity to govern. As a result, First Nations are able to assume greater administrative responsibility for not only the vast majority of ISC programs but also a wide range of other federal and provincial programs in addition to many municipal-type services.

ISC's Professional and Institutional Development (P&ID) Program plays a key role in strengthening community capacity. The current objective of the proposals-based P&ID program is to help develop the capacity of First Nations and Inuit communities to perform the ten core functions of government, by funding governance-related projects at the community and institutional levels in the areas of: Leadership, Membership, Law-Making, Community Involvement, External Relations, Planning and Risk Management, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Information Management / Information Technology, Basic Administration.

In Budget 2018, the Government committed to undertaking a comprehensive and collaborative review of programs and funding that support First Nations governance. That review is currently underway. Modernization of the Indian Government Support program is currently being co-developed with the Assembly of First Nations through the Governance Capacity Table Working Group. By addressing the core governance funding gap, First Nations will have the ability to allocate funds according to their individual needs and priorities and be responsive in an environment of growing complexity, enabling good fiscal health as they move forward on the path of self-determination.

Key message

• To support self-sufficiency of First Nation and Inuit communities, Indigenous Services Canada provides community development funding to support economic development opportunities and participate in the Canadian economy.
• Our Government recognizes the importance for First Nations to have the capacity to undertake their own economic development and lands management activities.
• Budget 2019 invested $78.9 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, with $15.8 million per year ongoing for the Community Opportunity Readiness Program to increase its ability to support Indigenous economic development.

Background

Key messages

• The Government continues to work in partnership to build a new fiscal relationship with First Nations, which will provide long term, sustainable and predictable funding.
• Building on previous commitments, Budget 2019 commits a $4.5 billion over five years to close socioeconomic gaps and advance economic prosperity in Indigenous communities.
• This brings the total planned investments in Indigenous programs to more than $17 billion in 2021 22, an increase of 50 percent compared to 2015.

Background

In July 2016, the then-Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly research and develop proposals for the design of a new fiscal relationship between Canada and First Nations under the Indian Act. The result of this work is summarized in a report, A New Approach: Co-development of a New Fiscal Relationship, released in December 2017. The report contains the following recommendations:

1. Establish a permanent advisory committee that could be appointed by Order in Council that would reflect regional circumstances and interests.
2. Take immediate action to create ten-year grants for qualified First Nations to leverage full flexibility under the Policy on Transfer Payments, to be implemented on or before April 1, 2019.
3. Co-develop an approach to repeal the First Nations Financial Transparency Act in 2018 and replace it with a co-developed mutual accountability framework supported by First Nations Institutions-led audit and statistical functions.
4. Replace the Default Prevention and Management Policy (DPMP) with a new approach that includes continued work under the First Nations Financial Management Board pilot project.

Building on previous commitments, Budget 2019 invested a further $4.5 billion over five years, beginning in 2019–20, to continue efforts to close the gap between the living conditions of Indigenous Peoples and the non-Indigenous population, bringing total planned federal government investments in Indigenous programs to more than $17 billion in 2021–22, an increase of 50 per cent compared to 2015.

In Fall of 2018 the Assembly of First Nations – Indigenous Services Canada Joint Advisory Committee on Fiscal Relations was established to inform further co-development of the new fiscal relationship. The Committee presented its interim recommendations to the Minister of Indigenous Services and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in June 2019.

Key messages

• We are committed to ensuring First Nations have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
• We are working in partnership to lift all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.
• As of September 30 2019, more than $1.33 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 574 water and wastewater projects, including 265 that are now completed. These projects will serve 461,000 people.
• Much work remains, but the results are encouraging with 88 long term drinking water advisories lifted to date and 150 short-term advisories prevented from becoming long-term.

Background

ISC is working in full partnership with First Nation communities, including with First Nations technical advisors and leaders, to support sustainable First Nations-led approaches to ensure that on-reserve water systems are safe. This includes Technical Services Advisory Group in Alberta (TSAG), the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), the Atlantic Policy Congress, and technical service delivery Hubs pilot projects in Ontario. ISC also works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective.

As part of Budget 2016, the Government of Canada committed to end by March 2021 all long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve. Phase 1 of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan supports this goal by providing an unprecedented $1.8 billion over five years for First Nation communities to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation and maintenance, and strengthen capacity by enhancing the training of water system operators. Budget 2016 also included $141.7 million over five years in new funding to the Department to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve. In addition, Budget 2017 provided $49 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope which added 24 long-term drinking water advisories to the Government's commitment. Budget 2018 committed an additional $172.6 million over three years to support initiatives to accelerate, where possible, the pace of construction and renovation of affected water systems, support repairs to high-risk water systems and assist efforts to recruit, train and retain water operators. These funds will also support efforts to establish innovative First Nations-led service delivery models. Lastly, Budget 2019 commits an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing. This investment will support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems and the operation and maintenance of water systems so that First Nations communities can effectively operate and maintain their public drinking water systems. As of September 30, 2019, more than $1.33 billion of targeted funding has been invested to support 574 water and wastewater projects, including 265 that are now completed. These projects will serve approximately 461,000 people in 606 First Nation communities.

It should be noted that Drinking water advisories (DWAs) are issued to protect the public from drinking water that is potentially unsafe, or confirmed to be unsafe, based on water quality testing. DWAs are issued by First Nations in their communities and off-reserve by provincial, territorial or municipal governments.

Communities may also choose to issue a DWA as a precautionary measure, such as when there are emergency repairs in the water distribution system or if a community does not have a trained Water System Operator or Community-Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor in place. Some DWAs are short-term to advise residents of a temporary water quality issue on a specific water system (e.g: equipment failure).

The government is working closely with First Nations by providing sustainable investments, expanding delivery systems, building capacity of and retaining local water operators, as well as supporting regular monitoring and testing on all drinking water systems to prevent short-term and re-occurring advisories.

In 2014, the Tsuu T'ina Nation, the Sucker Creek First Nation, the Ermineskin Cree Nation and the Blood Tribe, with reserves located in Treaties 6, 7 and 8, sued Canada alleging Canada created and sustained unsafe drinking water conditions on their reserves and throughout Canada. The First Nations claim declarations and damages for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of the Honour of the Crown, and breaches of sections 7 and 15(1) of the Charter. The Assembly of First Nations has passed resolutions supporting this litigation. This action has been stayed by the Federal Court on consent of the parties for one-year periods since the fall of 2015. During this timeframe, the parties entered into "without prejudice" meetings and discussions to resolve their concerns about safe drinking water in these First Nations' reserves, and to resolve the proceedings by agreement or by narrowing the issues out of court. The stay expired on September 19, 2019 and the file is in Case Management, in the Federal Court.

The Okanagan Indian Band is also seeking declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to create and sustain safe water conditions on First Nations' reserves. The Band seeks a declaration that Canada is obliged to remedy the unsafe drinking water conditions on reserve, with supervision of the Court, an order for damages and that Canada disgorge any savings made from failing to provide adequate water supplies to the Band.

The Curve Lake First Nation and Chief Emily Whetung, on her own behalf and on behalf of all members of the First Nation, claim that Canada has failed to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water and the resulting human consequences. The Plaintiffs seek declarations that Canada has breached its fiduciary duty, breached the Honour of the Crown, violated the Charter and, breached its obligations under the Constitution by failing to address the inadequacies of their access to potable water. The Plaintiffs further seek the immediate construction of appropriate water systems; $100 million for breaches of Charter rights; $100 million for breaches of fiduciary duty, negligence and nuisance; and, $20 million in punitive damages. Discussions continue with the Chief and Project Team on the next steps. The Chief has invited the Regional team to visit the community in 2020.

