Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: 2019-20 Supplementary estimates (B) and main estimates Northern Affairs

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

March 12, 2020

Overview
- Scenario note
- Opening remarks
2019-20 Supplementary estimates (B) investments
2020-21 Main estimates
Hot issues
Biographies
- Committee member biographies

Overview

Scenario note

Logistics

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Location: TBC

Subject: 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) & 2020-21 Main Estimates

Notes: It is recommended that witnesses arrive at the committee meeting room at least 15 minutes before they are scheduled to appear.

Witnesses

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Daniel Watson, Deputy Minister
Diane Lafleur, Associate Deputy Minister
Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs
Annie Boudreau, Chief Finances, Results & Delivery Officer

Context

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) is composed of 12 members: six Liberal, four Conservative, one BQ and one NDP. This composition can present challenges for the Government Members, as the opposition parties can work together to vote down Liberals motions.

The first INAN meeting occurred on February 25, 2020 on Departmental Activities and Priorities. DM Watson received questions on the Nunavut Devolution Final Agreement (MP Bob Zimmer, CPC), economic development (MP Jamie Schmale, CPC), discussion tables (MP Arnold Vierson, CPC), and the market for seal skin (MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, NDP). MP Qaqqaq also asked questions on whether the Government had policies and programs that were more geared towards Inuit and Métis. MP Qaqqaq expressed concerns that a variety of programs only seem to be applied to First Nations people.

In terms of other studies, the Committee began a study on food security on February 27, 2020. MP Viersen asked how the Nutrition North Canada program has kept up with changing technologies since its creation in 2011. MP Zimmer asked about the effectiveness of the Harvesters Support Grant. MP Sylvie Bérubé asked about the factors that contribute to food insecurity in the North. MP Schmale asked if there was anything else that could be done to put more control on local communities to help them solve their own problems faster.

In terms of future studies, the Committee also passed motions to study Treaty Commissioners and Economic Development in Indigenous communities.

Meeting proceedings

It should be noted that Minister Marc Miller and supporting officials are appearing from noon to 1 p.m. at INAN.
For Minister Bennett's and Minister Vandal's appearance, they each have up to 5 minutes to deliver their remarks.
Committee members will pose their questions in the following order:
- First round (6 minutes for each Party)
  - Conservative Party of Canada
  - Liberal Party of Canada
  - Bloc Québécois
  - New Democratic Party of Canada
- Second round (5 minutes for each Party)
  - Conservative Party of Canada
  - Liberal Party of Canada
  - Conservative Party of Canada
  - Liberal Party of Canada
- 2.5 minutes for the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party.

Opening Remarks

Notes for Remarks for The Honourable Dan Vandal Minister of Northern Affairs

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Government's Supplementary Estimates (B) for the 2019-2020 fiscal year as well as Main Estimates for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the Northern Affairs component of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

J'aimerais tout d'abord souligner que nous sommes réunis sur le territoire traditionnel du peuple algonquin.

Après un bref mot d'ouverture, je serai heureux de répondre aux questions du Comité.

Merci.

These estimates reflect our Government's commitment to creating greater economic growth and a higher quality of life in Canada's North and Arctic in a fiscally responsible manner. I am confident that these estimates demonstrate our government's plan to develop long-term opportunities that protect Canada's rich natural environment and build healthier communities while also respecting the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.

Supplementary Estimates (B)

The Supplementary Estimates include an additional investment of 12.5 million dollars in Nutrition North Canada—including 8 million dollars to create a Harvesters Support Grant which is designed to be Indigenous led and will promote local harvesting foods for distribution in more than 100 isolated communities. We are continuing to work in partnership with key stakeholders & partners to ensure that the unique interests, priorities and circumstances of all Northerners, are acknowledged. In fact, we've seen first-hand how direct engagement with indigenous and community partners has resulted in significant improvements to the Nutrition North program in 2018 and 2019.

Nous sommes toujours prêts à écouter les habitants du Nord concernant l'importance de la nourriture traditionnelle et comment mieux faire face au coût croissant de la chasse et de la récolte dans les collectivités isolées.

En plus des bienfaits pour la santé des produits locaux frais, la participation aux activités de chasse et de récolte est un élément essentiel du bien-être des collectivités et de la continuité culturelle.

2020-21 Main Estimates

In all, the Main Estimates include 529.9 million dollars in spending related to the Northern Affairs component of the Department.

An amount of 108.5 million dollars for Nutrition North is included in the Main Estimates to continue this important initiative next fiscal year. This funding will address increased subsidy rates, and a growing list of subsidized items that includes more culturally-relevant and family-friendly items, such as the ingredients in bannock, as well as infant formula and diapers.

Almost one-half of the Main Estimates total—253.5 million dollars—is allocated to the ongoing work of the Northern Contaminated Sites Program. This includes the funding of the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program announced in Budget 2019.

As the Committee is aware, the Government of Canada is responsible for the management of a portfolio of contaminated sites across the North—the result of private sector mining-exploration and resource development activities that were abandoned by their former operators when they became insolvent. These complex projects present serious, ongoing risks to the environment and human health & safety. The Government of Canada has accepted fiscal responsibility for this historical contamination and is legally obligated to manage these sites.

Together, these and other initiatives - including 52.1 million dollars for climate change adaptation, clean energy and other measures to enhance environmental sustainability^{Footnote 1} - are intended to ensure northern lands and waters are healthy for future generations, while helping to secure jobs for Northerners and Indigenous partners.

In closing, I would note 96.6 million dollars for Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships, and 18.4 million dollars for Northern Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks are also included in the main estimates.

These funds will support implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, including co-development and implementation of an Inuit Nunangat policy, as we work toward the full implementation of Inuit land claims agreements.

Je vous remercie du temps que vous m'avez accordé aujourd'hui et c'est avec plaisir que je répondrai maintenant aux questions du Comité.

Merci! Thank you!

2019-20 Supplementary estimates (B) investments

Deck

Supplementary estimates

Supplementary Estimates presents information to Parliament on Government of Canada spending requirements not sufficiently developed in time for inclusion in the Main Estimates. Supplementary Estimates (B) is the last Estimates for 2019-20.
Eligible items are:
- Requirements that are expected to be approved by Treasury Board in or before January 2020;
- Transfers between Votes within the organization and between organizations;
- Increases to existing grants that are to be funded within the Vote; and
- Increases to vote-netted revenues.

2019-20 Supplementary estimates (B)

Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Organization Summary
		These Supplementary Estimates
Budgetary Voted	Authorities to Date	Transfers (dollars)	Adjustments (dollars)	Total*	Proposed Authorities To Date
1b Operating expenditures	3,210,046,883	(54,061)	21,694,940	21,640,879	3,231,687,762
5b Capital expenditures	7,842,095	(600,000)	1,793,936	1,193,936	9,036,031
10b Grants and contributions	2,819,004,549	28,486,674	32,472,841	60,959,515	2,879,964,064
25 Advancing Reconciliation by Settling Specific Claims
30 Enhancing Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support	1,500,000				1,500,000
35 Honouring Missing Residential School Children	7,758,176				7,758,176
40 Indigenous Youth and Reconciliation
45 More Connectivity = More Affordable Electricity	6,000,000				6,000,000
50 Supporting Indigenous Business Development	25,777,783				25,777,783
55 Strong Arctic and Northern Communities	5,000,000				5,000,000
60b Debt Forgiveness			919,028,970	919,028,970	919,028,970
Total Voted	6,082,929,486	27,832,613	974,990,687	1,002,823,300	7,085,752,786
Total Statutory	30,032		4,253	4,253	34,285
Total Budgetary	6,082,959,518	27,832,613	974,994,940	1,002,827,553	7,085,787,071
* Data in the Total column has not been published.

		These Supplementary Estimates
Non-Budgetary Voted	Authorities to Date	Transfers (dollars)	Adjustments (dollars)	Total*	Proposed Authorities To Date
L15 Loans to Indigenous claimants	24,960,346				24,960,346
L20 Loans to First Nations in British Columbia	30,400,000				30,400,000
Total Non-Budgetary	55,360,346				55,360,346
* Data in the Total column has not been published.

The 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) reflects a net increase of $1,002.8 million, which include $919.0 million to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans, $56.0 million in new funding and $27.8 million in net transfers with other government departments.
The total budgetary authorities for 2019-20 will be $7.1 billion.

