MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Lamoureux, a parliamentary secretary to the House leader, defends the government’s affordability programs — the national dental program for seniors on fixed incomes and the school food program he says feeds 400,000 children — and presses Bill C-34’s digital safety commission, which he says gives the law teeth through fines. He turns most exchanges into a direct question for his opponent, asking, “Does the member support the principle of having a commission?” He also raises hospice and palliative care in debates on medical assistance in dying.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
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“I want us to agree to move to the adjournment debate now.”
“Mr. Speaker, I suspect if you were to canvass the House, you would find unanimous consent to call it 6:30 p.m. so we can get into the adjournment debate.”
Mr. Speaker, I suspect if you were to canvass the House, you would find unanimous consent to call it 6:30 p.m. so we can get into the adjournment debate.
“This bill creates an independent officer to report on how the government follows Indigenous treaties. I want the member to explain how having an independent watchdog hurts accountability instead of helping it.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if we could go right to the point of Bill C-10 and what the member seems to be focused on, in terms of parliamentary accountability. Bill C-10 sets into place an independent agent of Parliament on a critically important issue, in terms of modern-day treaty agreements. At the end of the day, I am wondering if the member could provide his thoughts in regard to how it takes away from accountability when there is an independent agent of Parliament providing reports on what the government is or is not doing? How does that take away from accountability?”
Mr. Speaker, I am wondering if we could go right to the point of Bill C-10 and what the member seems to be focused on, in terms of parliamentary accountability. Bill C-10 sets into place an independent agent of Parliament on a critically important issue, in terms of modern-day treaty agreements. At the end of the day, I am wondering if the member could provide his thoughts in regard to how it takes away from accountability when there is an independent agent of Parliament providing reports on what the government is or is not doing? How does that take away from accountability?
“This bill creates an independent watchdog to hold governments accountable on modern treaties. Does my colleague agree that this extra transparency will help all Canadians?”
“Madam Speaker, could my colleague and friend provide his thoughts on the importance of recognizing that Bill C-10 would establish an independent agent of Parliament? By doing so, it would, I believe, not only for the current government but also for future governments, provide an excellent opportunity to have more transparency and more accountability on what is a critically important file for all Canadians.”
Madam Speaker, could my colleague and friend provide his thoughts on the importance of recognizing that Bill C-10 would establish an independent agent of Parliament? By doing so, it would, I believe, not only for the current government but also for future governments, provide an excellent opportunity to have more transparency and more accountability on what is a critically important file for all Canadians.
“I want the Conservatives to support this bill. It creates an independent commissioner to make sure the government follows modern treaties. Every other party supports it. It brings more transparency and accountability.”
“Madam Speaker, it is no surprise. I disagree with the member. At the end of the day, he does not recognize the fact that it would be an independent agent. He listed off some other things that are out there. When he asked me the question, I made the comment that if he used the same principles for his arguments, then there would be no need for an Auditor General of Canada and how silly that would be. I suspect he sees the value in that independent agent. Here, given the importance of modern treaties to our nation, recognizing the importance of having a commissioner who is an independent agent of Parliament is a good thing. Every other political entity in the House recognizes that, sees that and supports that, except for the Conservative Party of Canada. Is it quite possible that the Conservatives are once again offside on a very important issue? I would appeal to them to reconsider and ultimately support Bill C-10 because it would ensure more accountability and more transparency and it would reinforce the importance of modern treaties.”
Madam Speaker, it is no surprise. I disagree with the member. At the end of the day, he does not recognize the fact that it would be an independent agent. He listed off some other things that are out there. When he asked me the question, I made the comment that if he used the same principles for his arguments, then there would be no need for an Auditor General of Canada and how silly that would be. I suspect he sees the value in that independent agent. Here, given the importance of modern treaties to our nation, recognizing the importance of having a commissioner who is an independent agent of Parliament is a good thing. Every other political entity in the House recognizes that, sees that and supports that, except for the Conservative Party of Canada. Is it quite possible that the Conservatives are once again offside on a very important issue? I would appeal to them to reconsider and ultimately support Bill C-10 because it would ensure more accountability and more transparency and it would reinforce the importance of modern treaties.
“I want the member to explain how this bill stops the government from keeping its promises. Having an independent person track and report on these promises is a good thing.”
“Madam Speaker, the member talked about meeting and honouring obligations. I wonder if the member can explain to me how Bill C-10 would prevent that from happening. I see it as a strong positive to have an independent agent of Parliament who is tracking those obligations and then reporting them, as an independent. I would think that would be a positive.”