The Tataskweyak First Nation has filed a national class proceeding involving any First Nation band that has had a drinking water advisory lasting a year or more since 1995. The Band claims Canada breached its fiduciary duties, breached the honour of the Crown, breached the Charter, section 36(1)(c) of the Constitution Act, and is liable for individual causes of action like nuisance and negligence.

Michael Daryl Isnardy (Toosey First Nation in BC), filed a proposed class action proceeding as an individual plaintiff in the Federal Court, representing aboriginal and First Nation persons unable to consume or use water from their community water systems on First Nation reserves. He claims the Crown created, sustained and allowed unsafe drinking water conditions, and is seeking declarations that Canada breached its fiduciary duty and duty of care to the community, violated sections 7 (life, liberty and security of the person) and 15(1) (equality right) of the Charter and, breached its obligations under paragraph 35(1) of the Constitution Act.

Key messages

• Our Government is co-developing and implementing distinctions based Indigenous housing strategies with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners.
• Budget 2018 invested:
  • $600 million over three years for First Nations housing;
  • $500 million over 10 years for Métis Nation housing; and
  • $400 million over 10 years for Inuit-led housing in addition to the $240 million over 10 years announced to support housing in Nunavut.
• This funding and approach, premised on Indigenous-led housing delivery, is a significant step towards addressing the housing needs in Indigenous communities.
• We will continue working to close the unacceptable housing gap for Indigenous peoples.

Background

ISC has been working in collaboration with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Assembly of First Nations and its Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure to co-develop a National First Nations Housing and Related Infrastructure Strategy, supported by $600 million over three years announced in Budget 2018. The Strategy was endorsed at the December 5, 2018 Special Chiefs Assembly, outlining the path forward to transition the care, control and management of housing to First Nations.

CIRNAC has worked in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Inuit land claim governments and organizations, CMHC and Employment and Social Development Canada to develop the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, which was made public on April 4, 2019. The Strategy is premised on self-determination with Inuit recipients holding the responsibility, decision making powers and capacity to meet housing needs at the regional level. Budget 2018 allocated $400 million over 10 years to support Inuit-led housing in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut and Inuvialuit, with an additional $240 million over 10 years for Nunavut from Budget 2017 through CMHC to the Government of Nunavut.

Canada and the Métis Nation signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017, with a number of year one priorities that parties agreed to collaborate on, including a Métis Nation Housing Strategy. On July 19, 2018, the Métis Housing Sub-Accord was finalized, outlining the design, delivery and administration of housing services undertaken by the Governing Members of the Métis Nation to address the purchase of new houses, the repair of existing houses and the provision of rent-supplements to families most in need. The Housing Sub-Accord, funded at $500 million over 10 years announced in Budget 2018, reflects a shared commitment to narrow the core housing needs gap and further Indigenous self-determination in this important area of social policy.

The Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative was launched on April 11, 2019, by the Minister of Indigenous Services and co-chairs of the Indigenous Steering Committee. 342 applications were received and 24 were selected by the Steering Committee as part of the Accelerator process. The Accelerator, launched January 20, 2020 provides Indigenous Innovators with funding and supports to further develop their idea into implementable proposals. The Initiative is being done in partnership with Infrastructure Canada's Smart Cities Challenge and addresses the Government of Canada's commitment to a process specific to Indigenous communities that reflects their unique realities and needs.

Co-Developing Distinctions-based infrastructure plans

• Since 2016, the Government has made significant investments in Indigenous communities to support adequate and sustainable infrastructure. While good progress has been achieved with our Indigenous partners, there remains infrastructure needs to be addressed to support the health, property and wellness of Indigenous peoples.
• Recognizing this, the Minister of Indigenous Services has a clear mandate to co-develop and invest in distinctions-based infrastructure plans, and move forward with addressing critical needs including housing, all-weather roads, high-speed internet, health facilities, treatment centres and schools in First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities by 2030.
• We are working with Indigenous partners to co-develop these plans, and have already made progress on some aspects – including distinctions-based housing strategies. More work needs to be done and the Department looks forward to coming back to share those co-developed plans once they are complete.
• This work is aligned with the overall mandate of the Department to transfer departmental responsibilities to Indigenous organizations, where it belongs.

Background

Indigenous Services Canada is mandated to "work to co-develop and invest in distinctions-based community infrastructure plans, and move forward with addressing critical needs including housing, all-weather roads, high-speed internet, health facilities, treatment centres and schools in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities by 2030. These plans should also include new investments to support the operation and maintenance of this infrastructure."

Indigenous partners have unique needs and aspirations, and the resulting strategy and plan will incorporate a distinctions-based approach.

The outcomes of the co-developed approach will result in tools that will complement federal transfers to close the gap in a realistic manner, as well as identify how the transfer to Indigenous partners will factor into these plans.

Engagement with National Indigenous Organizations and other partners will determine how best to invest funds, and discern a strategy. This strategy will ascertain a methodology for the distribution of investments, determine the scope of the work to be completed, and establish criteria for what constitutes "critical infrastructure needs".

The resultant 10-year infrastructure strategy is expected to:

• align with, and build upon, the 10-year strategies on housing, water, connectivity, and homelessness, comprising a whole-of-government strategy to close the infrastructure gap by 2030;
• define "critical infrastructure needs" for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, recognizing regional variations and application of a Level of Service Standards perspective;
• determine the magnitude of needs, and determine the approach for meeting needs, including funding (capital and operations and maintenance);
• align with the parallel work ongoing to achieve the longer-term mandate to transfer service delivery to First Nations partners; and,
• implement a sustainable approach for all Indigenous peoples.

The 10-Year Distinctions Based Infrastructure Plan will serve as a chapeau to, and align with, infrastructure strategies and plans across all distinctions and asset classes, such as plans for Inuit infrastructure that are currently being developed with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, Canada's Broadband Strategy, and others.

Discussion to transfer housing and infrastructure services to first Nations partners have begun across the country. British Columbia and the Atlantic regional entities are quite advanced in this endeavor and will be looking to participate or be informed on the methodology that will lead to closing the infrastructure gap. The 10-Year plans will build upon this good work.

Key message:

• Natural Resources Canada is responsible for forestry, mining, energy and land-related sciences and geospatial information.
• For the Government of Canada it is paramount that work in this area includes recognizing Indigenous Peoples' unique connections to the land and resources, and their unique perspectives, knowledge and interests in major natural resource projects.
• While major resource projects can be controversial, they can also be a place where best practices emerge and reconciliation is advanced.
• Budget 2019 invested $6M in the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships initiative to increase Indigenous economic participation in energy infrastructure projects (focus on oil and gas) in BC and Alberta in FY 2019-20.
• This regional and collaborative approach funds Indigenous-led projects that increase participation in opportunities stemming from oil and gas development, and engages federal departments and provinces to maximize funding impact.
• Early and ongoing engagement is an important foundation for our work with Indigenous Peoples. It allows us to:
  • Find opportunities to collaborate;
  • Identify issues of interest or concern; and
  • Enable greater Indigenous participation.
• For example, our Government is leading the way on including Indigenous leadership in federal, provincial and territorial fora. Such as the Energy and Mines Ministers Conference and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.
• We are ensuring Indigenous voices are heard domestically, in initiatives such as Generation Energy—which was the single-largest dialogue on energy in Canadian history.
• We are also targeting investments through programs such as the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, which support Indigenous-led economic development in the forestry sector.
• In finding better ways to advance shared interests, we are moving beyond early engagement to co-development. We have found that joint leadership and co-design offer a more certain path to identifying shared interests and enabling diverse parties to work together.
• A couple of concrete examples:
  • We are working with Indigenous communities to create Impact Canada's Off-diesel Initiative, building healthier, greener and more energy resilient communities.
  • We also co-developed Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IAMC) to oversee the Trans Mountain Expansion and Line 3 projects.