Explanation of Requirements 2019-20 - By Vote and Key Initiatives

The net increase of $1,002.8 million is comprised of:

$21.6 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures (largely for out-of-court settlements totaling $13.7 million, and for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement totaling $5.2 million);
$1.2 million in Vote 5 Capital expenditures (largely for the Indigenous peoples space totaling $1.8 million, less a reallocation to Vote 1 operating of $0.6 million);
$61.0 million in Vote 10 Grants and Contributions (largely for net transfers totaling $28.5 million, for the implementation of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's report totaling $17.5 million, and for Nutrition North Canada totaling $12.5 million);
$919.0 million in a new Vote 60 entitled Debt Forgiveness to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans; and
$4.3K in Statutory funding for employee benefit plans.

Explanation of Requirements 2019-20 - By Vote and Key Initiatives
Key Initiatives (in dollars)	Vote 1b Operating	Vote 5b Capital	Vote 10b Grants and Contributions	Vote 60b Debt Forgiveness	Voted Total	Statutory - EBP	Total
Voted Appropriations
Funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans				919,028,970	919,028,970		919,028,970
Funding to implement recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's report			17,500,000		17,500,000		17,500,000
Funding for out-of-court settlements	13,734,483				13,734,483		13,734,483
Funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program and to introduce a Harvesters Support Grant			12,500,000		12,500,000		12,500,000
Funding for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement	5,186,461		300,000		5,486,461		5,486,461
Funding for Indigenous Peoples space at 100 Wellington Street	2,773,996	1,793,936	690,888		5,258,820	4,253	5,263,073
Funding for comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements			1,481,953		1,481,953		1,481,953
Total Voted Appropriations	21,694,940	1,793,936	32,472,841	919,028,970	974,990,687	4,253	974,994,940
Net Transfers (see Annex A)	(54,061)	(600,000)	28,486,674		27,832,613		27,832,613
Total	21,640,879	1,193,936	60,959,515	919,028,970	1,002,823,300	4,253	1,002,827,553
Funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program and to introduce a Harvesters Support Grant: This item is for Northern Affairs
Note: A listing of the net transfers can be found in Annex A.

Funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans ($919.0 million)

Objective

To forgive outstanding comprehensive land claim negotiation loan debt held by Indigenous groups.

Outcome

This initiative will signal Canada's commitment to furthering a rights recognition approach in its relationship with Indigenous groups by removing loan funding and debt as the longstanding barrier to concluding comprehensive land claim agreements. Indigenous peoples would benefit from increased settlement amounts through the removal of loans which would result in additional funding for these communities to invest in priorities, such as closing socio-economic gaps or investing in economic development initiatives.

Status

Budget 2018 announced that the Government of Canada would replace loan funding with time- limited non-repayable contribution funding to support Indigenous participation in the negotiation of modern treaties.
Budget 2019 proposed to forgive all outstanding comprehensive claim negotiation loans and to reimburse Indigenous governments that had already repaid these loans. It also proposed ongoing non-repayable contribution funding to continue supporting Indigenous participation in modern treaty negotiations.
The 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) includes $919.0 million to forgive the total amount of outstanding negotiation loan debt held by Indigenous groups.
Through future Estimates, the department will be accessing additional funding of $490.9 million from 2020-21 to 2024-25 to reimburse the negotiation loan debt repaid by signatories to comprehensive land claims, and $43.4 million annually to continue the non-repayable Negotiation Support Funding that supports Indigenous participation in comprehensive land claim negotiations.

Funding to implement recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's report ($17.5 million)

Objective

Funding to support the design, initiation and long-term viability of programming by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) to implement the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's Final Report recommendations across four theme areas: acknowledging and healing past wrongs; strengthening Inuit governance; strengthening Inuit culture; and creating healthy communities.

Outcome

CIRNAC will provide funding to QIA for the development and initial delivery of four programs specifically designed to support individual and collective closure, healing and reconciliation. This approach responds directly to the wishes of the Qikiqtani Inuit.
Ongoing programming will be supported through a federal investment in QIA's Saimaqatigiingniq Fund, which will enable ongoing, sustained delivery of programming by QIA to address the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's recommendations.

Status

On August 14, 2019, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations delivered an apology to Qikiqtani Inuit regarding the findings of the Commission's Final Report and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with QIA to signal a continued partnership towards implementation of the recommendations in the Final Report.
Following the delivery of the apology and Memorandum of Understanding signing, QIA announced the funding identified as part of the federal response to the Commission's Final Report, specifically: $5.0 million over two years, starting in 2019-20 to develop new and additional programming that promote closure and healing for community members, and an investment of $15.0 million in 2019-20 to establish the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund.
The intention of the Saimaqatigiiniq Fund is to support healing and reconciliation efforts with Qikiqtani Inuit, to build awareness of their lived experience, and to educate Canadians about the legacy of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

Funding for out-of-court settlements ($13.7 million)

Objective

Funding for various out-of-court settlements.

Outcome

Advance Canada's overall commitment to reconciliation by paving the way for a more respectful and constructive relationship with Indigenous people.
Consistent with the "Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples", pursue an approach to litigation that promotes resolution and settlement, and seeks opportunities to avoid litigation.
Support the settlement of several litigations, which underscores how the resolution of past grievances outside the courts is instrumental to advance the Crown- Indigenous relationship and allows the Department to fulfill its commitments at the negotiation tables.
In executing out of court settlements, CIRNAC takes into account the court process as well as the potential impacts of their decisions on Indigenous litigation more broadly.

Status

Settlement Agreements have been signed by relevant authorities and will need to be executed by end of fiscal year.
CIRNAC continues to report out of court settlement payments on the Public Accounts of Canada, however, a few of them cannot be disclosed because of confidentiality clauses.

Funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program and to introduce a Harvesters Support Grant ($12.5 million)

Objective

Funding supports expansion of the Nutrition North Canada Subsidy Program by introducing a surface transportation subsidy for non-perishable items transported by winter road and sea lift, as well as introducing an increased subsidy for 24 isolated (fly-in) communities that have high needs.
Funding also supports the creation of a Harvesters Support Grant (HSG) to support the local harvesting of country foods through traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering of local wild plants and fruits for distribution in 108 isolated (fly-in) communities.

Outcome

Making healthy, nutritious food more accessible and more affordable to all isolated communities, who do not have year-round road or rail access.
The HSG will assist traditional harvesters to collect nutrient-rich country foods that form a large part of the diet within these communities.

Status

The Fall Economic Statement 2018 provided additional funding of $62.6 million over five years starting in 2019-20, with $10.4 million ongoing. The 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) is accessing the first year of this funding of $12.5 million, and the remaining funding will be accessed via future Estimates.
Specifically, the funding in 2019-20 will be used towards:
- $2.5 million to address the implementation of a surface transportation subsidy for non- perishable goods;
- $2.0 million to increase subsidies for 24 communities with high needs; and,
- $8.0 million for the Harvesters Support Grant, which is being delivered through Indigenous organizations mandated to deliver other complimentary federal programs in eligible communities, such as health programming or skills and employment programming.

Funding for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement ($5.5 million)

Objective

Funding to continue to fulfill Canada's obligations under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

Outcome

CIRNAC has an overall responsibility to ensure Canada's legal obligations under the Settlement Agreement are met, the completion of which contributes to achieving a fair, comprehensive, and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian residential schools.

Status

The reprofiled funding requested through the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) will be used to undertake operational activities under the Settlement Agreement until its completion, which is anticipated by March 31, 2021.

Funding for Indigenous Peoples space at 100 Wellington Street ($5.3 million)

Objective

Funding to support the exhibit fit-up and operations and maintenance for the short-term use of the Indigenous Peoples' Space at 100 Wellington Street in Ottawa.

Outcome

Establish an Indigenous-presence at 100 Wellington Street and set the stage for the longer-term design and use through broad engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians and the creation of an Indigenous-led governance structure to manage and govern the Indigenous Peoples' Space.

Status

The additional funding requested through the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) is to transform a space to accommodate the specific requirements of a tenant.

Funding for comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements ($1.5 million)

Objective

Funding to meet fiscal financing agreement adjustor obligations with modern treaty holders.

Outcome

Canada's statutory obligations for self-government and land claim agreements are funded as outlined in the individual Self-Government and Comprehensive Land Claim Agreements.