Madam Speaker, the member talked about meeting and honouring obligations. I wonder if the member can explain to me how Bill C-10 would prevent that from happening. I see it as a strong positive to have an independent agent of Parliament who is tracking those obligations and then reporting them, as an independent. I would think that would be a positive.
In response to a question from Elizabeth May
“I want the House to pass this bill. It is hard to pass laws without a majority, but the Prime Minister wants all parties to work together. It is good to see other parties support this bill.”
“Madam Speaker, I am going to allude to an answer I provided a little earlier regarding Bill C-10, because the leader of the Green Party is right that it was a part of the agenda in a previous government. In minority situations, it can be even more of a challenge trying to get legislation through the House, as she would know. Given that there is a majority government, I can tell the leader of the Green Party that we have a Prime Minister who still wants to see collaboration in the House. That is why in my opening comments I talked about it being encouraging to see, whether it is the leader of the Green Party, the New Democrats or the Bloc, a recognition of the value of this particular piece of legislation. It is the Prime Minister’s will to see it pass.”
Madam Speaker, I am going to allude to an answer I provided a little earlier regarding Bill C-10, because the leader of the Green Party is right that it was a part of the agenda in a previous government. In minority situations, it can be even more of a challenge trying to get legislation through the House, as she would know. Given that there is a majority government, I can tell the leader of the Green Party that we have a Prime Minister who still wants to see collaboration in the House. That is why in my opening comments I talked about it being encouraging to see, whether it is the leader of the Green Party, the New Democrats or the Bloc, a recognition of the value of this particular piece of legislation. It is the Prime Minister’s will to see it pass.
In response to a question from Marc Dalton
“We should pass this bill. It creates an independent commissioner to hold the government accountable, just like the Auditor General does.”
“Madam Speaker, let us follow the same logic and principle and apply it to the Auditor General of Canada. Much of the work done by the Auditor General of Canada is done in different ways by different departments. Would the member be advocating that we get rid of the Auditor General of Canada because it is a huge bureaucracy? I suspect not, or at least I would hope not. At the end of the day, the difference is that this would be an independent agent of Parliament. That is the significant difference. I would ask the member opposite whether he believes that independent agents of Parliament provide a worthwhile service to the House of Commons and to Parliament. I would argue they do.”
Reply to a debate question
Relevance 100 of 100
Of this reply, 100% addressed the question or point raised.
See full analysisMadam Speaker, let us follow the same logic and principle and apply it to the Auditor General of Canada. Much of the work done by the Auditor General of Canada is done in different ways by different departments. Would the member be advocating that we get rid of the Auditor General of Canada because it is a huge bureaucracy? I suspect not, or at least I would hope not. At the end of the day, the difference is that this would be an independent agent of Parliament. That is the significant difference. I would ask the member opposite whether he believes that independent agents of Parliament provide a worthwhile service to the House of Commons and to Parliament. I would argue they do.
In response to a question from Karim Bardeesy
“I want the House to pass this bill. Modern treaties help our society and our economy. This bill will hold governments accountable and make sure we keep our promises.”
“Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question because it allows me to amplify that modern-day treaties can have such a huge, positive impact, not only from a social perspective, but also from an economic perspective. When we take a look at Bill C-10 and put it into the larger picture of what we have been trying to accomplish over the 18 months since the last election in building a stronger and healthier Canadian economy, Bill C-10 plays an important role. This is because it would ensure not only that we would be meeting an obligation to the different stakeholders, but that this government and future governments would be held to account and have more transparency and would live up to modern-day treaties. In my opinion, it is a win-win situation. We just need the legislation to pass.”
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question because it allows me to amplify that modern-day treaties can have such a huge, positive impact, not only from a social perspective, but also from an economic perspective. When we take a look at Bill C-10 and put it into the larger picture of what we have been trying to accomplish over the 18 months since the last election in building a stronger and healthier Canadian economy, Bill C-10 plays an important role. This is because it would ensure not only that we would be meeting an obligation to the different stakeholders, but that this government and future governments would be held to account and have more transparency and would live up to modern-day treaties. In my opinion, it is a win-win situation. We just need the legislation to pass.
In response to a question from Sébastien Lemire
“I want the House to pass this bill soon. It is a high priority for the government. I want the Conservatives to stop blocking it and let it pass.”
“Madam Speaker, I am grateful and appreciate that the Bloc has recognized the value of Bill C-10 and is working with the government to see its ultimate passage. It is really encouraging that less than 18 months ago, Canadians elected a new government, a new Prime Minister and 70-plus new Liberal MPs. At the end of the day, this has been established as a high priority for the Prime Minister. That is the reason we are debating the bill today at third reading. That is the reason I spent as much time as I did at the very beginning of my comments asking for the Conservatives to reconsider their positioning and at the very least let us pass the legislation. I can assure members that the Prime Minister wants to see it passed. That is why we prioritized it. Hopefully it will pass relatively soon.”
