“Postal workers are on Parliament Hill today, and Canada Post needs answers this fall about reforms and a public review. On this bill, I want to know how the new commissioner will actually enforce rules. What happens if the commissioner makes recommendations and the government ignores them?”

“Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to be back for this session. First off, it is important for me to say that today, we welcomed representatives from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to Parliament Hill. There is a great deal of talk about jobs and what might happen at airports. Canada Post is facing a serious situation. Since September 25, 2025, it has been waiting to find out what will happen with the reform, and it is asking for a comprehensive public review of the corporation. We hope to get answers to these questions this fall. Here is the question I would like to put to my colleague. We are not seeking to undermine the purpose of reconciliation efforts. However, what is the point of this proposal if the commissioner will lack the teeth to take action and enforce compliance? What will we do when recommendations are made and the government refuses to listen?”

“I want the House to pass this bill quickly. It creates an office that holds the government accountable on modern treaties. It does not cost much, and it will help the government work better and save money.”

“Madam Speaker, there is something important to bear in mind about the current situation. In the course of our work as parliamentarians, I was tasked, as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, with creating an advisory committee, a body that tells us what questions to ask, where to look and where the government is going wrong. That is very useful. Let us look at what the bill proposes. We need to keep in mind that the bill was a collaborative effort that included the Land Claims Agreements Coalition. The process was a long-term undertaking. The funds to be invested in it are modest compared to the savings it could generate, especially in terms of government efficiency. As parliamentarians, we could use this office to get some accountability. Is accountability important to the member? If so, why not support passing the bill quickly?”

“My colleague says this bill cannot force the government to follow modern treaties. I want him to give examples of rules that would work better.”

“Madam Speaker, my colleague said that this bill has no teeth and no enforcement measures to compel the government to uphold modern treaties. Could he give us some examples of processes that would produce better results?”

“I support this bill. The government has failed for decades to keep its promises in modern treaties with Indigenous peoples. This bill creates a commissioner to watch over the government and warn us about problems. I want the member for Winnipeg North to admit the government failed to keep its word.”

“Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to see you again, and the member for Winnipeg North as well. Bill C‑10 is important to me. In my capacity as critic for indigenous relations, I met with people from the Land Claims Agreements Coalition. I remember meeting Jim Aldridge, who has unfortunately passed away, and seeing how much he contributed for the groups. In committee, I interviewed Chief John Jack, who also appreciates this heritage. It is important to remember that this bill was co-developed, which means that we, as parliamentarians, must also be sensitive to the outcomes of this bill. Why are we here? We are here because the government has failed, year after year, decade after decade, to uphold its commitments to indigenous signatories to modern treaties and ensure the implementation of those modern treaties. Of course, program funding is an important issue. The Auditor General has produced many reports and follow-up reports on the government’s inaction. What will creating a commissioner position achieve? It will allow us, as parliamentarians, to take note of any red flags, so we know what to ask questions about. Personally, I see that as a good thing. Does the member for Winnipeg North see it as a sign of the government’s failure to keep its word to indigenous signatories to modern treaties?”

“My colleague seems worried this bill will only lead to reports instead of real action, because it has no way to enforce its rules. Can he give an example of how we could make the bill stronger?”

“Madam Speaker, from what I understand from my colleague’s remarks, he is afraid that the legislation will result in reports but no concrete action and thinks that it lacks sufficient teeth or enforcement mechanisms to ensure that results are achieved. Could he give me an example of something that could really strengthen the bill?”