Status

Agreements are annually adjusted through the application of Canada's Final Domestic Demand Implicit Price Index (FDDIPI), as published by Statistics Canada and in certain instances for population rate adjustments.
The additional funding requested through the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (B) will allow CIRNAC to address the gap between existing departmental funding levels and annual agreement obligations, resulting from the application of annual escalators.

Annex A: Explanation of Requirements 2019-20 – Transfers

Explanation of Requirements 2019-20 – Transfers
Transfers (in dollars)	Vote 1b Operating	Vote 5b Capital	Vote 10b Grants and Contributions	Voted Total	Total
Transfers from Other Organizations
From the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for self-government agreements in British Columbia			15,696,185	15,696,185	15,696,185
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support Indigenous representative organizations			5,158,996	5,158,996	5,158,996
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for health programs for modern treaty groups and self-governing First Nations			3,599,298	3,599,298	3,599,298
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support the First Nations Financial Management Board			2,991,859	2,991,859	2,991,859
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Métis National Council and each of its governing members to develop capacity in the area of Métis health			400,000	400,000	400,000
From the Department of National Defence to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation			250,000	250,000	250,000
From the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Conservation Officer Program for fisheries in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area			230,000	230,000	230,000
From the Department of National Defence to the Department of Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to review an access agreement to the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range			100,000	100,000	100,000
From the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for self-governing Yukon First Nations			60,000	60,000	60,000
From the Department of Public Works and Government Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Timiskaming Dam-Bridge of Quebec Replacement Project			20,000	20,000	20,000
Internal Transfers
Internal reallocation of resources from capital to operating for obligations under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement	600,000	600,000
Internal reallocation of resources from contributions ($9,903) to the grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research for arsenic trioxide
Internal reallocation of resources from operating expenditures to grants to settle specific and special claims	(8,436)		8,436
Transfers to Other Organizations
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans due to the deferral of the Yale First Nation Final Agreement			(28,100)	(28,100)	(28,100)
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Canadian Heritage to promote community participation in National Aboriginal Day activities	(310,000)			(310,000)	(310,000)
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Indigenous Services to manage Indigenous litigation	(335,625)			(335,625)	(335,625)
Total Transfers	(54,061)	(600,000)	28,486,674	27,832,613	27,832,613

Extract

Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Organization Summary
Budgetary Voted	Authorities to Date	Transfers (dollars)	Adjustments (dollars)	Proposed Authorities To Date
		These Supplementary Estimates
1b Operating expenditures	3,210,046,883	(54,061)	21,694,940	3,231,687,762
5b Capital expenditures	7,842,095	(600,000)	1,793,936	9,036,031
10b Grants and contributions	2,819,004,549	28,486,674	32,472,841	2,879,964,064
30 Enhancing Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support	1,500,000			1,500,000
35 Honouring Missing Residential School Children	7,758,176			7,758,176
45 More Connectivity = More Affordable Electricity	6,000,000			6,000,000
50 Supporting Indigenous Business Development	25,777,783			25,777,783
55 Strong Arctic and Northern Communities	5,000,000			5,000,000
60b Debt Forgiveness			919,028,970	919,028,970
Total Voted	6,082,929,486	27,832,613	974,990,687	7,085,752,786
Total Statutory	30,032		4,253	34,285
Total Budgetary	6,082,959,518	27,832,613	974,994,940	7,085,787,071

Non-Budgetary Voted	Authorities to Date	Transfers (dollars)	Proposed Authorities To Date
		These Supplementary Estimates
L15 Loans to Indigenous claimants	24,960,346		24,960,346
L20 Loans to First Nations in British Columbia	30,400,000		30,400,000
Total Non-Budgetary	55,360,346		55,360,346
Note: Additional details by organization are available on the Treasury Board Secretariat website.

Explanation of Requirements (dollars)
Budgetary Voted Appropriations	Vote No.	Amount ($)
Funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans	Vote 60b	919,028,970
Funding to implement recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission's report	Vote 10b	17,500,000
Funding for out-of-court settlements	Vote 1b	13,734,483
Funding for the Nutrition North Canada Program and to introduce a Harvesters Support Grant	Vote 10b	12,500,000
Funding for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement	Vote 1b	5,186,461
	Vote 10b	300,000
Total		5,486,461
Funding for Indigenous Peoples space at 100 Wellington Street	Vote 1b	2,773,996
	Vote 5b	1,793,936
	Vote 10b	690,888
Total		5,258,820
Funding for comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements	Vote 10b	1,481,953
Total Voted Appropriations		974,990,687
Total Statutory Appropriations		4,253

Transfers	Vote No.	Amount ($)
Transfers from Other Organizations
From the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for self-government agreements in British Columbia	Vote 10b	15,696,185
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support Indigenous representative organizations	Vote 10b	5,158,996
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for health programs for modern treaty groups and self-governing First Nations	Vote 10b	3,599,298
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support the First Nations Financial Management Board	Vote 10b	2,991,859
From the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Métis National Council and each of its Governing Members to develop capacity in the area of Métis health	Vote 10b	400,000
From the Department of National Defence to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation	Vote 10b	250,000
From the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Conservation Officer Program for fisheries in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area	Vote 10b	230,000
From the Department of National Defence to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to review an access agreement to the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range	Vote 10b	100,000
From the Department of Employment and Social Development to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for self-governing Yukon First Nations	Vote 10b	60,000
From the Department of Public Works and Government Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Timiskaming Dam-Bridge of Quebec Replacement Project	Vote 10b	20,000
Internal Transfers
From the Department of Public Works and Government Services to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for the Timiskaming Dam-Bridge of Quebec Replacement Project	Vote 1b	600,000
	Vote 5b	(600,000)
Total
Internal reallocation of resources from contributions ($9,903) to the grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research for arsenic trioxide	Vote 10b
Internal reallocation of resources from operating expenditures to grants to settle specific and special claims	Vote 1b	(8,436)
	Vote 10b	8,436
Total
Transfers to Other Organizations
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans due to the deferral of the Yale First Nation Final Agreement	Vote 10b	(28,100)
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Canadian Heritage to promote community participation in National Aboriginal Day activities	Vote 1b	(310,000)
From the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to the Department of Indigenous Services to manage Indigenous litigation	Vote 1b	(335,625)
Total Transfers		27,832,613

Total Budgetary		1,002,827,553

Listing of Transfer Payments: Grants
Grants	Estimates to Date	These Supplementary Estimates (dollars)	Revised Estimates
Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address Section 35 Rights	145,212,323	19,557,383	164,769,706
Grant to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to establish the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund		15,000,000	15,000,000
Grants to land claim organizations, self-government agreement holders and First Nations organizations to support harvesting of country foods		8,000,000	8,000,000
Grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research for arsenic trioxide		9,903	9,903
Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims	8,736,057	8,436	8,744,493

Listing of Transfer Payments: Contributions
Contributions	Estimates to Date	These Supplementary Estimates (dollars)	Revised Estimates
Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development		4,623,787	4,623,787
Contributions to support access to healthy foods in isolated northern communities		4,500,000	4,500,000
Contributions to support the basic organizational capacity of Indigenous representative organizations		3,600,000	3,600,000
Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems		2,991,859	2,991,859
Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of Treaties, Claims and self-government agreements or initiatives	5,350,317	1,731,953	7,082,270
Federal Interlocutorʼs Contribution Program		646,097	646,097
Contributions for Groups of Indian Residential School survivors who wish to resolve their claim as a group under the Independent Assessment Process		300,000	300,000

Listing of Transfer Payments: Budgetary
Budgetary	Estimates to Date	These Supplementary Estimates (dollars)	Revised Estimates
Contributions to employee benefit plans	30,032	4,253	34,285