Key message:

Key message:

• I am pleased to see rail service starting to be restored.
• The Canadian National Railway (CN) is now starting to move the backlog of commodities, consumer goods, and industrial supplies that built up during the blockades.
• Via rail has resumed partial service east of Toronto.
• The blockades caused challenges to get goods to market, most notably in the Eastern Canada.
• Reflecting disruptions in rail operations, port operations were also slowed across the country.
• This situation presented challenges to many businesses by hampering the transportation of lumber, metals, chemicals, propane as well as manufacturing and consumer goods.
• The impact on overall economic growth is uncertain, but we expect that it was relatively modest and temporary.
• We are staying in touch with the business community to understand the full extent of the impacts of the blockades.

Background

• A series of blockades on the Canadian rail network was initiated in early February to halt the construction of a natural gas pipeline (Coastal GasLink) from northeastern B.C. to Kitimat. The blockades halted trains on many corridors that are key to Canada's rail network.
• The blockades have largely been brought down and service is starting to be restored, though it will take several weeks for rail service to resume normal operations. There will continue to be economic losses until normal operations are restored though of a much smaller magnitude than experienced while the blockades were in effect.
  • The blockade in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory near Belleville, Ont., has been dismantled allowing CN and passenger service Via Rail to run trains on the corridor connecting the East Coast with central Canada.
• CN was hardest hit with the blockades accounting for more than 90% of the total impacts while CP operated at about 15% below their optimal capacity. Most critically, the eastern portion of CN's rail network had been shut down since February 13th.
• CN is now working to move the backlog of commodities, consumer goods, and industrial components that build up during the blockades. CN says it is recalling most of the 450 workers laid off.
• Passenger rail service to much of Eastern Canada was either interrupted or shut down from February 6 until March 3. Via Rail resumed partial service east of Toronto and restarted routes it suspended across Canada. There has been no announcement yet on a plan to reintegrate the 1,000 train crew members, service attendants and others that were temporarily laid off into the work force.
• Port operations in Halifax and Montréal were also slowed. The blockade in the Port of Vancouver – by far the busiest port in Canada – lasted a few days and ended on February 11th.
• Rail transportation by itself accounts for a small share of economic activity (about 0.5% of GDP). But because of the sector's logistical importance to the Canadian economy, a disruption could generate enough spillovers to be a meaningful drag on the economy as a whole. Certain sectors, such as chemical manufacturing (with limited on-site storage capacity), oil and mining, and agricultural sectors among others could be more severely impacted.
• Even at the height of the rail disruption most production in Canada appeared to have continued. Where necessary, some goods that could not be moved by rail were shipped using alternative modes of transportation such as trucks or other rail carriers. However, the higher costs for having to use less efficient modes of transportation to ship goods, the inability to find suitable alternate forms of transportation, or a limited ability to store goods in inventory during the duration of the blockade may have caused a limited number of firms to reduce production during the disruption.
• There were minimal layoffs outside the rail sector during the blockades.

Key message:

• The Government of Canada is aware of the significant economic impacts of the blockades, and has been committed since the outset to finding a solution for the benefit of all Canadians.
• A proposed agreement on land and title rights was reached with representatives of Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs and senior federal and B.C. cabinet ministers. Details of the proposed transaction are not being released until it is endorsed by members of the Wet'suwet'en nation.
• There are currently two ongoing blockades in the province of Quebec, in Kahnawake and Gaspésie. Over the past month, there have been over 60 blockades across the country. At the height of the blockades, CN was forced to shut down its eastern network.
• We recognize the significant impact of the blockades on the economy and the transportation system, which have been felt across a range of sectors of the Canadian economy, and we appreciate the patience that Canadians have shown.
• While we know the recovery of the rail network will take time, CN and CP continue to make every effort to return to normal operations and address the backlog, while ensuring essential goods are moving to the communities that need them. We would like to acknowledge their hard work and cooperation during this difficult time.
• As Minister of Transport, I have a duty to ensure that our rail system and its infrastructure are as safe as possible. I want to remind Canadians that rail lines and rail yards are dangerous places for people without the proper training. Large moving trains confronted with unexpected obstacles on a rail line cannot stop instantly and this presents an extreme hazard to the life of those inside the train and those in front of a moving train.
• The Government of Canada is committed to working on these matters in a manner consistent with its broader commitments to reconciliation. All parties must engage in open and respectful dialogue to ensure this situation is resolved quickly and peacefully.

Background

• The Canadian rail network has been impacted by unprecedented disruptions over the last month. Rail traffic on key railway lines in various locations across the country have been halted due to protests supporting the Wet'suwet'en Nation, some of whose hereditary chiefs oppose a natural gas pipeline in British Columbia.
• Industries that are dependent on rail transportation have been the most impacted including the mining, grain, automotive, chemical and energy sectors. Many production facilities rely on rail for inputs as well as to sell final products. Often, facilities run just-in-time inventory and do not have sufficient on-site storage to maintain normal operations without rail service for more than a week. As such, the rail blockades have resulted in scaling back of operations, and the planned shutdown of some facilities, which has resulted in temporary layoffs.
• Since February 2, 2020, over 60 events impacting transportation have been registered in different regions of the country with 2 ongoing as of Wednesday, March 4th at Kahnawake (since February 8th), south of Montreal, Quebec (Canadian Pacific Railway) ) and at Listuguj in Gaspésie, Quebec (since February 17th) affecting the provincially-regulated Société de chemin de fer de la Gaspésie.
• With only one federal blockade (representing small volumes) remaining, railways have been shifting to recovery mode, regaining fluididy in Western and Eastern Canada. Significant progress have also been reported at main Canadian ports in terms of reducing on-dock inventories. This recovery has been facilitated by softer economic conditions, partly attributed to the coronavirus epidemic.
• It is expected to take weeks before the transportation system fully recovers and all the backlogs are addressed.

Key message:

• We know that the current situation is having a great impact on Canadian jobs, the economy and wellbeing and we feel this urgency very strongly.
• Reconciliation is a crucial priority for our government.
• We are urgently trying to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the circumstances that have led to the nation-wide blockades.
• As of mid-day on February 21, 2020, the RCMP has completed the relocation of its base of operations on Wet'suwet'en Territory to Houston Detachment, and its Community Industry Safety Office has been temporarily closed.
• Patrols are continuing in the area and discussions are underway regarding the future of the RCMP presence in that Territory moving forward.
• We are aware of and encouraged by this positive development, and we trust the RCMP's ability to assess the situation and keep the public safe.
• We remain committed to dialogue and de-escalation.

Background

On December 31, 2019, the British Columbia (BC) Supreme Court granted the Coastal GasLink (CGL) interlocutory injunction order against persons who interfere with the CGL project in and around the Morice River Bridge or the area accessed by the Morice West Forest Service Road.

Since that time, the RCMP has maintained a regular dialogue with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs and Elected Band Councils, CGL, and Government, to support or facilitate discussions in an effort to find a peaceful resolution, without the need for police enforcement.

On January 8, 2020, the Commanding Officer and commanders overseeing the police response to the injunction attended the Office of the Wet'suwet'en. The main recommendation coming out of the meeting was for the RCMP not to enforce the injunction in order to allow time for the Chiefs to engage with the Federal and Provincial Governments. The RCMP advised that, based on legal advice, it was required to enforce the court order, but could articulate a brief but reasonable delay based on specific efforts to resolve the breach of the injunction. It provided the Chiefs until close of business on January 20, 2020 to respond, at which time an update would be required.