Reply to a debate question
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None of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.
See full analysisMadam Speaker, I am grateful and appreciate that the Bloc has recognized the value of Bill C-10 and is working with the government to see its ultimate passage. It is really encouraging that less than 18 months ago, Canadians elected a new government, a new Prime Minister and 70-plus new Liberal MPs. At the end of the day, this has been established as a high priority for the Prime Minister. That is the reason we are debating the bill today at third reading. That is the reason I spent as much time as I did at the very beginning of my comments asking for the Conservatives to reconsider their positioning and at the very least let us pass the legislation. I can assure members that the Prime Minister wants to see it passed. That is why we prioritized it. Hopefully it will pass relatively soon.
In response to a question from Billy Morin
“I want members to support this bill. It creates a commissioner to report on how well we follow modern treaties with Indigenous people. This will improve our relationship with them, and many Indigenous leaders have asked for it.”
“Madam Speaker, Bill C-10 recognizes the value that modern treaties play in Canadian society. It would enable a better, stronger relationship between the federal government and indigenous people. Having a commissioner that reports back to the House on where the government needs to improve would be a positive thing. I am not alone, as many indigenous leaders have actually been advocating for that. I could be wrong on this, but I understand that even with modern treaties that were brought into place, the topic of having a commissioner was discussed.”
Reply to a debate question
Relevance 46 of 100
None of this reply addressed the specific point raised or the topic under debate.
See full analysisMadam Speaker, Bill C-10 recognizes the value that modern treaties play in Canadian society. It would enable a better, stronger relationship between the federal government and indigenous people. Having a commissioner that reports back to the House on where the government needs to improve would be a positive thing. I am not alone, as many indigenous leaders have actually been advocating for that. I could be wrong on this, but I understand that even with modern treaties that were brought into place, the topic of having a commissioner was discussed.
“I want the House to pass this bill quickly. It creates an independent commissioner to make sure the government follows through on modern treaties with Indigenous peoples. The Conservatives are the only party fighting this bill, and they should stop delaying it.”
“Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise and speak to Bill C-10. I really believe that the Conservatives have missed the mark on this. I am pleased to see and hear that the Bloc is going to be supporting the legislation. I had a tough time listening to the member for Winnipeg Centre, and I will provide some comments on that as to why. However, having said that, I appreciate and am somewhat grateful that the NDP has also indicated support for Bill C-10. I believe the leader of the Green Party has also indicated support for Bill C-10. The only political entity inside the House today that does not recognize the value of passing Bill C-10 is actually the Conservative Party of Canada. I often make reference to that far right element, which continues to grow. In fact, a number of them have been promoted to come a little closer to the front. At the end of the day, I am disappointed in the Conservative Party for not recognizing the true value of Bill C-10. We have had a Prime Minister, in one way, who has emphasized how important it is that we build a stronger and healthier Canada. We have talked about that now since the last federal election just over a year ago, when Canadians elected a new government. In order for Canada to succeed to the degree the Prime Minister of Canada or any member of the House wants to see it succeed and prosper into the future, indigenous leadership and indigenous people have to be at the forefront. When I take a look at Bill C-10 and what it actually does, I do not understand why the Conservatives have chosen to vote against the legislation. I am going to suggest to them that they might want to reconsider their positioning on the legislation, because at the core, the heart of the legislation is to ensure more accountability, more transparency. This is in essence what the bill would do, yet the Conservative Party has determined that it does not want to support this legislation because of a belief that it would not be necessary if the government just did more on the file. I have been around since 2010 as a federal member of Parliament, and I spent just under 20 years as an MLA in Manitoba. I can tell the House that when we take a look at independent agencies of Parliament, whether at the national level or the provincial level, they play a critical role in the issue of accountability and transparency on a wide variety of different issues. If we want to get a good sense of it, let us take a look at the Auditor General. It does not mean we have to agree with every detail that comes back out of a report, but it is important to recognize the report and that the report raises the profile of critically important issues that have been determined by a thorough investigation. This is what we are actually looking at with the creation of a commissioner to deal with modern treaties. Why would they not support that? At the different levels of government, we see mechanisms that are put into place to ensure that this does take place, that there is a higher sense of accountability, that there is a thorough look into a number of different issues that are important to the nation and our best collective interest. This is why, first and foremost, setting up a commissioner through the legislation and an office that is there to support the commissioner, in the legislation necessary to give the commissioner the authority and power to call into question the modern treaties and some things that are or are not taking place, and raising them in the form of a report to the appropriate federal minister, ultimately does a great service. This is especially so if we want to follow through on what the government has been talking about for the past 18 months or so, since the last federal election. I would ask the Conservative Party to reconsider their position and to work collaboratively with the government on this particular issue. I believe that not only would the communities we represent support it but also that a good part of our indigenous leadership would like to see this put into law. In fact, if we listen to the minister and her explanation in introducing the legislation, or in bringing it up again for third reading, we will find that there was a great deal of consultation done with modern treaty partners, other indigenous leaders, provinces and other stakeholders, in order to ensure that we got it