Annex – Items for inclusion in the Proposed Schedules to the Appropriation Bill: Supplementary Estimates (B), 2019–20
Vote No.	Items	Amount ($)	Total ($)
Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
1b	Operating expenditures Expenditures on works, buildings and equipment Authority to make expenditures – recoverable or otherwise – on work performed on property that is not federal property and on services provided in respect of that property Authority to provide, in respect of Indian and Inuit economic development activities, for the capacity development for Indians and Inuit and the furnishing of materials and equipment Authority to sell electric power to private consumers in remote locations when alternative local sources of supply are not available, in accordance with terms and conditions approved by the Governor in Council Authority, as referred to in paragraph 29.1(2)(a) of the Financial Administration Act, to expend in the fiscal year – in order to offset related expenditures that it incurs in that fiscal year – revenues that it receives in that fiscal year from the provision of internal support services under section 29.2 of that Act The payment to each member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada who is a minister without portfolio, or a minister of State who does not preside over a ministry of State, of a salary – paid annually or pro rata for any period less than a year – that does not exceed the salary paid under the Salaries Act, rounded down to the nearest hundred dollars under section 67 of the Parliament of Canada Act, to ministers of State who preside over ministries of State	21,694,940
5b	Capital expenditures Expenditures on buildings, works, land and equipment the operation, control and ownership of which may be transferred to provincial governments on terms and conditions approved by the Governor in Council; or may be transferred to Indian bands, groups of Indians or individual Indians at the discretion of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Expenditures on buildings, works, land and equipment that are on other than federal property Authority to make recoverable expenditures on roads and related works in amounts not exceeding the shares of provincial governments of expenditures	1,793,936
10b	The grants listed in any of the Estimates for the fiscal year Contributions	32,472,841
60b	The forgiveness, as referred to in section 24.1 of the Financial Administration Act, of 98 debts due to Her Majesty in Right of Canada amounting to $919,028,970 related to comprehensive land claims	919,028,970
Total			974,990,687

Nutrition North Canada Program and to Introduce a Harvesters Support Grant

Vote 10: $8 million

Key message:

The Government of Canada has heard from Northerners about the importance of traditional food and the rising cost of hunting and harvesting in isolated communities.
In addition to the health benefits of enjoying nutritious, fresh, local food, participation in hunting and harvesting is key to community well-being and cultural continuity.
In response, a new Harvesters Support Grant has been co-developed to offset the high cost of harvesting and support community food sharing initiatives.
This new funding is expected to increase the number of harvesters and food-sharing initiatives; increasing the supply of nutritious, traditional foods available to Northerners.
The Harvesters Support Grant will provide $8 million to Land Claim Organizations, Self-Government entities and Indigenous organizations to support hunting and harvesting in 108 isolated communities.
By funding Indigenous communities' actions to strengthen their own food systems, the Government of Canada is taking an important step towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
The Government of Canada is working to implement the Harvesters Support Grant for March 2020, so that communities can benefit from the funding as soon as possible.

Background

This spring, the Government of Canada will implement the Harvesters Support Grant which will build on Nutrition North Canada’s commitment to developing additional made-in-the-North solutions.
The Harvesters Support Grant is based on a partnership approach between Indigenous recipient organizations and the Department. In Nunavut, Harvesters Support Grant funding will be delivered by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. It has been designed to be Indigenous led, with a recognition that harvesting needs and practices should be driven by communities themselves.
The goal of the Harvesters Support Grant is to support local community food sharing in isolated communities by reducing the cost of harvesting. The Grant recognizes the unique harvesting practices that differ between communities, and harvesting as an inherent right. The Harvesters Support Grant is delivered as a Grant, not a contribution to minimize administrative burden and provide more flexibility to communities. The Harvesters Support Grant divides $8 million per year among 108 eligible communities across Canada (based on location, population, price of fuel, harvesting type, etc.).
The Grant is being delivered in two streams: a stream for eligible communities within a settled land claim area and a stream for eligible communities outside of a land claim area/self-government agreement area. Only communities outside of a land claim or self-government area are required to submit a proposal and meet financial requirements prior to receiving Grant funds.
The Grant has been designed to work in parallel with existing programs delivered to communities (for example, Skills and Employment Training ISETS program delivered by ESDC). The Grant requires minimal reporting requirements – no submission of receipts is required. The Government of Canada will be transparent about funds administered. All Grant amounts will be released on the Nutrition North Canada website.
It is important to understand that communities will be driving this program, not the Government of Canada. Community leaders will determine how success resulting from this grant will be measured. Some examples could include a tracking list on how many community members utilize a community freezer, taking photos/videos at community hunts and harvests, land cultural benefits resulting from bringing community members together.
The success of the Grant will rely on close relationships among the harvesting experts in the communities, the regional community experts and the federal process experts. The approach to the administration of the Grant requires that the Program, organizations and communities work closely to develop the story of harvesting that will be required to report on program success and to ensure program expansion.

2020-21 Main estimates

Deck

The Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Act established the new department effective July 15, 2019. Note that 2020-21 will be the first Main Estimates for the new department. No information will be published in relation to the 2019-20 Main Estimates for comparison.
The information displayed in the 'Estimates to Date' column is the funding CIRNAC received in Supplementary Estimates (A) and (B), both of which occurred after the creation of the department on July 15, 2019.
For information, a comparison to the 2019-20 Main Estimates of the former Department Indian Affairs and Northern Development is provided in Annex A.

Organizational Estimates: Budgetary
Budgetary Voted	2019-20 Estimates to Date (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates
1 - Operating expenditures	109,146,777	1,528,290,836
5 - Capital expenditures	2,032,646	268,287
10 - Grants and contributions	246,748,908	3,309,017,994
60 - Debt Forgiveness	919,028,970
Total voted	1,276,957,301	4,837,577,117
Total Statutory	34,285	47,846,390
Total Budgetary	1,276,991,586	4,885,423,507

Organizational Estimates: Non-Budgetary
Non-Budgetary Voted	2018-19 Expenditures	2019-20 Main Estimates (dollars)	2019-20 Estimates to Date (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates
L15 - Loans to Indigenous claimants				25,903,000
Total voted				25,903,000
Total Non-Budgetary				25,903,000

2020-21 Main Estimates - $4,911.3 million

CIRNAC resources are comprised of 31% in Operating expenditures, 68% in Transfer Payments and 1% in Loans.
Of the 31% in Operating expenditures:
- 25% represents direct programming resources to remediate Northern Contaminated Sites as well as settle various claims, including the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, Federal Indian Day School and Sixties Scoop;
- 4% of the budget will be used for program management and delivery including litigation management / support and delivery funding related to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, negotiation costs, and program supports; and
- 2% for administrative overhead.

2020-21 Main Estimates - $4,911.3 million

These tables show the breakdown of expenditures by Departmental Results Framework: Crown-Indigenous Relations, Northern Affairs and Internal services, as well as the breakdown by program inventory

Crown-Indigenous Relations	millions of dollars
Total	4,231.4
Negotiations of Claims and Self-Government Agreements (TAG)	289.5
Specific Claims (TAG) *	1,457.0
Management and Implementation of Agreements and Treaties (Implementation Sector)	1,120.3
Consultation and Accommodation (Implementation Sector)	6.1
Consultation and Policy Development (PSD)	83.8
Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program (PSD)	93.2
Basic Organizational Capacity (PSD)	25.3
Other Claims (PSD)	1,070.0
First Nation Jurisdiction over Land and Fiscal Management (RIA)	26.7
Residential Schools Resolution (RIA)	59.5
* Loans are included in this program Inventory

Northern Affairs	millions of dollars
Total	529.9
Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnerships (NAO)	96.6
Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy (NAO)	36.8
Northern Strategic and Science Policy (NAO)	0.8
Northern Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks (NAO)	18.4
Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability (NAO)	15.3
Northern Contaminated Sites (NAO)	253.5
Nutrition North (NAO)	108.5
Canadian High Arctic Research Station (NAO)	0.0

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs	millions of dollars
Internal Services	150.0

Expenditure Trend - Crown-Indigenous Relations

The variation observed between the 2019-20 forecasted spending and 2020-21 is mainly due to:
- Anticipated spending related to the implementation of the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims;
- One-time funding in 2019-20 to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans;
- Anticipated settlements of specific claims;
- Anticipated spending related to the Sixties Scoop settlements, which are expected to be completed in 2019-20.

2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21
1,464.4	1,600.1	1,699.6	2,861.6	3,177.2	7,096.2	4,231.4

Expenditure Trend - Northern Affairs

The variation in the expenditures trend mainly reflects:
- Changes in approved funding levels for the Northern Contaminated Sites including the new Northern Abandoned Mined Reclamation Program; and
- Increased funding levels for the Nutrition North Program.

2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21
399.7	392.5	381.4	431.6	498.8	521.8	529.9

Annex A – Comparison to the 2019-20 Main Estimates of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

In comparison to the former Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Developments' 2019- 20 Main Estimates of $7,034.2 million. This decrease in funding is primarily attributable to:

a decrease in funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement;
a decrease in funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement;
net decrease in funding related to the transfer to the Department of Indigenous Services primarily for Individual Affairs and Lands and Economic Development programs as well as internal services as per Order in Council P.C. 2019-1109; and
net increase in funding for negotiation, settlement and implementation of comprehensive claims and self-government agreements.