On January 13, 2020, the RCMP established an access control checkpoint at the 27 kilometre mark on the road to the CGL construction zone. The access control checkpoint was a measured response that reflects the need to prevent further escalation of the situation, including the placement of hazards along the roadway and the creation of a third encampment blocking access. It also allowed the RCMP to be accountable for the safety of all persons accessing this area given the hazards, unplowed roads and severe winter conditions.

On January 27, 2020, the RCMP committed to respecting the 7-day discussion period, referred to by the Wet'suwet'en as "Wiggus", by not taking action to enforce the court-ordered injunction.

On February 5, 2020, the BC RCMP released a statement concerning the injunction and encouraged all of the protestors to abide by the injunction and leave the area to avoid arrest. The RCMP indicated that it would pursue peaceful options for arrest that requires minimal use of force. The main operation to secure access per the BC Supreme Court Order commenced on the morning of February 6, 2020.

As of February 10, 2020, the RCMP concluded enforcement activity at the Morice West Forest Service Road and will be opening the road for access to CGL constructions teams.

The RCMP is maintaining a presence on Morice West Forest Service Road to allow CGL to complete its construction activity and respond to any further protest activity. Multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous-led protests have arisen across the country in support of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs. The majority of protests have been peaceful with minimal need of enforcement. These protests are small in scale; however, most regions across the country are reporting protest activity.

Police of Jurisdiction have been managing these protests across the country, including the RCMP. Some of the protests such as one in Delta, BC, at the coastal shipping port, one in Belleville, Ontario, blocking Via Rail, and two others in the Port of Vancouver, BC, and on CN rail tracks and highway in Morris, Manitoba, have all been subject to court injunctions to stop protesters from impeding access.

A mobile command post began operations in January 2019, followed by a remote RCMP detachment—the Community Industry Safety Office (CISO)—which was set up in March 2019, after the RCMP enforced an earlier injunction against the camps blocking access to Coastal GasLink workers in the same area.. BC RCMP since re-assessed its presence in Wet'suwet'en in recognition and in support of efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable solution, and contingent on the continued commitment to keep the Morice West Forest Service Road open to all. As of mid-day on Friday February 21, 2020, the RCMP completed the relocation of its base of operations to Houston Detachment. The CISO has been temporarily closed. Patrols are continuing in the area, and discussions are underway with regards to the future of the RCMP presence in that Territory.

On the afternoon of Monday, February 24, 2020, some members of the Gitx'san and Wet'suwet'en communities blocked Canadian National Railway's BC North Line near New Hazelton, B.C. This line serves the Port of Prince Rupert and is under the jurisdiction of CN Police. The RCMP was requested to assist CN Police who have an injunction prohibiting the blocking of this rail line. Dialogue was initiated by police and peaceful arrests were made of seven persons including Hereditary Chief Spookw and an Elected Chief. Following the arrests, the track was cleared but a larger group blocked the highway. Through continued dialogue, Hereditary Chief Spookw encouraged all person in custody to consent to release on conditions and to end the blockade of the roadway. The roadway was opened and all persons dispersed. The same group led by Hereditary Chief Spookw blocked the line at a nearby location on February 9, 2020. This was resolved through dialogue and a letter from Government committing to a meeting.

Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN), 43rd Parliament, 1st Session

Gary Anandasangaree

Jaime Battiste

Bob Bratina

Marcus Powlowski

Adam van Koeverden

Lenore Zann

Bob Zimmer

Gary Vidal

Arnold Viersen

Jamie Schmale

Sylvie Bérubé

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq

Gary Anandasangaree, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Biographical Information

Mr. Anandasangaree was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015.

Prior to his election to the House of Commons, Mr. Anandasangaree advocated for education and justice as an internationally recognized human rights lawyer and community activist. He has served as Chair of the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre, President of the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce, and counsel to the Canadian Tamil Congress. He was also legal counsel to the Independent Mortgage Brokers and Agents, a board member of the Youth Challenge Fund, member of the Toronto Police Chief's Advisory Board, and a member of the United Way Newcomers Grant Program.

Mr. Anandasangaree attended Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar in 2006 and later managed his own firm in Scarborough. He has been an advocate for human rights issues, regularly representing Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada at the United Nations. He has also served as an advocate for local youth, intervening in cases of wrongful student expulsion and suspension.

In honour of his devotion to community service and local advocacy, Mr. Anandasangaree has received both the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. He also received the Osgoode Hall Law School "One to Watch" Gold Key Award and the South Asian Bar Association's Young Practitioner Award.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "Our government is seized with this matter. The Prime Minister has a cabinet that is working on the situation around the clock. We all want peace and we want to get rail traffic going across the country. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Indigenous Services have stated that they are ready and willing to meet with the hereditary leadership at the earliest opportunity. With the B.C. RCMP's outreach to the chiefs yesterday, we hope this creates the ability to advance a peaceful resolution." Hansard, Feb 21, 2020
• Indigenous Languages: "We can never recover from it, and I do not think that many people who have faced this type of struggle and violation could ever recover from it, but it is important that we start the process. That is why, overall, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action are important, and that is why language revival is so essential." Hansard, May 2, 2019
• Residential Schools: "Healing the damage of residential schools will require the sustained action of not only involved governments, but other institutions and all Canadians. The need to achieve reconciliation is a fundamental truth and is beyond partisan politics." Hansard, Sep 24, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement: Achieved a good deal that benefits everyone; provisions that protect women's, minority and indigenous rights and environmental protections; protection for labour and minimum standards across our three countries. Hansard, Feb 3, 2020
• Environment: Government is committed to attaining net-zero emissions by 2050; ban single-use plastics by 2021; protect 25% of our shores and 25% of our land mass by 2025, 30% by 2030; attaining net-zero emissions will require enormous commitment from everyone to reach this target by 2050. Hansard, Dec 11, 2019
• Bill C-18 (An Act to amend the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act and the Canada National Parks Act): Canada at the forefront of efforts to conserve elements of its heritage, flora, fauna, and landscapes; first priority on ecological integrity in the management of the Rouge National Urban Park to further international leadership in conservation. Hansard, Feb 17, 2017

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Sri Lanka Protests: "Standing in Solidarity with the families of the disappeared as we mark the 1000 days of protest. In the sweltering heat, downpours, and the dust, these women and men have stood for justice, peace, and with their families. Truth must prevail." Twitter, Nov 16, 2019

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• M-24 (Tamil Heritage Month) (Motion Agreed To, Oct 5, 2016) - That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.

Jaime Battiste, Sydney-Victoria, NS

Biographical Information

Born in Potlotek First Nation, NS, Mr. Battiste was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Jaime was a published writer on Mi'kmaw laws, history, and knowledge. After graduating from Dalhousie Law in 2004, Mr. Battiste worked as a professor, senior advisor, citizenship coordinator and Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief.