right. That is the way it was introduced, and the minister has been very open on the file. I would like to think that if members put it in the same category as other independent agents of Parliament, they would see the true benefits of allowing this bill to pass. Now, it is not an issue of whether the bill will pass. The bill will pass. One of the Conservative members says, “We will see.” The bill will pass, as we are working in collaboration with other opposition leaders and parties. Only the Conservatives do not support it. The only thing the Conservatives can do is put up obstacles in order to prevent its passage in a timely fashion. That is the reason I am spending the first part of my comments appealing to the Conservatives. I believe the Conservatives understand that there is a lot of political support for the passage of the legislation. It has already been before the House. People have had the opportunity for months to take a look at the legislation and to provide both direct and indirect feedback to the minister. It is time that we actually see this legislation pass. Today, two other major pieces of legislation were introduced. These bills are going to have a profound positive impact on our nation. Given the limited amount of time that we have to debate on the floor of the House of Commons, I would suggest that passing this legislation earlier as opposed to later would provide more time for us to talk about legislation that is on the horizon, including legislation tabled today. This is not to disregard the opposition’s comments. Where the opposition seems to be unified is in an area which, again, I do not necessarily agree with. I will go to the comments from the member for Winnipeg Centre right away, on the issue of the government doing more. In short, we can always do more. We can always try to do better. There is no doubt about that. As a government, in terms of priorities, I believe we are making progress. We are taking steps forward, and Bill C-10 is one of those steps. I will give members a sense of why it is an important piece of legislation. The member for Winnipeg Centre was talking about how the federal government and the Prime Minister are doing things by expanding the economy, bringing in huge amounts of investment, and how that is a bad thing because of the lack of involvement from indigenous peoples. Ultimately, I would argue that, to a certain degree, is maybe a little bit misleading. The government has worked in the past and continues to work on that critical relationship between levels of government, which includes indigenous peoples. When we talk about those major projects, I will talk about the province of Manitoba. In Manitoba, the big project we continue to talk about, promote and encourage is the port of Churchill, which is connected by the Hudson Bay Railway. That is a major project for Manitoba. The Prime Minister has acknowledged that, our budget reflects that and the commitment reflects that. The premier of Manitoba has recognized it, supports it, wants to see it move forward, and has actually committed significant tax breaks for companies to invest. Indigenous people are the ones who are leading the file. OneNorth, for example, is made up of 41 northern indigenous communities that came together, and they operate together in terms of the best interests of indigenous people, the north, and of course, of our nation. They are the owner of Arctic Gateway Group, which is responsible for the port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway. Relatively recently, we finally had another ship leave the port of Churchill full of grain. There are many in the prairies who see the true value and want to see the port of Churchill realized. I believe it is wrong to try to give a false impression that, as a government, we are trying to do things without working with indigenous people. The minister herself made some comments referencing that the modern treaties’ partners are critical to advancing many of the projects we are seeing right now. She said, “such as the Nisg̱a’a nation with Ksi Lisims and the Tłı̨chǫ first nation with the Arctic economic and security corridor.” In Iqaluit, we have the NTI, which is leading a hydroelectric project. We are seeing modern treaty partners across the country, not only in equity, but also leading the charge in these major projects. This is what the minister indicated earlier. These modern treaties make a huge difference in managing and moving forward on our environment, our economy and overall growth in Canada. Whether it is the Prime Minister, the government in general or, as I would like to think, all members of the chamber, we should be encouraging and recognizing indigenous involvement, because it is real and tangible and is making a difference in the lives of all Canadians. That is the reason I say, when the member for Winnipeg Centre and others indirectly allude to it, that at the end of the day, there are all sorts of opportunities for all of us. The modern treaties and what this legislation would do to reinforce the strength of the modern treaties are things we should all be recognizing. That is why when the minister spoke, I asked her a question in regard to the impact that modern treaties have on Bill C-10 and the types of actions the government has been taking over the last year plus, since the last election. She concurred with my remarks, and she is not alone. Many of the people I represent, virtually the entirety of the Liberal caucus and many members opposite see the benefit of having a commissioner, an independent agent of Parliament, hold more accountability and transparency on the issue of modern treaties, and see how modern treaties can contribute to the agenda that is not owned by any individual but should be the Canadian agenda, with a team Canada approach. That is to build a stronger, healthier Canada in every region of this nation. That was the point I was making with the minister earlier when she brought in the bill, because it is substantive. In terms of the commissioner, these are some of the things that the commissioner would be able to do: review and audit the federal implementation of modern treaties. When we think of modern treaties, the first one was the James Bay modern treaty, back in 1975. It dealt with things such as land ownership, financial compensation and the issue of self-governance. Modern treaties today enable a higher sense of collaboration among the different levels of government. The more we take that team approach and work collaboratively, the bigger we are going to be able to grow as a nation as a whole. Bill C-10 is legislation that fits into a much larger picture. Any time we can reflect positively on the floor of the House of Commons in regard to modern treaties, we should take advantage of it and do just that. We should support modern-day treaties because they do make a difference. Governments change; they come and go. Maybe that will happen in 10 or 15 years. However long it might be, at the end of the day, they do change, and having an independent agent of Parliament is good for all of Canada.”
Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise and speak to Bill C-10. I really believe that the Conservatives have missed the mark on this. I am pleased to see and hear that the Bloc is going to be supporting the legislation. I had a tough time listening to the member for Winnipeg Centre, and I will provide some comments on that as to why. However, having said that, I appreciate and am somewhat grateful that the NDP has also indicated support for Bill C-10. I believe the leader of the Green Party has also indicated support for Bill C-10. The only political entity inside the House today that does not recognize the value of passing Bill C-10 is actually the Conservative Party of Canada. I often make reference to that far right element, which continues to grow. In fact, a number of them have been promoted to come a little closer to the front. At the end of the day, I am disappointed in the Conservative Party for not recognizing the true value of Bill C-10. We have had a Prime Minister, in one way, who has emphasized how important it is that we build a stronger and healthier Canada. We have talked about that now since the last federal election just over a year ago, when Canadians elected a new government. In order for Canada to succeed to the degree the Prime Minister of Canada or any member of the House wants to see it succeed and prosper into the future, indigenous leadership and indigenous people have to be at the forefront. When I take a look at Bill C-10 and what it actually does, I do not understand why the Conservatives have chosen to vote against the legislation. I am going to suggest to them that they might want to reconsider their positioning on the legislation, because at the core, the heart of the legislation is to ensure more accountability, more transparency. This is in essence what the bill would do, yet the Conservative Party has determined that it does not want to support this legislation because of a belief that it would not be necessary if the government just did more on the file. I have been around since 2010 as a federal member of Parliament, and I spent just under 20 years as an MLA in Manitoba. I can tell the House that when we take a look at independent agencies of Parliament, whether at the national level or the provincial level, they play a critical role in the issue of accountability and transparency on a wide variety of different issues. If we want to get a good sense of it, let us take a look at the Auditor General. It does not mean we have to agree with every detail that comes back out of a report, but it is important to recognize the report and that the report raises the profile of critically important issues that have been determined by a thorough investigation. This is what we are actually looking at with the creation of a commissioner to deal with modern treaties. Why would they not support that? At the different levels of government, we see mechanisms that are put into place to ensure that this does take place, that there is a higher sense of accountability, that there is a thorough look into a number of different issues that are important to the nation and our best collective interest. This is why, first and foremost, setting up a commissioner through the legislation and an office that is there to support the commissioner, in the legislation necessary to give the commissioner the authority and power to call into question the modern treaties and some things that are or are not taking place, and raising them in the form of a report to the appropriate federal minister, ultimately does a great service. This is especially so if we want to follow through on what the government has been talking about for the past 18 months or so, since the last federal election. I would ask the Conservative Party to reconsider their position and to work collaboratively with the government on this particular issue. I believe that not only would the communities we represent support it but also that a good part of our indigenous leadership would like to see this put into law. In fact, if we listen to the minister and her explanation in introducing the legislation, or in bringing it up again for third reading, we will find that there was a great deal of consultation done with modern treaty partners, other indigenous leaders, provinces and other stakeholders, in order to ensure that we got it right. That is the way it was introduced, and the minister has been very open on the file. I would like to think that if members put it in the same category as other independent agents of Parliament, they would see the true benefits of allowing this bill to pass. Now, it is not an issue of whether the bill will pass. The bill will pass. One of the Conservative members says, “We will see.” The bill will pass, as we are working in collaboration with other opposition leaders and parties. Only the Conservatives do not support it. The only thing the Conservatives can do is put up obstacles in order to prevent its passage in a timely fashion. That is the reason I am spending the first part of my comments appealing to the Conservatives. I believe the Conservatives understand that there is a lot of political support for the passage of the legislation. It has already been before the House. People have had the opportunity for months to take a look at the legislation and to provide both direct and indirect feedback to the minister. It is time that we actually see this legislation pass. Today, two other major pieces of legislation were introduced. These bills are going to have a profound positive impact on our nation. Given the limited amount of time that we have to debate on the floor of the House of Commons, I would suggest that passing this legislation earlier as