Organizational Estimates: Budgetary
Budgetary Voted	2019-20 Main Estimates (DIAND) (dollars)	2019-20 Estimates to Date (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates	Main Estimates 2020-21 vs. 2019-20
1 - Operating expenditures	3,316,984,242	109,146,777	1,528,290,836	(1,788,693,406)
5 - Capital expenditures	5,491,717	2,032,646	268,287	(5,223,430)
10 - Grants and contributions	2,625,384,706	246,748,908	3,309,017,994	683,633,288
25 - Advancing Reconciliation by Settling Specific Claims	883,000,000			(883,000,000)
30 - Enhancing Indigenous Consultation and Capacity Support	1,500,000			(1,500,000)
35 - Honouring Missing Residential School Children	7,758,176			(7,758,176)
40 - Indigenous Youth and Reconciliation	4,874,600			(4,874,600)
45 - More Connectivity = More Affordable Electricity	6,000,000			(6,000,000)
50 - Supporting Indigenous Business Development	25,777,783			(25,777,783)
55 - Strong Arctic and Northern Communities	5,000,000			(5,000,000)
60 - Debt Forgiveness		919,028,970
Total voted	6,881,771,224	1,276,957,301	4,837,577,117	(2,044,194,107)
Total Statutory	96,104,385	34,285	47,846,390	(48,257,995)
Total Budgetary	6,977,875,609	1,276,991,586	4,885,423,507	(2,092,452,102)
Note: 2019-20 Main Estimates and Main Estimates 2020-21 vs. 2019-20 were not published

Organizational Estimates: Non-Budgetary
Non-Budgetary Voted	2019-20 Main Estimates (DIAND) (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates	Main Estimates 2020-21 vs. 2019-20
L15 - Loans to Indigenous claimants	25,903,000	25,903,000
L20 - Loans to First Nations in British Columbia	30,400,000		(30,400,000)
Total voted	56,303,000	25,903,000
Total Non-Budgetary	56,303,000	25,903,000	(30,400,000)
Note: 2019-20 Main Estimates and Main Estimates 2020-21 vs. 2019-20 were not published

Extract

Raison d'être

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) continues to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis; modernize Government of Canada structures to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and support their vision of self-determination; and lead the Government of Canada s work in the North.

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Northern Affairs are responsible for this organization.

Additional information can be found in the Organization's Departmental Plan.

Organizational Estimates: Budgetary
Budgetary Voted	2019-20 Estimates to Date (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates
1 - Operating expenditures	109,146,777	1,528,290,836
5 - Capital expenditures	2,032,646	268,287
10 - Grants and contributions	246,748,908	3,309,017,994
Items voted in prior Estimates	919,028,970
Total voted	1,276,957,301	4,837,577,117
Total Statutory	34,285	47,846,390
Total Budgetary	1,276,991,586	4,885,423,507

Organizational Estimates: Non-Budgetary
Non-Budgetary Voted	2018-19 Expenditures	2019-20 Main Estimates (dollars)	2019-20 Estimates to Date (dollars)	2020-21 Main Estimates
L15 - Loans to Indigenous claimants				25,903,000
Total voted				25,903,000
Total Non-Budgetary				25,903,000

2020–21 Main Estimates by Purpose: Budgetary
Budgetary	Operating	Capital	Transfer Payments (dollars)	Revenues and other reductions	Total
Crown-Indigenous Relations	1,228,571,194		2,976,909,731		4,205,480,925
Northern Affairs	178,167,057		351,796,030		529,963,087
Internal Services	182,777,909	268,287		(33,066,701)	149,979,495
Total	1,589,516,160	268,287	3,328,705,761	(33,066,701)	4,885,423,507

2020–21 Main Estimates by Purpose: Non-Budgetary
Non-Budgetary	Total
Crown-Indigenous Relations	25,903,000
Total	25,903,000

Listing of the 2020–21 Transfer Payments: Grants
Grants	2018–19 Expenditures (dollars)	2019–20 Main Estimates (dollars)	2020–21 Main Estimates (dollars)
Grants to First Nations to settle specific claims negotiated by Canada and/or awarded by the Specific Claims Tribunal, and to Indigenous groups to settle special claims			1,394,351,059
Grants to implement comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements and other agreements to address Section 35 Rights			779,131,975
Grants to reimburse treaty negotiation loans to Indigenous groups who have settled a comprehensive land claim			98,173,878
Grants to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut for health care of Indians and Inuit			58,848,000
Grants for the Political Evolution of the Territories, particularly as it pertains to Devolution			21,200,036
Grants to land claim organizations, self-government agreement holders and First Nations organizations to support harvesting of country foods			8,000,000
Grant to support the Giant Mine Oversight Board and research for arsenic trioxide			985,784
Grants to participating First Nations and the First Nation Education Authority pursuant to the First Nations Jurisdiction over Education in British Columbia Act			600,000
Grant to the First Nations Finance Authority pursuant to the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act			500,000
Total Statutory			19,687,767

Listing of the 2020–21 Transfer Payments: Contributions
Contributions	2018–19 Expenditures (dollars)	2019–20 Main Estimates (dollars)	2020–21 Main Estimates (dollars)
Contributions to support the negotiation and implementation of Treaties, Claims and self-government agreements or initiatives			430,679,961
Contributions for promoting the safe use, development, conservation and protection of the North's natural resources, and promoting scientific development for Indigenous Peoples and the North			147,192,914
Contributions to support access to healthy foods in isolated northern communities			97,158,558
Contributions to support the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure			54,419,000
Contributions to support Métis housing			51,250,000
Contributions for the purpose of consultation and policy development			39,517,703
Federal Interlocutor's Contribution Program			39,149,830
Contributions to supply public services in Indian Government Support and to build strong governance, administrative and accountability systems			32,082,842
Contributions to support the basic organizational capacity of Indigenous representative organizations			24,777,716
Contributions to support the Indigenous Nation Rebuilding Initiative			20,000,000
Contributions to promote social and political development in the North and for Northerners			6,401,053
Transfer payments to the Government of Yukon for the care and maintenance, remediation and management of the closure of contaminated sites in Yukon			4,527,685
Transfer payments to the Government of Yukon for the remediation of the Marwell Tar Pit Site to support the Contaminated Sites Program			70,000

Listing of Statutory Authorities
Budgetary	2019–20 Main Estimates (dollars)	2020–21 Main Estimates (dollars)
Contributions to employee benefit plans	34,285	26,099,305
Grants to Aboriginal organizations designated to receive claim settlement payments pursuant to Comprehensive Land Claim Settlement Acts		19,687,767
Payments to comprehensive claim beneficiaries in compensation for resource royalties (Comprehensive Land Claim Settlement Acts)		1,865,718
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations – Salary and motor car allowance (Salaries Act and Parliament of Canada Act)		89,300
Minister of Northern Affairs – Salary and motor car allowance (Salaries Act and Parliament of Canada Act)		89,300
Grassy Narrows and Islington Bands Mercury Disability Board (Grassy Narrows and Islington Indian Bands Mercury Pollution Claims Settlement Act)		15,000

Northern and Arctic Governance and Partnership

Vote: 57.97 million dollars

Key message:

Post-Secondary Education in the North

Budget 2019 announced investments supporting Post-Secondary Education in the North: the establishment of a task force on post-secondary education in the North; Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning to support Indigenous knowledge and education; and support the construction of a new campus science building at the Yukon College ($39.9 million over five years).
These investments support the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and contribute towards achieving the objective of closing the gaps in education outcomes.
The Task-Force on Post-Secondary Education in the North has been identified as a priority in the Minister of Northern Affairs' mandate letter.
Our Government has worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to co develop priorities for the North.
We will work together to implement a shared vision for a strong, prosperous and sustainable Arctic.
Our Government is committed to continue working with our partners.

Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project

Budget 2019 announced investment supporting the Taltson Hydroelectricity Expansion Project ($18 million over three years).
This investment supports devolution in the Northwest Territories and is essential to ongoing growth and prosperity of the Northwest Territories and its citizens.
Our government is committed to continue working collaboratively with the Government of Northwest Territories.