Mr. Battiste has done extensive volunteer work in athletics, youth advocacy, community events, and advocacy for the Mi'kmaq Nation. He is a member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, a part owner of the Eskasoni Junior B Eagles. He served as the Nova Scotia Youth council representative to the Assembly of First Nation National Youth Council from 2001-2006. In 2005, the National Aboriginal Healing Organization named him as one of the National Aboriginal Role Models in Canada. In 2006, as Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council, he became one of the founding members of the Mi'kmaw Maliseet Atlantic Youth Council (MMAYC), an organization that represents and advocates for Mi'kmaw and Maliseet youth within the Atlantic. In 2018, Mr. Battiste was recognized with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "I ask today for leaders in Canada, leaders of both indigenous and non-indigenous people, to commit to making our relationship work. Political action, not police action, has the ability to decrease tensions. It is the only way. Political discussion and negotiation is what is needed, not inflammatory rhetoric. We need to inspire hope. If nothing else during this speech, I want to make sure to say that there is still hope. The politician in me believes that and the protester in me believes that too." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• First Nations Education: "In Nova Scotia, the Mi'kmaq took control over their education system 20 years ago with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, which we call MK, for those who are not linguistically gifted, and we saw a 30% graduation rate increase to where we are today at about 90%. The evidence seems to clear that first nations-led and first nations-governed education systems achieve better results for first nations students. I also understand that there are 23 Anishinabek nations who have signed a historic self-government agreement on education." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Indigenous Languages: "Our govt. is implementing the Indigenous Languages Act by contributing $337m over the next 5 yrs for Indigenous Languages, and $1500/yr for kindergarten to grade 12 First Nations students as part of the new co-develop education funding policy." Twitter, Jan 27, 2020
• Acknowledgement of Indigenous Role: "Being the first-ever Mi'kmaq Member of Parliament who is also a member of the Eskasoni First Nation, I want to acknowledge the significant role indigenous people have played in Canada's history. Our government is committed to working together to advocate for indigenous languages and for the well-being of indigenous peoples across Canada." Hansard, Jan 27, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Environment: The Indigenous Leadership Initiative hosted the Land Needs Guardians conference in Ottawa to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss; indigenous nations are at the forefront of a growing movement to create indigenous protection in conserved areas. Hansard, Feb 5, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Health Care in Cape Breton: "One of the no. 1 things I heard at the doors was the need to improve access to health care in Cape Breton. I met with Hon. @PattyHajdu, Minister of Health, to discuss what matters most to Cape Bretoners when it comes to quality access to health care services. This will be one of my many priorities. I look forward to working with the Minister and improve access to the services we rely on every day." Twitter, Dec 19, 2019

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• None

Bob Bratina, Hamilton East — Stoney Creek, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Hamilton, ON, Mr. Bratina was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Bratina worked in radio and broadcasting for local morning shows and sporting events. In 1998, he was inducted into the Football Reporters of Canada Hall of Fame. He was also a nominee for Hamilton Citizen of the Year, and won Hamilton Mountain Citizen of the Year. He also served on numerous Boards of Directors including; GO Transit, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Theatre Aquarius, and HECFI.

In 2004, he was election as MPP for Hamilton Centre, and again in 2006. His concerns over high lead readings in city drinking water resulted in a lead water service replacement loan program and a lead blood screening program for young children. He was elected as Mayor of Hamilton in 2010, seeing the completion of a new stadium, development in the downtown core, and a move to solve the impasse in the local Randle Reed project.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests and the RCMP: "All communities should benefit from policing that is professional and dedicated, and indigenous communities are no exception. That is why we will co-develop a legislative framework for first nations policing and expand the number of communities served by the first nations policing program. We will ensure police officers and services have the necessary tools and resources to protect the vulnerable and increase community safety" Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
• Water Quality: "We can no longer take a reactive approach to combatting lead pipes and drinking water quality. The time has come for the federal government to work together with its provincial, territorial, municipal, and indigenous partners to create a unified cross-country solution to eradicate these issues, which affect the very young more than the old, and low-income families more than the affluent. Children in older, poorer neighbourhoods should not be exposed to a serious health hazard because of where they live or their family's economic status." Hansard, Feb 7, 2017

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Steel and Bill C-101 (An Act to Amend the Customs Tariff and the International Trade Tribunal Act): Government must have tools and resources it needs to protect Canadians while continuing to encourage foreign investment, trade and economic growth. C-101 would provide this protection. Amendments to C-101 would help government respond quickly and appropriately to a substantiated surge of imports harming Canadian producers and workers. Hansard, Jun 6, 2019
• Veterans: Must keep investing in veterans' benefits and services. After 10 years of cuts to funding and staff, we are rebuilding the trust of veterans. Hansard, Sep 25, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Steel: "I've always supported steel all my life […] I had steelworkers at the door thanking me for what I did. (Stelco) is working; pensioners are getting their pensions; we put millions of dollars to increase the production facility." Hamiltonnews.com, Oct 22, 2019

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• M-69 (Water Quality) (Motion Agreed To, Feb 7, 2017) - That, in the opinion of the House: (a) the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities should undertake a study on (i) the presence of lead in Canadian tap water, (ii) provincial, territorial and municipal efforts to date to replace lead water distribution lines, (iii) current federal efforts to support other levels of government in the provision of safe drinking water; (b) the Committee should report to the House no later than December 1, 2017; and (c) following the tabling of the said report, the federal government should engage with key stakeholders, such as provincial and territorial governments, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as Indigenous partners, to discuss options for addressing lead drinking water service lines, including any potential role for the federal government.

Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Fort William, ON, Mr. Powlowski was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Powlowski served as a physician in the Emergency Room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. In addition to being a medical doctor, he has two law degrees - LL.B, LL.M from the universities of Toronto and Georgetown, respectively. He also attended Harvard University and obtained a Masters of Public Health in Health Law and Policy.

Mr. Powlowski worked as a doctor for two years in northern First Nations communities, and for seven years practicing medicine in several developing countries in Africa and Oceania. For several years, he worked as a consultant in health legislation for the World Health Organization. He also volunteered on a medical project in Ethiopia.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "It is imperative to exhaust all peaceful means of resolving the rail blockades." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• Funding for Services: "A constant refrain that I hear in Thunder Bay is that we have this large community here, but we're not getting the funding to provide services for that community. I know there's Jordan's Principle there that says nobody falls between the cracks, but that seems like that's filling in the cracks, that's not really a plan. What is being done in order to assist indigenous people coming to these kinds of communities to get the services they need to integrate if they so choose, into the society?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Indigenous living conditions: "I fully support efforts to improve the living conditions of the indigenous population - we can do better than we are doing now." Netnewsledger.com, July 21, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Housing: Government has made a real investment in Canadian communities; cost of rent is going up everywhere; need for federal government to play a leadership role in the housing sector. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Firearms: "Given that there is currently no legal definition for a 'military assault rifle in Canada, some community members I have spoken with are skeptical that a ban based on this term would make sense as a coherent firearm policy. Such a term, as they see it, is more political than policy oriented, and seeks to target certain firearms without a rational basis." Ipolitics.ca, Jan 21, 2020

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• None

Adam van Koeverden, Milton, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Toronto, ON, Mr. van Koeverden was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. van Koeverden was a professional sprint kayaker. He has won numerous Olympic medals, including the gold medal in Men's canoeing at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and has also won numerous medals at World Championship events, including the gold medal in 2007, and again in 2011.

Mr. van Koeverden has also worked as a managing consultant with Deloitte, and as a broadcaster, writer and producer with CBC Sports. He graduated as valedictorian from McMaster University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