opposed to later would provide more time for us to talk about legislation that is on the horizon, including legislation tabled today. This is not to disregard the opposition’s comments. Where the opposition seems to be unified is in an area which, again, I do not necessarily agree with. I will go to the comments from the member for Winnipeg Centre right away, on the issue of the government doing more. In short, we can always do more. We can always try to do better. There is no doubt about that. As a government, in terms of priorities, I believe we are making progress. We are taking steps forward, and Bill C-10 is one of those steps. I will give members a sense of why it is an important piece of legislation. The member for Winnipeg Centre was talking about how the federal government and the Prime Minister are doing things by expanding the economy, bringing in huge amounts of investment, and how that is a bad thing because of the lack of involvement from indigenous peoples. Ultimately, I would argue that, to a certain degree, is maybe a little bit misleading. The government has worked in the past and continues to work on that critical relationship between levels of government, which includes indigenous peoples. When we talk about those major projects, I will talk about the province of Manitoba. In Manitoba, the big project we continue to talk about, promote and encourage is the port of Churchill, which is connected by the Hudson Bay Railway. That is a major project for Manitoba. The Prime Minister has acknowledged that, our budget reflects that and the commitment reflects that. The premier of Manitoba has recognized it, supports it, wants to see it move forward, and has actually committed significant tax breaks for companies to invest. Indigenous people are the ones who are leading the file. OneNorth, for example, is made up of 41 northern indigenous communities that came together, and they operate together in terms of the best interests of indigenous people, the north, and of course, of our nation. They are the owner of Arctic Gateway Group, which is responsible for the port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway. Relatively recently, we finally had another ship leave the port of Churchill full of grain. There are many in the prairies who see the true value and want to see the port of Churchill realized. I believe it is wrong to try to give a false impression that, as a government, we are trying to do things without working with indigenous people. The minister herself made some comments referencing that the modern treaties’ partners are critical to advancing many of the projects we are seeing right now. She said, “such as the Nisg̱a’a nation with Ksi Lisims and the Tłı̨chǫ first nation with the Arctic economic and security corridor.” In Iqaluit, we have the NTI, which is leading a hydroelectric project. We are seeing modern treaty partners across the country, not only in equity, but also leading the charge in these major projects. This is what the minister indicated earlier. These modern treaties make a huge difference in managing and moving forward on our environment, our economy and overall growth in Canada. Whether it is the Prime Minister, the government in general or, as I would like to think, all members of the chamber, we should be encouraging and recognizing indigenous involvement, because it is real and tangible and is making a difference in the lives of all Canadians. That is the reason I say, when the member for Winnipeg Centre and others indirectly allude to it, that at the end of the day, there are all sorts of opportunities for all of us. The modern treaties and what this legislation would do to reinforce the strength of the modern treaties are things we should all be recognizing. That is why when the minister spoke, I asked her a question in regard to the impact that modern treaties have on Bill C-10 and the types of actions the government has been taking over the last year plus, since the last election. She concurred with my remarks, and she is not alone. Many of the people I represent, virtually the entirety of the Liberal caucus and many members opposite see the benefit of having a commissioner, an independent agent of Parliament, hold more accountability and transparency on the issue of modern treaties, and see how modern treaties can contribute to the agenda that is not owned by any individual but should be the Canadian agenda, with a team Canada approach. That is to build a stronger, healthier Canada in every region of this nation. That was the point I was making with the minister earlier when she brought in the bill, because it is substantive. In terms of the commissioner, these are some of the things that the commissioner would be able to do: review and audit the federal implementation of modern treaties. When we think of modern treaties, the first one was the James Bay modern treaty, back in 1975. It dealt with things such as land ownership, financial compensation and the issue of self-governance. Modern treaties today enable a higher sense of collaboration among the different levels of government. The more we take that team approach and work collaboratively, the bigger we are going to be able to grow as a nation as a whole. Bill C-10 is legislation that fits into a much larger picture. Any time we can reflect positively on the floor of the House of Commons in regard to modern treaties, we should take advantage of it and do just that. We should support modern-day treaties because they do make a difference. Governments change; they come and go. Maybe that will happen in 10 or 15 years. However long it might be, at the end of the day, they do change, and having an independent agent of Parliament is good for all of Canada.