If Pressed- Provincial and Territorial Jurisdiction:

As the first policy framework of this scope to be co-developed with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework demonstrates Canada's commitment to working collaboratively.
One of the key principles of the Framework is that the rights and jurisdictions of Canada's federal, territorial, provincial Indigenous and municipal governments will be respected.
All Budget 2019 announcements related to the Framework reflect this principle.
The Government of Quebec's Plan Nord informed the development of the Framework.

Background

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework) was launched on September 10th, 2019, following over two years of engagement and collaboration with Northerners and Canadians more broadly. The co-development of the Framework was also supported by roundtable engagements held with Arctic and Northern residents, youth and key experts and stakeholders, including industry, academics and non-governmental organizations.

The Framework is articulated around eight goals and specific to post-secondary education in the North is to nurture healthy families and communities. Within this goal, there is a very clear co-developed objective to close the gaps in education outcomes.

Budget 2019 announced investments for the implementation of a suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives in support of the shared priorities, goals and objectives of the Framework. The outcome of the investments within the suite of post-secondary education in the North initiatives will close the gaps in education outcomes; and provide ongoing learning and skills development opportunities, including Indigenous-based knowledge and skills.

The task force on post-secondary education in the North will build on the reports and findings already completed by Northern and Arctic stakeholders.

Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning is a unique and innovative land-based program offering accredited university courses in a number of fields. The Government of Canada's investment will support the development, extension and maintenance of its suite of accredited post-secondary courses and support the transition to a full term program.

Government of Canada's investment to construct a new campus science building will help Yukon College undertake its transformation into Canada's first university north of 60°. The new science building will facilitate teaching, applied research and technology development by providing collaborative space for academia, researchers and industry.

The federal government has historically been a key partner in the development of the Northwest Territories through investments in critical infrastructure. The Taltson Project represents a new opportunity for the Government of Canada to support nation building in the North. This project also represents a key element in the GNWT's vision for a cleaner, less carbon-intensive economy. The Northwest Territories is home to 33 communities spread over a land area of approximately 1,144,111 km². The Northwest Territories is a cold region, and is dark for much of the year. As a result, Northerners require more energy than their southern neighbours to heat and light homes and businesses, to transport people and goods over great distances, and to power industries.

The Northwest Territories remains very dependent on imported fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline. While many residents have access to hydro-electric power they often experience power shortages due to increases in both demand and frequency of drought conditions that impact hydro availability. Diesel is the main source of energy in these times. The mining sector is the key economic driver, and is reliant on diesel fuels to produce heat and to mobilize their operations. The expansion of the Taltson Hydro system would allow territorial mining operations to dramatically reduce their emissions, eliminate fuel price risk, reduce fuel haul traffic on winter roads and reduce overall operating costs. Throughout the Northwest Territories, reduction of the reliance on diesel fuel will have the benefit of reducing the cost of power and helping to make it more economically competitive while reducing the high cost of living for residents.

Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy

Vote: $32.6 million

Key message:

Canada is proud to support community and regional clean energy projects in the North that reduce reliance on diesel for electricity and heating.
The funding of $32.6 million through Main Estimates 2020-21 is to support community and regional clean energy projects in the North that reduce reliance on diesel for electricity and heating. This funding will also be used:
- For adaptation projects in northern and Indigenous communities, such as risk and vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, and community-based climate monitoring initiatives;
- To support meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples on climate policy through the National Indigenous Organizations and regional organizations;
- And to monitor changes in climate, to plan and implement adaptation measures, to advance clean energy projects, and to engage on climate policy.
We will continue to ensure that our partners are empowered to participate in policy and programming decisions that impact them.
Building on the success of current programs, we will continue to support northern and Indigenous climate leaders to ensure a sustainable future for communities.

If pressed on support for clean energy projects:

Canada will provide $3.75M in funding through the Northern REACHE program to Indigenous and northern communities to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, as well as to support capacity building. The program supports northern communities, government and organizations to reduce diesel fuel use for community heating and electricity.

If pressed on support for climate change adaptation:

Canada will provide $8.8M in funding through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program to support territorial governments and northern communities to plan for and implement adaptation measures to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Canada will provide $9M in funding through the First Nation Adapt program to First Nation communities south of the 60th parallel to assess and plan for the impacts of climate change, including flooding.
Canada will provide $6M in funding through the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program to Indigenous communities, including Inuit, Métis and First Nations. The program supports Indigenous Peoples to monitor climate impacts in their communities and on their traditional lands.

If pressed on support for Indigenous engagement:

Canada will provide $5M in funding through the Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy program for the participation of the National Indigenous Organizations at bilateral distinctions-based senior level tables with the Crown as well as additional funding for regional level engagement on climate change.

Background:

Climate change impacts in Indigenous and northern communities

Northern and Indigenous communities are already experiencing the significant and complex impacts of climate change on every aspect of their lives, and are the most in need of adaptation support. Unprecedented changes in temperature, precipitation, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, freshwater availability, ecosystem dynamics, oceans, and sea level exacerbate existing challenges and health stressors across communities.

CIRNAC climate change programming

CIRNAC's suite of five climate change adaptation and clean energy programs have been recognized as best practices for working with Indigenous Peoples on climate change by ECCC and the AFN. They are:
- Northern REACHE – funding for the planning and construction of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and related capacity building in the three territories and four Inuit regions.
- Climate Change Preparedness in the North – climate change adaptation program for Indigenous and northern communities in the three territories and four Inuit regions with funding for small scale implementation of adaptation measures.
- Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring – distinctions-based climate monitoring in Indigenous communities across the country.
- Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy – funding for the participation of the National Indigenous Organizations at bilateral distinctions-based senior-level tables with the Government of Canada with additional funding for non-affiliated groups to participate in climate change policy discussions.
- First Nation Adapt – funding for climate change adaptation assessments including flood maps in First Nations south of the 60th parallel with an emphasis on impacts to infrastructure and emergency management.
These programs aim to empower northern and Indigenous Peoples and communities to take a leadership role in climate action through participation in policy and programming. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills and yield economic opportunities for communities.

Northern Contaminated Sites

Vote 1: $130 million
Vote 10: $112.3 million

CIRNAC is responsible for the management of more than 100 contaminated sites in the North, which are managed through the Northern Contaminated Sites Program.
CIRNAC manages these sites to reduce, and where possible eliminate, risks to human health and safety and the environment, and to reduce federal liabilities associated with these sites.
The remediation of abandoned mines and other contaminated sites in the North present important opportunities for employment and training for Indigenous people and Northerners.
Through Budget 2019, the Government of Canada renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, with $1.16 billion in funding over five years, starting in 2020.
For 2020-2021, the Northern Contaminated Sites Program has a funding allocation of $16 million in Vote 1 and $5.4 million of Vote 10 funding under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan to continue to address CIRNAC's contaminated sites across the North and engage with Indigenous partners.
Through Budget 2019, the Government of Canada also invested $2.2 billion over the next 15 years in the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to address remediation of CIRNAC's eight largest abandoned mine projects.
For 2020-2021, the Northern Contaminated Sites Program has a funding allocation of $114 million in Vote 1 and $106.9 million in Vote 10 under the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to continue work on CIRNAC's eight largest abandoned mine projects, including Giant and Faro, and to continue to engage with Indigenous partners.

If pressed on the Giant Mine Remediation Program

The purpose of the Giant Mine Remediation Project is to minimize health and safety and environmental risks at the site in accordance with legal obligations, and reduce Canada's associated liability due to the presence of contamination at the site. The greatest overall risk at the site is the 237,000 tons of arsenic trioxide dust stored underground.
The objective of the Oversight Board is to administer and fund research to work towards finding a permanent solution for dealing with the arsenic trioxide at Giant Mine.
The Oversight Board is made up of one representative from each signatory (Government of Canada, Government of NWT, Yellowknife Dene First Nation, City of Yellowknife, Alternatives North and North Slave Metis Alliance).
The Oversight Board's activities help CIRNAC to meet the following outcomes identified in the Giant Mine Remediation Project Performance Information Profile that was developed for the Project in 2017:
Short-term Outcomes:
- Site is compliant with regulatory requirements to allow it to move to Project Implementation Phase (i.e., perform remediation activities);
- Northern and Indigenous communities participate in engagement activities; and,
- Northern and Indigenous communities have a greater understanding of the remediation activities planned for the project.
Medium-term Outcomes:
- Environmental and liability risks associated with contamination at the site are reduced; and, Northern and Indigenous communities gain socio-economic benefits associated with the remediation activities performed at the site.
The Giant Mine Oversight Board is the only eligible recipient for funding under this Grant. For fiscal year 2020-2021, the department has $985,784 in the Grant to Support the Giant Mine oversight board and research for arsenic trioxide. There is $711,955 for Core funding and $273,829 for Research.

