Mr. Chairman, I welcome this opportunity to discuss the Main Estimates of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
There are a couple of things I want to do in my time before you this afternoon. I want to discuss the Mains of course, but I also want to expand on some of our recent progress on issues of real importance to Aboriginal people, and emphasize for Committee members how vital it is that we continue pursuing our collaborative, results-based approach.
These Main Estimates reflect this government's determination to make tangible progress on Aboriginal and Northern issues through genuine collaboration and resolute action. We are working to address the fundamental obstacles that stand in the way of greater prosperity for Aboriginal peoples and Northerners. Our approach involves working with willing partners to design and implement fundamental solutions that reflect real results – solutions to particular challenges such as unsafe drinking water and ineffective specific claims resolution processes, for example.
This collaborative approach has already produced several important breakthroughs. Significant progress has been made in overcoming the challenges presented by the provision of safe drinking water to First Nation communities, the improvement of child and family services, and improving the supply of housing, to name only a few.
These and other results demonstrate the advantages of working in good faith with willing partners to formulate distinct plans, establish clear priorities and dedicate adequate resources. The Main Estimates now before this Committee are part of this government's practical approach to planning – they propose the strategic investments needed to support further progress.
Although the total amount in this year's Main Estimates is smaller than that of last year, year-over-year changes must be interpreted in the context of the budget cycle. As the first step in the fiscal cycle, the Main Estimates do not include resources to be acquired through the Supplementary Estimates. In fact, Supplementary Estimates A, tabled in the House yesterday, result in an increase of approximately $483 million in my department's budget for 2008-2009.
This set of Main Estimates do increase the funding allotted to Indian and Inuit programs and services such as education, housing, community infrastructure, and social support. This increase also includes funding for the Family Violence Prevention Program, the new First Nations Infrastructure Fund, and a transfer from Industry Canada for Aboriginal Business Canada.
The North is also part of my mandate, so I want to touch briefly on progress made here as well. As you know, I am also responsible for leading on the advancement of the Government's integrated Northern Strategy. This Strategy supports the government's vision of a new North by focusing on four integrated priorities: sovereignty, economic and social development, governance, and environmental protection. Since 2006, we have moved forward across government in all four areas.
To cite just a few examples, we have announced plans for a world-class Arctic Research Station; we are pursuing devolution in Nunavut and NWT; and we are advancing the Northern Regulatory Improvement Initiative. We are also acting on Budget 2008 commitments that build on these priorities with key measures to protect and secure Canada's sovereignty and create more economic opportunities for Northerners. Many of my Cabinet colleagues are moving forward on Northern initiatives.
But there is more to the story than just numbers and spending.
I firmly believe that money alone-no matter how large the amount-will not enable us to achieve our larger goals. Similarly, no single player acting alone can effect the changes needed. To make meaningful, sustainable improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people requires broad collaboration, careful planning and effective action. All three feature prominently in this government's strategy on Aboriginal issues.
We've formed productive partnerships to make headway on issues that matter to Aboriginal people. We've worked with First Nations leadership across the country on water, on education, on child and family services, on settling claims. To cite a recent example, just a few weeks ago I signed an MOU with the Province of New Brunswick and New Brunswick First Nations, to improve the quality of education for First Nation learners in that province.
Let me talk a little bit more about what we have been able to accomplish with our partners. Building on the considerable progress we have already made since 2006 in improving drinking water systems in First Nations communities, Budget 2008 committed $330 million over two years to the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan I announced last month, the next step in ensuring that First Nations have the clean, safe water they deserve.
We have also committed $300 million to the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which is now open for business. This innovative program will provide First Nations people living on reserve with more housing options so that people can build home equity, while at the same time respecting the tradition of communal ownership of reserve and settlement land.
Initiated in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the program aims to make home ownership a realistic option for First Nation families who live on reserve. Over the next ten years, the Fund is expected to add some 25,000 new housing units to First Nation communities.
This government has also launched a collaborative plan to overhaul the processes used to resolve specific claims. As members of this Committee appreciate, negotiated settlements of specific claims produce a wealth of benefits for all Canadians.
The creation of a Specific Claims Tribunal-proposed in Bill C-30-is the centerpiece of a larger plan to overhaul specific claims processes. The plan, designed in collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations, commits Canada to resolving specific claims in a fair, timely and open manner. I'm convinced that improvements to specific claims processes will benefit all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. I appreciate this Committee's work on Bill C-30. and I am looking forward to its swift passage through the Senate.
I'm also delighted that Bill C-47, legislation to safeguard the matrimonial real property rights of First Nations women and children living on reserve, has begun second reading in the House. I hope this Committee will soon have the opportunity to consider this important piece of legislation.
This government also remains committed to legislation to ensure that First Nations on reserve are finally fully protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Bill C-34 is also before the House. This legislation proposes to enact the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement Act, and I hope that it too will soon be before this Committee for its consideration.
The landmark agreement is the result of a remarkable collaboration between the First Nation, Canada and British Columbia. Negotiations were assisted by input from more than 100 consultation sessions with regional governments, community groups and other interested parties.
Under the terms of the final agreement, Tsawwassen First Nation acquires not only land and a financial component, but also a seat on the Metro Vancouver Regional Board. This arrangement means that the First Nation, municipality and board will work together to create and execute plans that serve the interests of all residents. I trust that members of this Committee will appreciate the significance of this collaboration once they begin their review of Bill C-34.
I would now like to take a moment to provide an update on the implementation of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The Government of Canada has received over 91,000 applications for the Common Experience Payment and has processed more than 81,000, totaling $1.23 billion. At the same time, the important work of the Independent Assessment Process has begun and is well underway.
As you are aware, on April 28th I had the great pleasure of announcing the appointment of Justice Harry S. LaForme as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The work of Justice LaForme, and the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be instrumental in building a renewed relationship with Aboriginal communities.
The next step in the process of healing and reconciliation is an apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. Preparations are progressing for what will be a fine moment for our government, our country, and for Aboriginal people across Canada.
Mr. Chairman, I think even this quick review of progress made shows pretty conclusively that this government is not interested in considering theoretical solutions. We are working with willing partners to make a difference for Aboriginal people – not at some indeterminate point in the future, but right now.
The investments outlined in the Main Estimates will enable Canada to follow through on its commitments to Aboriginal peoples and Northerners. This government will continue to accurately measure the performance of its programs and remain fully accountable to Canadians.
Thank you. I'll do my best now to answer any questions that members of the Committee may have.