“Many Indigenous leaders and modern treaty partners support this bill and say we need it. I want to know if the member will support it too.”
“Madam Speaker, could the member provide his thoughts in regard to the feedback we have had from many modern treaty partners that have ultimately looked at the legislation and have seen it to be of great value? It would seem to me that there are many within the indigenous leadership who want Bill C-10. Where does the member stand in regard to that issue, where a significant percentage of a community is saying that this is something that is necessary?”
Madam Speaker, could the member provide his thoughts in regard to the feedback we have had from many modern treaty partners that have ultimately looked at the legislation and have seen it to be of great value? It would seem to me that there are many within the indigenous leadership who want Bill C-10. Where does the member stand in regard to that issue, where a significant percentage of a community is saying that this is something that is necessary?
In response to a question from Jamie Schmale
“Indigenous leaders want this bill passed to create an independent office for modern treaties. The Conservatives say the government does not do enough, but they are voting against this bill anyway.”
“Madam Speaker, it would appear as if the Conservative Party is not actually listening to what indigenous people of Canada are saying about the commission. On the one hand, the Conservatives like to talk about the government not doing enough, but then on the other hand, when we have a substantial piece of legislation in Bill C-10, the creation of an independent office of Parliament, they are not supporting it. That is the bottom line, even though indigenous leadership is saying they would like to see it passed. Does the member have any concerns about the way the Conservative Party is voting on this legislation?”
Madam Speaker, it would appear as if the Conservative Party is not actually listening to what indigenous people of Canada are saying about the commission. On the one hand, the Conservatives like to talk about the government not doing enough, but then on the other hand, when we have a substantial piece of legislation in Bill C-10, the creation of an independent office of Parliament, they are not supporting it. That is the bottom line, even though indigenous leadership is saying they would like to see it passed. Does the member have any concerns about the way the Conservative Party is voting on this legislation?
“I am glad the NDP supports this bill, even though I disagree with what the member said. In Manitoba, the government is working with 41 northern Indigenous communities to expand the port of Churchill. Indigenous leaders are driving that project. I want to know if the member supports what we are doing there.”
“Mr. Speaker, I must say that I disagree with many of the thoughts the member just expressed on the record. I am glad and grateful that the NDP is going to be supporting the legislation. That is a very strong and positive thing. However, let me remind my friend that in Manitoba, there is OneNorth and the Arctic Gateway Group. Forty-one northern indigenous communities came together for that. On the port of Churchill expansion, what this government and Premier Wab Kinew have been emphasizing is that it is being driven by indigenous people and that it will not be possible without the indigenous leadership and indigenous people of northern Manitoba. Does the member support the government’s action toward that?”
Mr. Speaker, I must say that I disagree with many of the thoughts the member just expressed on the record. I am glad and grateful that the NDP is going to be supporting the legislation. That is a very strong and positive thing. However, let me remind my friend that in Manitoba, there is OneNorth and the Arctic Gateway Group. Forty-one northern indigenous communities came together for that. On the port of Churchill expansion, what this government and Premier Wab Kinew have been emphasizing is that it is being driven by indigenous people and that it will not be possible without the indigenous leadership and indigenous people of northern Manitoba. Does the member support the government’s action toward that?
“This bill creates an independent commissioner to hold the government accountable on modern treaties. This will make the government more transparent and help build a stronger Canada. Does the member agree?”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of my colleague. I want to amplify the fact that, by having this independent commissioner, we would really be providing more accountability and more transparency, at a time when Canadians have an expectation. We see that in terms of the government’s drive to build a stronger and healthier economy and in the importance of things such as the modern treaties. These are ways we can demonstrate clearly that, working collaboratively, we can make a difference and build a stronger Canada. When we look at Bill C-10, we see that it would be an important aspect of legislation in ensuring that there is more transparency and accountability through the establishment of a commissioner. Would the member not agree with that?”
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of my colleague. I want to amplify the fact that, by having this independent commissioner, we would really be providing more accountability and more transparency, at a time when Canadians have an expectation. We see that in terms of the government’s drive to build a stronger and healthier economy and in the importance of things such as the modern treaties. These are ways we can demonstrate clearly that, working collaboratively, we can make a difference and build a stronger Canada. When we look at Bill C-10, we see that it would be an important aspect of legislation in ensuring that there is more transparency and accountability through the establishment of a commissioner. Would the member not agree with that?