Background:

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is responsible as owner of last resort in the Territories for a number of contaminated sites in the North that were abandoned by former operators. Most of these sites are abandoned mines, and CIRNAC works closely with territorial governments, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders to remediate these sites. Since 2005, the primary source of funding has been the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, a 15-year program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, which has been renewed with an additional five years of funding ($1.16 billion) starting in 2020. CIRNAC will utilize this funding in order to address the contamination at its smaller-scale sites. Budget 2019 also provided CIRNAC's Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program with $2.2 billion in funding over 15 years starting in 2020 in order to remediate the eight largest abandoned mines in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. These eight projects are the Faro, United Keno Hill, Mount Nansen, Ketza River, and Clinton Creek mines in the Yukon; and in the Northwest Territories, the Giant, Cantung, and Great Bear Lake group of mines.

Nutrition North

Vote: $103.5 million

Key message:

Nutrition North Canada helps make perishable and nutritious foods more affordable and accessible to residents of eligible isolated northern communities that lack year-round road, rail or marine access.
The $103.5 million in funding through Main Estimates will help subsidize perishable foods flown in by air. It will also subsidize non-perishable and essential items brought in by seasonal sealift, barge or winter road.
We have revised the Nutrition North list of subsidized food to include non-food items including diapers and non-prescription drugs, and lowered the cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket by $4.41 since the launch of the program in 2011.
The Harvesters Support Grant will also increase access to traditional foods.

Background:

Since the program was established in 2011, there has been a steady increase in the NNC subsidized foods shipped to communities. In 2018-19, over 30 million kg of nutritious food was shipped and sold at subsidized rates. This represents a 49% increase from March 2011 to March 2019.
Over this time, NNC has helped maintain food prices in isolated communities. On average, in communities eligible for Nutrition North Canada, the cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket (A nutritious diet for a family of four for one week) in March 2019 was 1.03% less expensive than in March 2011, prior to the launch of the program.
During the past several months, the Government of Canada moved forward with a number of important changes to Nutrition North Canada to ensure the program is more relevant for Northerners.
Recent examples of NNC updates include:
- Increased subsidy rates on all items in all NNC's 116 eligible communities.
- An expanded list of subsidized items that includes more culturally relevant and family friendly items, like the ingredients in bread and bannock, infant formula, feminine hygiene products and diapers.
- A new surface transportation subsidy that is now also lowering the cost of non-perishable items shipped by sealift (and winter roads further south).
This spring, the Government of Canada will implement the Harvesters Support Program which will build on Nutrition North Canada's commitment to developing additional made-in-the-North solutions.
The Harvesters Support Grant is based on a partnership approach between Indigenous recipient organizations and the Department. In Nunavut, Harvesters Support Grant funding will be delivered by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. It has been designed to be Indigenous led, with a recognition that harvesting needs and practices should be driven by communities themselves.
Direct engagement with Indigenous and community partners has resulted in significant improvements to the Nutrition North Canada program in 2018 and 2019. Based upon newly released data by Statistics Canada, there has been a 13% increase in the number of homes in Nunavut which are considered food secure. We are confident that the direction the Nutrition North Canada program is taking, with the guidance of our community partners, will result in continued progress.

Hot issues

Minister of Northern Affairs' Mandate

As the Minister of Northern Affairs, and the first to be solely dedicated to the North, on December 13, 2019, I received my mandate letter from the Prime Minister, inclusive of the following commitments for Northern Affairs:
- support work to co-develop and implement an Inuit Nunangat policy, and fully implement Inuit land claims agreements;
- implement the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework to create a future where Northern and Arctic people are thriving, strong and safe;
- and, continue to work on the Nunavut Devolution Final Agreement.
It is my responsibility to lead the Government's work to create more economic opportunity and a higher quality of life in Canada's North, while also acting in support of our sovereignty and national interest. This requires collaboration with a wide range of partners, from other federal departments, to territorial and Indigenous governments.
Other commitments within my mandate include following through on:
- support for the construction and ongoing operation of a treatment facility in Nunavut;
- giving consideration to the recommendations to come from the Task Force on post-secondary education in Canada's Arctic and Northern regions;
- supporting territorial planning for hydroelectricity projects;
- and, finalizing creation of the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to clean up the largest and most high-risk sites, among others.
While not specifically mentioned within the mandate letter, the issue of climate change underpins absolutely everything we do within the Northern Affairs Organization. As the entire world experiences the stress of climate change, it is the Arctic that is undergoing the most rapid transformation; warming at three times the global rate. Significant changes to the physical landscape in the North are impacting communities.
Guided by traditional knowledge and science, communities are monitoring coastal erosion and thawing permafrost and drafting strategies to adapt. Communities are introducing renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a green energy future.
Another key issue for Northern Affairs is that of improving access to affordable, nutritious food for Northerners. We have revised the Nutrition North List of subsidized food and reaffirmed our commitment to help lowering the costs associated with traditional hunting and harvesting activities through a new Harvester's Support Grant.
In my role as Minister of Northern Affairs, I am committed to addressing the need to remove obstacles to ensure we create a level playing field for future generations of Northerners. I will listen to Northerners, especially Indigenous, territorial and provincial partners, and I will stand up for northern issues, Arctic issues and northern and Arctic interests.

Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

Key Messages:

We launched the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework with our partners in September 2019, and are now moving from co-development into co-implementation.
The Government has worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to co-develop priorities for the North.
Northerners have told us that they want Arctic peoples and communities at the centre of the Framework; we have listened.
The next phase of the Framework will focus on co-development of implementation and governance, moving towards more integrated federal-territorial-provincial and Indigenous approaches to challenges and opportunities in Canada's Arctic and North.
We will work together to implement a shared vision for a strong, prosperous and sustainable Arctic.

Climate Change

The Government has been very clear: climate change and its impacts are real.
We are working with Northerners, industry, and territorial and provincial partners to find innovative and effective solutions that address unique challenges in a rapidly changing Arctic.
Initiatives supporting the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will benefit families, build vibrant communities, and grow sustainable economies in the face of these challenges.

Background

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework) was launched on September 10th, 2019, following over two years of engagement and collaboration with Northerners and Canadians. It is the first major federal framework to be co-developed with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. The co-development of the Framework was also supported by roundtable engagements held with Arctic and Northern residents, youth and key experts and stakeholders, including industry, academics and non-governmental organizations.

The Framework sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada's activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents. The Framework currently includes the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Statement; chapters on foreign policy as well as safety, security and defense; and chapters authored by Indigenous and territorial partners. Additional partner chapters may be released at a later date.

The Framework is articulated around eight goals: nurture healthy families and communities; invest in the energy, transportation and communications infrastructure that northern and Arctic governments, economies and communities need; create jobs, foster innovation and grow Arctic and northern economies; support science, knowledge and research that is meaningful for communities and for decision-making; face the effects of climate change and support healthy ecosystems in the Arctic and North; ensure that Canada and our northern and Arctic residents are safe, secure and well-defended; restore Canada's place as an international Arctic leader and advance reconciliation and improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

A pan-territorial chapter co-authored by the three Territorial Governments, as well as the chapters of the governments of Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and an Inuit Nunangat chapter, were also released on September 10th. These outline the priorities and aspirations of those partners and are intended to inform the next phase of collaboration and implementation.

The next phase of the Framework will focus on co-development of implementation and governance, moving towards more integrated federal-territorial-provincial and Indigenous approaches to challenges and opportunities in Canada's Arctic and North.

Northern Contaminated Sites Program

Key Messages:

Our Government is committed to the protection of human health and safety and the environment, as well as the development of economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous partners.
This is why our Government has renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, and made significant investments in the new Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
Both are intended to ensure lands and waters are healthy for future generations and will help to secure jobs for Northerners and Indigenous partners.
We will continue to collaborate with communities, Indigenous partners, the Territories and interested stakeholders to protect Canadians and the environment.

If pressed on the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program

The Government of Canada is investing $2.2 billion over the next 15 years in the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to address remediation of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's eight largest abandoned mine projects.
The long-term remediation contracts that can be secured through this program will result in a significant improvement to the ongoing protection of human health and safety and the environment for Northerners and Indigenous peoples, by ensuring that these large abandoned mine projects are cleaned up.

