I am pleased to be here with you again this year, representing the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. I know if Minister Strahl was able to be here today he would want to open by saying how proud he is of the progress that has been made so far in collaboration with you, and how much he is looking forward to yet more results in the days and months ahead.
I would also be remiss, if I didn't remark on the 400th anniversary celebrations here in Quebec City. These celebrations allow us to commemorate and acknowledge the unique cultural heritage and contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the building of Canada. They also help us to promote greater understanding and strengthen the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
As many of you will know, Minister Strahl, this government and I have great faith in the value of partnerships. We recognize that the only way to make progress on the issues of concern to First Nations in Canada is to work with willing partners, such as the people in this room.
I am here today to carry on the Minister's message about the importance of collaboration in enabling First Nations people to realize their full potential. We all know this is an approach that gets results, and it is one that we will continue to pursue vigourously as we move forward together.
Let me give you a prime example. Thanks to our collaborative efforts on the development of Bill C-30, an act to establish a Specific Claims Tribunal. This legislation was successfully passed through Parliament. In just 12 months, we have achieved something that has been sought after for over 60 years -- the creation of an independent Tribunal with binding powers to adjudicate specific claims. This tribunal will ensure greater fairness in the process, and more timely resolution of claims. And I don't need to sell anyone here on the value of settling these claims.
Settled claims provide certainty over the ownership of lands and resources, promote a stable economic climate for investors, and provide a range of development opportunities for people and communities. We're seeing these benefits now, and we're going to see more as an increasing number of specific claims are resolved.
We have made equally impressive strides with the recent passage of Bill C-34, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement Act - the first Agreement to be reached under the British Columbia Treaty Process. For the first time in Canada's history, both final land claim and self-government agreements have been settled with an urban First Nation within the boundaries of a major Canadian city. This achievement sets our country on a new path of partnership and prosperity. It is testament to the benefits of negotiation and collaboration.
Another important issue that we have championed and enshrined into law is the protection of human rights.
This is the first time in Canada's history that decisions by the Minister and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development are subject to the full force and effect of the Canadian Human Rights Act. All previous Ministers since 1976 have known that their decisions under the Indian Act could legally ignore the Canadian Human Rights Act. No more.
We know that we, as a government, will be called to account under this Act. The double standard of human rights protection for some but not for First Nations people is gone and it is gone forever. And our government is also proud of that.
I would also like to mention that this government introduced historical legislation on matrimonial real property. For the first time, there will be a clear set of rules that allow men and women to determine what they are entitled to when a marital relationship breaks down.
This legislation is the result of over two years of hard work and consultation. It's purpose is to act as a temporary mechanism until individual First Nations enact your own matrimonial real property laws, but the gap in law had to be filled now so that all citizens in this country can have equal protections when a marriage breaks down.
While we are proud of these accomplishments, this is just the beginning of an ambitious agenda for First Nations. We are determined to ensure that First Nations have access to skills development and training opportunities needed to realize full potential in the labour market. We also want to translate that potential into greater economic development opportunities in your communities.
In the coming year, we will be launching a new federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development that will be partnership-based, opportunity-driven and developed in collaboration with Aboriginal groups and other stakeholders. Together, we can design it to ensure that federal priorities and actions are aligned appropriately with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as the private sector, provinces and territories - all of which have an interest in economic development.
Our Government is placing an equal emphasis on improving living conditions in your communities, particularly ensuring access to safe drinking water. We have reduced the number of high-risk water systems by more than half since 2006, and we are committed to our $330 million water and wastewater action plan to finish the job.
Perhaps the greatest reflection of our renewed relationship was Prime Minister Harper's historic apology to former students of Indian residential schools. The Prime Minister's formal apology, delivered in the House of Commons last month, demonstrates our acknowledgment of, and genuine regret for, the suffering caused by the residential schools system. And the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement underscores our commitment to a fair and lasting resolution to this sad chapter in Canada`s history.
The work of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission, being led by Justice Harry Laforme, is further testimony to our determination to forge a fresh relationship between First Nations citizens and other Canadians. The Commission expects to begin its public activities this fall.
As much as these efforts reflect a new spirit of reconciliation in our country, they are also a tribute to the power of the relationships between our Government and the leaders in this room. The commitment to goodwill and collaboration that have characterized our relationship to date holds the promise of even greater progress in the days ahead.
Thank you.