“I want the Conservatives to vote for this bill. Indigenous people say we need a commissioner to make sure modern treaties are followed.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is becoming more clear that the Conservative Party is positioning itself once again to say no to important legislation. It is not recognizing the importance of the modern treaty and the role that a commissioner can play. Contrary to listening to what indigenous people are saying about the need for a commissioner, the Conservatives are actually saying no. It is not only a no to the government, but also to recognizing that the need is genuine and that, at the end of the day, having modern treaties and an individual responsible for reporting is a good thing. Why will the Conservative Party not support indigenous people and the government—”
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming more clear that the Conservative Party is positioning itself once again to say no to important legislation. It is not recognizing the importance of the modern treaty and the role that a commissioner can play. Contrary to listening to what indigenous people are saying about the need for a commissioner, the Conservatives are actually saying no. It is not only a no to the government, but also to recognizing that the need is genuine and that, at the end of the day, having modern treaties and an individual responsible for reporting is a good thing. Why will the Conservative Party not support indigenous people and the government—
“I support having an independent commissioner for modern treaties. I want the Conservatives to say clearly whether they support having one or not.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am interested in knowing where the Conservative Party lies on this issue. Having a commissioner, as an independent parliamentary officer, would be a very positive step forward. As I have listened to Conservatives speak on the legislation, they have waffled on whether having a commissioner would be a good thing or a bad thing. My question is very specific. Given the nature and importance of the modern treaties, does the Conservative Party support having that independent commissioner?”
Mr. Speaker, I am interested in knowing where the Conservative Party lies on this issue. Having a commissioner, as an independent parliamentary officer, would be a very positive step forward. As I have listened to Conservatives speak on the legislation, they have waffled on whether having a commissioner would be a good thing or a bad thing. My question is very specific. Given the nature and importance of the modern treaties, does the Conservative Party support having that independent commissioner?
“I support this bill. We need laws like this to work with Indigenous people and make Canada stronger.”
“Mr. Speaker, I see the legislation as another way that, through the Prime Minister, the Government of Canada is working collaboratively, recognizing that for us to deliver in a big way for Canadians and build Canada strong, we need legislation of this nature because of the important role that indigenous people in Canada play and must play.”
Mr. Speaker, I see the legislation as another way that, through the Prime Minister, the Government of Canada is working collaboratively, recognizing that for us to deliver in a big way for Canadians and build Canada strong, we need legislation of this nature because of the important role that indigenous people in Canada play and must play.
Government Orders ·
“This bill does what Canadians told us they want. It includes a wealth fund that will let Canadians share in our country's economic growth.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, when we take a look at this particular legislation, or any other piece of legislation or budgetary measures that the government has brought in since the last election, when Canadians elected a new Prime Minister and a new government, we will find that listening to Canadians is the top priority. Every measure we have brought in is a reflection of what our constituents and Canadians have been telling this government, for example the wealth fund, which the Bloc appears to be opposing. Many other countries in the world have a wealth fund. There is no reason not to be optimistic about Canada’s wealth fund, which will enable Canadians to participate in the growth. Many initiatives have taken place, from trade to major projects. I think of the port of Churchill and the port of Montreal, all sorts of opportunities.”
Question or comment in debate
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Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.
See full analysisMr. Speaker, as I have indicated, when we take a look at this particular legislation, or any other piece of legislation or budgetary measures that the government has brought in since the last election, when Canadians elected a new Prime Minister and a new government, we will find that listening to Canadians is the top priority. Every measure we have brought in is a reflection of what our constituents and Canadians have been telling this government, for example the wealth fund, which the Bloc appears to be opposing. Many other countries in the world have a wealth fund. There is no reason not to be optimistic about Canada’s wealth fund, which will enable Canadians to participate in the growth. Many initiatives have taken place, from trade to major projects. I think of the port of Churchill and the port of Montreal, all sorts of opportunities.
In response to a question from Yves Perron
“We have to limit debate time, or the opposition would never let us pass budget and crime bills. Past governments did this too. I want to know what the member thinks about scheduling debate.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciated to a certain degree the member’s comments when he made reference to the issue of the process. However, I would ask him to realize that, over the years, things have changed considerably. We saw time allocation used during Stephen Harper’s government a record number of times. If the opposition were to get its way regarding legislation, we would never, ever be able to pass important crime legislation and budgetary legislation without the use of time allocation. That is the simple reality of today. I am very much interested in the member’s thoughts about programming in general, whether it is private members’ legislation or government legislation.”
Mr. Speaker, I appreciated to a certain degree the member’s comments when he made reference to the issue of the process. However, I would ask him to realize that, over the years, things have changed considerably. We saw time allocation used during Stephen Harper’s government a record number of times. If the opposition were to get its way regarding legislation, we would never, ever be able to pass important crime legislation and budgetary legislation without the use of time allocation. That is the simple reality of today. I am very much interested in the member’s thoughts about programming in general, whether it is private members’ legislation or government legislation.
