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Good morning/afternoon, elders, Chief Louie, Chief Bear, community members, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish People. It is a great honour for me to join you today.
Our Government is committed to working with First Nations on shared priorities which include giving First Nations greater autonomy, and to improve the conditions needed to develop their economic potential. The First Nations Land Management Regime helps First Nations get out from under 34 land-related limitations of the Indian Act in order to take control of their lands and resources.
I had the honour of being appointed to this portfolio in February of this year. Since then, I have met with First Nation community members, elders, and leaders across Canada and I have heard your frustrations that you "want out from under the Indian Act". That is why our Government is taking incremental steps to do jus that.
There has been significant progress made under the First Nations Land Management Regime over the past few years, and I would like to commend First Nation leaders for the initiative they have taken. The leadership they have shown will accelerate economic development opportunities for their communities today, and hold a wealth of potential for generations to come. The First Nations Land Management Regime allows First Nations not just control over their lands and resources. It unlocks and frees their entrepreneurial spirit.
Today I am privileged to announce that 28 more First Nations will be given the opportunity to develop their own land codes and manage their reserve lands and resources free from the barriers of the Indian Act.
Including these 28 new entrants that I am announcing today, this brings us to 95 First Nations that are part of the First Nations Land Management Regime, of which 35 are completely operational and functioning outside the land provisions of the Indian Act.
I am proud that our Government continues to take significant steps forward and has including in Economic Action Plan 2013, a nine million dollar investment over two years for the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Regime. This new investment will provide even more First Nations with the opportunity to enact their own laws for the development, conservation, use and possession of reserve lands.
This First Nation control of First Nation land will set the conditions for new investments and jobs, and opens a path to greater prosperity and self-sufficiency for First Nations.
Our Government remains focused on creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.
We continue to take concrete action to create the conditions for First Nation communities to take advantage of economic opportunities, and the autonomy to develop their own economy. We also understand that First Nations have a direct connection to their land, that is why the First Nations Land Management Regime holds tremendous value for First Nations because it gives back control of land and resources.
While there are many First Nations across the country who have achieved success under the First Nations Land Management Regime, I would like to share with you the success of two communities.
Capitalizing on their premium location, Tzeachten First Nation, in Chilliwack, B.C., has created a respectable real estate empire. The Vedder Crossing Plaza, developed by Tzeachten in 1996, is now home to such major retail chains as Save-on-Foods, Tim Horton's, Royal Bank, Panago Pizza, Booster Juice and other local businesses. And today, improvements to infrastructure currently underway are making Tzeachten an even more desirable location to do business.
Also in British Columbia, the T'Sou-ke First Nation on Vancouver Island has become the largest solar energy producing community in BC. Their participation in the First Nations Land Management Regime opened the door to this opportunity, which has become a thriving business venture.
I look forward to a future where even more First Nation communities have greater control over the management of their lands, leading to increased economic opportunities. The end result will be healthier, more self-sufficient and prosperous First Nation communities.
Thank you.