He grew up in cooperative housing in a single mother household, and has volunteered extensively for organizations like Right To Play, WaterAID, Special Olympics, Parkinson's Canada, and the David Suzuki Foundation. He has also served as Chair of the Canadian Olympic Athletes' Commission, and was a member of the federal government's working group for Gender Inclusion and Gender Based Violence in Sport.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "We can certainly all agree, I hope, that a peaceful process and a resolution that results in no violence is in everyone's best interests. However, the language that we have heard from the Leader of the Opposition is anything but peaceful, as he suggested that indigenous people 'check their privilege'. The Leader of the Opposition doubled down on that statement today when he urged haste and force." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• Energy: "As we all know, many communities continue to rely on diesel-fuelled power as a primary energy source. We've heard from many communities that this is becoming increasingly challenging as the impacts of climate change affect their ability to access diesel, as well as the cost." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Indigenous Inclusion: "I am grateful to Inuit people for providing a boat that I used for many years. As a white guy from Oakville, I always express gratitude to indigenous people for the artifacts that we often use. Many are not aware that lacrosse, for example, is an indigenous sport, and kayaking as well. I think acknowledging that is a very important aspect of truth and reconciliation, […] our government's track record speaks for itself on truth and reconciliation, although there is far more work that needs to be done by all parties in this House." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Equality in Sport & Society: Find solutions so all Canadians can access sport, recreation and physical activity; examine barriers that women in leadership roles face inside and outside the sport industry; work on expanding Canada's anti-racism strategy; ensure easier access to sports and community activities for newcomers to Canada. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020
• Environment: Carbon pricing a very effective solution; government has stepped in to make sure that everybody follows a carbon pricing scheme; investments in green energy and green infrastructure to bring us closer to zero net carbon emissions by 2050. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Mental Health: Workplaces across Canada should have mental health standards; people should not have to wait months for mental health services; government will work to introduce relevant workplace mental health standards. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020
• Cooperative Housing: Mom has been building co-ops and managing co-ops for over 30 years; one of the ways to relieve poverty is to ensure that there is less profit and that when people pay the rent, they do not need to ensure that somebody else is making a buck; always going to be a vocal advocate for co-op housing. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Canada Child Benefit: "Canada is an example of what real action on poverty reduction looks like. With programs like the Canada Child Benefit - families in Milton, and across our country have more money each month. That's more money for healthy food, sports & recreation and quality time together." Twitter, Feb 6, 2019

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• None

Lenore Zann, Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Biographical Information

Born in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Zann was first elected to House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Zann worked as a screen, television, stage, and voice actress, and appeared in numerous television shows, films, radio, and animated series.

Ms. Zann was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2009, and again in 2013 for the Nova Scotia NDP. As a first-time opposition member, she was named NDP spokesperson for Education, Environment, Status of Women, Human Rights Commission, Aboriginal Affairs & Truth & Reconciliation, Agriculture, Advanced Education, African NS Affairs, and Gaelic Affairs. She served as the Ministerial Assistant for the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage.

Each summer, Ms. Zann produces and directs a community theatre production for the Truro Theatre Society, which boasts a cast of all ages - including students from local schools.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "As we heard from the Mohawk leaders, and from AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde last week, we need to resolve this impasse through dialogue and mutual respect. Therefore, we only ask that the Wet'suwet'en be willing to work with our federal government as a partner to find solutions." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
• New fiscal relationships: "…When indigenous communities move toward self-governance and self-determination, they have better outcomes across the board. Jaime has talked about education, for instance, and health is the same. Part of this includes developing fiscal relations with communities that allow them to make their own choices about where to invest and government has proposed a new collaborative self-government fiscal policy as a better way to address the needs of self-governing first nations." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Indigenous Role in the Environment: "The First Nations people, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, have been very active in combatting all kinds of environmental degradation in our province. I am very proud to have stood with them on the front lines, fighting for government recognition and fighting to get these issues noticed, especially when big corporations are polluting the lands right beside the First Nations communities." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Environmental Racism: "One of the bills I introduced in the legislature in Nova Scotia was called "An Act to Address Environmental Racism". It acknowledged the disproportionate amount of toxic waste sites, landfills, dumps and huge corporate pollution on the lands of first nations and black communities. I would like environmental racism to be talked about more often, especially in the House, as we move forward." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Gang Violence: Root causes of violence are poverty, desperation, lack of education, lack of a sense of hope, mental illness and addiction. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Health and Addiction: More money into addictions research; in Nova Scotia, the wait time for addictions counsellor is sometimes 125 days, sometimes 365 days. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement: New agreement maintains preferential access to markets; modernizes outdated elements of NAFTA, including labour obligations on employment discrimination based on gender. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Environmental Habitat in Newfoundland: "An environmental assessment off the coast of Newfoundland could fast-track oil and gas exploration in an area that is home to sensitive corals and sponges, and includes important habitat for endangered whales. We have until Feb. 21 to take action ecologyaction.ca/ocean" Twitter, Feb 8. 2020

Written Questions

• None

Private Members' Business

• None

Bob Zimmer, Prince George—Peace River, BC

Biographical Information

Born in Dawson Creek, BC, and raised in Fort St. John, BC, Mr. Zimmer was first elected to the House of Commons in 2011, and again in 2015 and 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Zimmer began his career working for his father's family carpentry business, obtained his Red Seal Journeyman Carpentry Certification, and went on to own his own construction business.

He received an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University in human kinetics and history/political science as well as a bachelor's of education degree from the University of British Columbia.

Mr. Zimmer is currently the critic for Northern Affairs and the Deputy Critic for the Northern Economic Development Agency. He serves as Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus.

In the 42nd Parliament, he served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2017-2019), Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities(2016-2017), Critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Chair of the BC/Yukon Conservative Caucus, and Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast. In the 41st Parliament, Mr. Zimmer has sat on several committees including the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2013-2014), the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2013-2014), the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2012-2013), and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2012-2013).

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "Maybe what my colleague does not understand, being in Ottawa and the bubble that Ottawa is, I am from western Canada and there is growing frustration with the government in shutting down industries and natural resource developments and now allowing blockades to go on in perpetuity. There is frustration with the leadership and the Prime Minister not showing leadership." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
• Nunavut Devolution: "I'm just looking at the minister's mandate letter to "Continue to work on the Nunavut Devolution Final Agreement". We all know it's been going on for the last 20 years. Some territories have had more success than others. Nunavut is still an outstanding...and it hasn't been finalized or it sounds like...even close. That's going to be my question, which is where are we? It's a policy that we've supported and we believe that it's key to the economic success of Nunavut and its people." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Bill C-69 (An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts) and the Moratorium on Northern Development: "We have Indigenous peoples across the North who want to develop their resources and a good economy for their people and for their benefit. What we saw from the government was a complete stifling of that opportunity." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Residential Schools: "I understand that some of the decisions Sir John A. Macdonald made are controversial, especially as it relates to residential schools…we have all made mistakes." Energeticcity.ca, Aug 22, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Softwood Lumber in BC and USMCA: Tariff affecting the sale of lumber and timber to U.S.; new NAFTA should include an agreement on softwood lumber. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Firearms Registry: Enough regulations and laws; no need for gun registry. Hansard, Jun 19, 2019
• Trans-Mountain pipeline expansion: With growing federal debt and deficits the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion would provide an opportunity to make money as a country through natural resource development. Hansard, Jun 5, 2019
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Canada Energy Mega Project in Kitimat, BC: Largest private investment in Canada's history; $22 billion in provincial revenue; reducing the reliance on emitters that use higher amounts of emissions. Hansard, Oct 2, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Firearms: "The fact is the vast majority of firearms owners respect Canada's gun laws. It's criminals who do not. While it may be much harder to go after gangs and illegal gun traffickers, that is precisely what this government should be doing to make Canadians safer." Alaska Highway News, Jan 20, 2020
• Natural Resources: "Interesting response from Parliamentary Secretary to Natural Resources in the @OurCommons today when asked about developing our CDN Oil/Gas resources...@LefebvrePaul actually said they "support investment". Please tell me Paul how C-48 (An Act respecting the regulation of vessels that transport crude oil or persistent oil to or from ports or marine installations located along British Columbia's north coast) and C-69 (An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Act) "support investment". I'll wait." Twitter, Dec 13, 2019

Written Questions

• Q-195, Grants and contributions under $25,000 provided by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, since January 1, 2018 – Jan 27, 2020
• Q-55, Office of the Prime Minister and minister's offices – Dec 5, 2019
• Q-54, Cambridge Analytica and AggregateIQ scandal – Dec 5, 2019

Private Members' Business

• Bill C-346, An Act to amend the Firearms Act (licenses) (Defeated, House Second Reading, Nov, 2017 – 42nd Parliament)
• M-589 (Firearms regulations) (Motion debated for 1 hour, May 26, 2015 – 41st Parliament) - That, in the opinion of the House: (a) Canada already exceeds all the standards listed in United Nations resolution 55/255 concerning firearms (the resolution); (b) the regulations envisioned in the resolution would do nothing to enhance public safety, and would serve only to burden the law-abiding firearms community; and therefore, the government has already surpassed its obligations with respect to the resolution and is not required to take any further steps.
• M-588 (United Nations Firearms Protocol) (Motion Withdrawn, Mar 26, 2015 – 42nd Parliament) - That, in the opinion of the House, the United Nations firearms markings regime does nothing to enhance public safety and only serves to burden the law-abiding firearms community and therefore, the government should not be obliged to implement the regime.

Gary Vidal, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Biographical Information

Born in Meadow Lake, SK, Mr. Vidal was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Vidal served as Mayor of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan from 2011 to 2019. He graduated from Carpenter High School in 1983 and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible College. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and is a partner in the accounting firm Pliska Vidal & Co. where he has been serving clients since 1988. He was also Vice Chair of Saskatchewan City Mayors' Caucus from 2016 to 2018. He was a member of the SaskWater Board of Directors from 2008 to 2017. In this position, he also served as Chair of the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2017.

Mr. Vidal is currently the critic for Indigenous Services.

Mr. Vidal has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities in his local church as well as on the board of Bethel Gospel Camp, an interdenominational children's bible camp. Other volunteer activities include coaching and managing minor hockey, baseball, and soccer teams. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "We simply cannot allow a minority of protestors to stand in the way of the will of the Wet'suwet'en nation. These protestors have taken extraordinary measures to hold Canada hostage, compromising the safety of our rail infrastructure, blocking and intimidating people attempting to go to work and in some cases physically assaulting elected members of a provincial legislature." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• First Nations consultation: "…Why weren't the provinces consulted or engaged earlier on? The honest heart of the social service minister in Saskatchewan was an honest concern about no child falling through the cracks. Is there an intention to get the provincial departments more involved in the process going forward than they maybe were during the development of the legislation?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Softwood Lumber and United-States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (UCSMA): "NorSask Forest Products is a 100% First Nations-owned company whose profits are directed to the nine bands that make up the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. These funds are used for services like housing, education and health care, including suicide prevention programs. Since 2017, NorSask has paid over $10 million in softwood lumber tariffs. That is $10 million not being used for services in these communities." Hansard, Dec 10, 2019
• Indigenous participation in Industry: "With the Indigenous Services file, one of the things we are looking for is partnerships between Indigenous communities and industry, allowing Indigenous people to be part of the private sector, to be part of the market so they create economic activity that will help them take care of the very demanding needs in their First Nations communities." Hansard, Jan 30, 2020
• Indigenous Youth Suicides: "If young people in northern Saskatchewan could look to the people they look up to, their parents, big brothers and sisters, and if they could look to the people they respect and see them succeed by being part of the industry in northern Saskatchewan, they would have hope. With that hope, they would not have to consider suicide as an outcome." Hansard, Jan 30, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Softwood Lumber and USMCA: lack of transparency from government, cannot adequately scrutinize the deal; no softwood lumber agreement, workers enduring hardships, fears of closure of lumber mills. Hansard, Dec 10, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Firearms: "Here in Northern Saskatchewan, hunting and sport shooting are a way of life for a lot of people… A Conservative government will protect the rights of law abiding gun owners." Twitter, Sep 15, 2019

Written Questions

• Q-186, Foreign takeovers and acquisitions of Canadian companies by foreign state-owned enterprises covered by the Investment Canada Regulations and the Investment Canada Act – Jan 27,2020
• Q-187, Canadian Armed Forces members serving abroad – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

• None

Arnold Viersen, Peace River—Westlock, AB

Biographical Information

Born in Barrhead, AB, Mr. Viersen was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Viersen apprenticed as an auto service technician and attained his journeyman ticket from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). He has also earned a business degree from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) while continuing his automotive career.

In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Viersen was the Deputy Critic of Rural Affairs. He advocated for the rights and concerns of rural families, farms and industries in Alberta and across Canada. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

Mr. Viersen is also involved in a number of parliamentary caucuses; including the Indigenous Affairs Caucus, Outdoor Caucus, and the Pro-Life Caucus. He is also a member of the Canada-Netherlands Parliamentary Friendship Group, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and the Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: None.
• Band election accountability: "One of the concerns that keeps coming out of my riding is around band elections and due process for band members when they feel there is an irregularity or a change of a date, these kinds of things. In one case where there is no quorum because people have resigned from the band council, there's no ability to make quorum anymore and there's an expectation that INAN step in to fill the void. Because at this point they can't make quorum, they can't sign cheques, people aren't getting paid. I'm speaking about Kapawe'no First Nation. What is the process for allaying some of these concerns around due process when it comes to elections?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Indigenous Languages: "It is not just indigenous languages that are struggling in Canada. Without the economic underpinning, people's culture, way of life and community are under threat, if people are unable to finance them and to survive under the economic situation in their particular area." Hansard, May 2, 2019
• Indigenous Victims of Trafficking: "We know indigenous women and girls are the most represented victim group in sex trafficking and prostitution in Canada. They make up only 4% of Canada's population, yet make up more than 50% of the victims in Canada." Hansard, Feb 4, 2020
• Pipelines and Indigenous Communities: "One of the things that has really helped indigenous communities in northern Alberta is their participation in the oil and gas industry, and the wealth it has brought there. When the communities have the wealth, they become communities again; their culture begins to thrive and their languages are able to be maintained." Hansard, May 2, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Human Trafficking and Sex Work: Legalized prostitution causes violence against sex workers; Sex trafficking increase, especially among youth; happened in Germany, New Zealand and the Netherlands; legitimization of prostitution normalizes attitudes of violence, misogyny and the objectification of women and girls. Hansard, Feb 4, 2020
• Oil and Gas: To get the economy right in northern Alberta, we need pipelines; we need pipelines to get oil off the railway, and replace it with grain and lumber going to market. Hansard, Dec 12, 2018
• Trans Mountain: Trans Mountain would allow petroleum products to reach people living in energy poverty and without luxury. Hansard, Feb 12, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Human Trafficking: "Modern day slavery & human trafficking exist in every country of the world including Canada. With over 25 million people around the world trapped in modern day slavery, we have a responsibility to tackle the slavery in our communities and in our supply chains" Twitter, Feb 6, 2020

Written Questions

• Q-113, New "For Glowing Hearts" logo unveiled by Destination Canada – Jan 27, 2020
• Q-112, Government's participation in the UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 in Madrid, Spain, in December 2019 – Jan 27, 2020
• Q-111, Government purchases of tickets or passes for Canada 2020 events during 2019
• Q-110, Total amount of late-payment charges for telephone services since June 1, 2018 – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

• M-212 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) (Motion Placed on Notice, Feb 20, 2019) - That, in the opinion of the House, the government should encourage Canadians to raise awareness of the magnitude of modern day slavery in Canada and abroad and to take steps to combat human trafficking, and should do so by designating the 22nd day of February each year as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, to coincide with the anniversary of the unanimous declaration of the House on February 22, 2007, to condemn all forms of human trafficking and slavery.
• M-47 (Instruction to the Standing Committee on Health (Violent and Sexual Online Material)) (Motion Agreed To, Dec 6, 2016) - That the Standing Committee on Health be instructed to examine the public health effects of the ease of access and viewing of online violent and degrading sexually explicit material on children, women and men, recognizing and respecting the provincial and territorial jurisdictions in this regard, and that the said Committee report its findings to the House no later than July 2017.

Jamie Schmale, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Brampton, ON, Mr. Schmale was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election to, Mr. Schmale he served as the executive assistant and campaign manager for former Conservative MP Barry Devolin (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ontario). He graduated from the Radio Broadcasting program at Loyalist College in Ontario, and started his career as a news anchor. He later became news director for CHUM media.

Mr. Schmale is currently the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations.

In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Schmale served as the opposition critic for Northern Economic Development, and Deputy Critic for Natural Resources. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015-2017) and the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2017-2019).

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "The Prime Minister claims that reconciliation is a priority, yet his inaction has invalidated the work Wet'suwet'en leaders have done to breathe life into reconciliation. The Liberals' failure to champion indigenous-supported projects like Coastal GasLink and Teck Frontier mine has killed over 7,000 jobs. B.C. MLA Ellis Ross has said that the blockades will set back reconciliation 20 years. When will the Prime Minister stop emboldening radical activists and start working for indigenous Canadians?" Hansard, Feb 24, 2020
• Indigenous housing: "This housing issue hasn't just started today, it's been going on for decades, so what is being done...? I know you mentioned what the government's doing, but what is the schedule to get these units built and actually functioning so you don't have these overcrowded situations." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Water Quality in Indigenous Communities: "The minister's department [CIRNAC] and the Parliamentary Budget Officer are at odds over the true cost to get water and wastewater in Indigenous communities up to the same standards as the rest of Canada." Hansard, Dec 9, 2019
• Bill C-88, An Act to amend the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: "When the Prime Minister vetoed the northern gateway pipeline, he killed benefit agreements between the project and 31 First Nations, worth about $2 billion.... All this is destroying energy jobs and investment from coast to coast to coast. Now, with Bill C-88, we add another coast, the northern coast… we […] are deeply disappointed that the Prime Minister, who campaigned on a promise of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, blatantly would allow and choose to deny our 31 First Nations and Métis communities their constitutionally-protected right to economic development." Hansard, Apr 9, 2019
• Bill C-69, An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: "…is putting a chill on investment in Canada's natural resources sector. The President of the Indian Resource Council said, 'Bill C-69 will harm Indigenous economic development, create barriers to decision-making, and make Canada unattractive for resource investment.' This legislation must be stopped." Hansard, Oct 26, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Natural Resources: Supports economic development and getting energy to markets; the Conservatives view the North as a key driver of economic activity for Canada. Hansard, Apr 9, 2019
• Oil and Gas: Supports the oil and gas sector; anti-energy bills are regulating to death the west-to-east pipeline. Hansard, Jun 13, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Firearms: "After all, if you want to stop increasing gun crime, the answer lies in tackling criminals and gangs, not punishing law abiding gun owners." Twitter, Jan 31, 2020

Written Questions

• Q-193, Classified or protected documents since January 1, 2019 – Jan 27, 2020
• Q-188, Veterans Affairs Canada service standard of 16 weeks for decisions in relation to disability benefits applications – Jan 27, 2020
• Q-172, Purchase of carbon offset credits by the government – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

• None.

Sylvie Bérubé, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC

Biographical Information

Ms. Bérubé was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Bérubé she spent 30 years with the in human resources and information. She also acted as the Director of the social committee at l'Hôpital de Val-d'Or, administrator for Taxibus, was a member of the information security association of Québec, and was President of the Parti Québécois d'Abitibi-Est.

Ms. Bérubé is currently the critic for Indigenous Affairs.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protest: "Since this government abdicated its leadership responsibilities on the rail crisis, the situation has deteriorated. More blockades are going up in Quebec and elsewhere. When the Prime Minister decided to hide from this dispute last Friday, he said that he wanted to engage in dialogue, but that it takes two to have a dialogue." Hansard, Feb 25, 2020
• Boil water advisories: "Je représente la circonscription de Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou et, actuellement, il y a des situations qui dégénèrent relativement à l'accès à l'eau potable et aussi en matière de logement. Vous dites que vous avez un groupe de travail mixte composé de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations. Qui, parmi les Premières Nations, siège au comité du groupe mixte?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Treaties: "More than ever, we need to make sure that we are respecting treaties and their interpretation, if we are to break free from the colonialism that this country's First Nations suffered and still suffer to this day. This should be one of the priorities in the throne speech." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
• Key Indigenous Issues in Northern Quebec: "As far as Indigenous affairs are concerned, the key issues are social housing, homelessness and infrastructure in northern Quebec. The melting snow is also important […] because it changes their culture. When it comes to the environment, we have to work with First Nations." Hansard, Jan 28, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Québec Infrastructure: Need to invest in transportation, telecommunications, airport infrastructure investments; transport of dangerous goods by rail ignored by Ottawa. Hansard, Jan 28, 2020
• Housing: Large mining sector in riding causing housing shortage, need investments in water and sewer systems. Hansard, Jan 28, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Québec-Federal Relations: "Ce n'est jamais facile avec le fédéral. On envoie de l'argent à Ottawa qu'on pourrait garder chez nous et le fédéral met des bâtons dans les roues du Québec." Lecitoyenvaldoramos.com, Jul 1, 2019
• Québec Issues: "On ne sera jamais aussi bien servis que par nous-mêmes. Plusieurs dossiers du fédéral m'agacent, dont la couverture internet, le financement de logement social, l'inaction concernant la Loi sur les Indiens et la taxe sur le bois d'œuvre qui affecte notre région." Lecitoyenvaldoramos.com, Jul 1, 2019

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• None.

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, Nunavut, NU

Biographical Information

Born in Baker Lake, NU, Ms. Qaqqaq was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Qaqqaq was a facilitator, public speaker, and volunteer. She was best known for her speech in the House of Commons on International Women's Day in 2017, through the Daughters of the Vote, a program designed for young women to speak about their visions for their country in the House of Commons. She worked as an employment officer with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and as a wellness program specialist with the Health Department of the Government of Nunavut. She has held positions with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, working with Susan Aglukark in the Arctic Rose Foundation, and with Northern Youth Abroad. She graduated from the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School.

Ms. Qaqqaq is currently the critic for the Northern Economic Development agency, Northern Affairs, and the Deputy Critic for Natural Resources.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wetsu'wet'en Protests: "Meeting with the Wetsu'wet'en chiefs would be a step in the right direction for reconciliation, but what we are seeing again is the Prime Minister failing. His broken promises to the people in my riding are seen every day, with a lack of and poor health care, mental health care, housing, education and transportation." Hansard, Feb 21, 2020
• Inuit services: "Continuously we see the lack of services for Inuit and Métis. It's hard to talk about things like training on maintaining water system infrastructure when that infrastructure isn't even there to begin with." INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Nutrition North: "Since [it] started, food security has actually gotten worse in Nunavut. People in need struggle to get quality food and necessities. Nunavut is the only fly-in, fly-out territory, so in my riding it is even worse." Hansard, Jan 29, 2020
• Climate Change and Northern Peoples: "It threatens the lives and abilities of our hunters to provide for families and communities. We need to treat it just as it is, a crisis." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
• Northern Infrastructure: "In Nunavut we continue to fight for basic human rights: to have a safe place to live, to afford to feed ourselves and to have clean drinking water." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
• Indigenous and Northern Youth Suicides: "This is a conversation that has been going on for decades. I hope that by the end of this term we can talk about post-secondary opportunities and child care spaces." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
• Indigenous and Northern Languages: "I am not fluent in Inuktitut. Unfortunately, this is a reality of too many Inuit. The NDP is committed to protecting and revitalizing Indigenous language through new legislation and stable funding." Twitter, Oct 2, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• None.

General Issues Raised in the Media

• None.

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• None.