If pressed on Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan renewal

The Government of Canada has renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, with $1.16 billion in funding over five years, starting in 2020.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will be able to access this funding to address its smaller-scale contaminated sites. To-date, with funding from this program, we have completed the remediation of 59 sites.

If pressed on the Giant Mine Remediation Project

Our Government continues to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders to advance the cleanup and remediation of Giant Mine.
The Government submitted its application for a water licence and land use permit for Giant Mine on April 1, 2019. It is anticipated that the licence and permit will be received by August 2020. The water licence and land use permit are required so that remediation can begin in 2021, as per the current project schedule.

If pressed on the Giant Mine Oversight Board

The Government continues to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders to advance the remediation plan while managing risks to human health and the environment.
We continue to engage as we develop and execute the remediation plan. We welcome views from interested parties, including the independent Giant Mine Oversight Board, to foster a strong and lasting trust moving forward.

If pressed on Giant Mine Socio-Economic Benefits

In 2018-19, there were 138 Northerners working on site, representing 65% of the workforce, and 70 Indigenous persons, representing 34% of the workforce.
The project team is working closely with our partners to ensure the contracting process uses all tools available to maximize benefits for Northerners and Indigenous peoples.

If pressed on Giant Mine Apology and Compensation

The Department recognizes this issue is of great importance to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
Senior officials from the Department have spoken with the Chiefs to discuss how best to engage the community, especially the Elders.
The Department is reviewing and assessing the historical record and will respond more formally when this work is complete.
The Department remains committed to working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in support of reconciliation.

If pressed on contamination off the Giant Mine site

The health and safety of Canadians and the environment is a priority for our Government.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is supported by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and other federal departments to proactively manage this public concern. Together, we are ensuring that the public, local and Indigenous governments and agencies, and visitors are fully informed of potential risks to human health.

If pressed on discharge of treated mine water from the Giant Mine site without a licence

The Government of Canada is committed to adhering all applicable regulatory requirements.
Presently, the treatment and discharge of water is in accordance with the Mackenzie Valley Resources Management Act and Fisheries Act to ensure ongoing protection of human health and safety and the environment. The Government submitted its application for a water licence and land use permit for the Giant Mine on April 1, 2019. It is anticipated that the licence and permit will be received by August 2020.

If pressed on the Giant Mine Health Effects Monitoring Program

The Health Effects Monitoring Program, is an additional step being led by researchers from the University of Ottawa, in conjunction with Health Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
The results of the study demonstrated that levels of exposure to arsenic for children and adults are well below the reference level derived from the Canadian Health Measure Survey (of 21µg/L).
Summary results were shared with the public during three community meetings in May and June 2019.
Youth participants (ages 3 to 17 in 2017) will be invited to participate in a follow-up study in 2022-23, and a follow-up study for all participants is planned for 2027-28.

If pressed on the Faro Mine Remediation Project, Yukon Territory

The health and safety of Canadians and the environment is a priority for our Government.
The Government continues to work in partnership with the Government of Yukon, and Indigenous partners to advance the long-term remediation plan while managing immediate risks to both human health and the environment. We hope to have all approvals in place for implementation of the final closure plan in 2024.

If pressed on the Governance Transition from the Yukon Government to Canada

The Department is working with Territorial and Indigenous partners to adjust the Project governance structure to ensure success. This is part of our Government's due diligence in implementing good project management practices.

If pressed on the increases in spending at Faro

While our Government continues to work in partnership with the Government of Yukon and Indigenous partners to advance the long-term remediation plan, we are now doing construction work to stabilize the site and to manage immediate risks. The overall increase in yearly spending is attributed to these planned works.

If pressed on increases to the Faro Mine Remediation Project's timelines for clean-up

We submitted the plans for the complete remediation of the Faro mine site to the Executive Committee of the Yukon Environmental and Socio economic Assessment Board in May 2019; the first step of the regulatory process. Community consultations formed part of the Project Proposal which was developed with Indigenous partners. Permitting usually takes approximately four to five years; therefore, we hope to have all approvals in place for implementation of the final closure plan in 2024.

If pressed on legal action under the Yukon Health and Safety Act against Parsons Inc and one of their employees at the Faro Mine

We are aware of allegations filed in Court to the effect that Parsons and one of its employees have committed offences under Yukon's Occupational Health and Safety Act; we also know that a trial is being scheduled to take place later this year in the Yukon regarding these allegations. CIRNAC officials continue to monitor this matter with a view to ensuring that Parsons and its employees are complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act while providing services to Canada.

Background

NORTHERN CONTAMINATED SITES – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is responsible as owner of last resort in the Territories for a number of contaminated sites in the North, that were abandoned by former operators. Most of these sites are abandoned mines. CIRNAC works closely with territorial governments, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders to remediate these sites. Since 2005, the primary source of funding has been the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), a 15-year program administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, which has been renewed with an additional five years of funding ($1.16 billiion) starting in 2020. CIRNAC will utilize the FCSAP funding in order to address the contamination at its smaller scale sites across Canada, while the larger abandoned mine projects will be funded through the CIRNAC Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamtion Program. Budget 2019 provided CIRNAC's Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program with $2.2 billion in funding over 15 years starting in 2020 in order to remediate the eight largest abandoned mines in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

GIANT MINE – The Government of Canada became responsible for the Giant Mine, a former gold mine in Yellowknife, when its owner went bankrupt in 1999. CIRNAC has worked with the government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Yellowknife community, and other stakeholders to carry out care and maintenance activities and plan its remediation. Current work is focused on the water licence and land use permit regulatory process required for the remediation, which is expected to start in 2021.

FARO MINE – The Faro Mine is a former lead-zinc mine in the Yukon and is now one of the largest contaminated sites in Canada. Currently, CIRNAC is concluding negotiations with the government of Yukon and affected Yukon First Nations to transfer the site to full federal control. The Yukon Devolution Transfer Agreement left Canada financially liable for remediation of the Faro Mine with the Government of Yukon responsible for the management of the remediation project. This joint governance model has been ineffective for the management of a complex, high-risk, and large-scale project. In order to align the project management to best practices and effectively manage the risks, the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada have negotiated a transition agreement to alter the roles of each government and transition the site to full federal control. This structure will allow Canada to exercise more control at the project management level and provide key decision making that will influence the projects' scope, schedule and budget. Site activities over the next two years will focus on construction of advanced remediation works, finalizing the conceptual remediation plan, working through the environmental assessment and completing ongoing care and maintenance.

UNITED KENO HILL MINE - The United Keno Hill Mines Site is located in the Yukon Territory, and is a collection of over 50 individual silver producing mines. The Project is currently undergoing environmental assessment by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board. Pending necessary approvals and licenses, construction is scheduled for 2021-2026.

KETZA RIVER MINE - The Ketza River Mine is located in the Yukon Territory, and is an abandoned gold mine produced 3.1 million grams of gold and approximately 342,000 tonnes of process tailings during operation (1988-1990). Ongoing care and maintenance activities for the Ketza River are managed by the Yukon Government. Contracts for this work are awarded with preference given to Indigenous and Northern contractors and suppliers.

CLINTON CREEK MINE - The Clinton Creek Mine is located in the Yukon Territory and is an abandoned asbestos mine that was operated by Cassiar Mining Corporation from 1968 until the depletion of economic ore reserves in 1978. The mill produced nearly 100,000 tonnes of asbestos annually, resulting in 60 million tonnes of waste rock, and 10 million tonnes of asbestos tailings on site.

MOUNT NANSEN MINE – The Mount Nansen Mine is located in the Yukon Territory and is an abandoned gold mine that ceased operation in 1999, producing a total of 41,500 oz. of gold and 234,200 oz. of silver. There is about 300,000 m3 of tailings with the potential to generate acid and contaminated soil on site.

GREAT BEAR LAKE REMEDIATION – The Great Bear Lake Remediation Project is located in the Northwest Territories and includes four former industrial properties which are now abandoned and the responsibility of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). The sites include the Silver Bear Mines, Contact Lake Mine, El Bonanza/Bonanza Mine, and Sawmill Bay.

CANTUNG MINE – The Cantung Mine Remediation Project is located in the Northwest Territories, and is an abandoned Tungsten Mine. Under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, the court-appointed Monitor, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. manages the site with funding from CIRNAC since 2015. The site is currently in care & maintenance and undergoing remediation planning, and Canada is working with the Government of the Northwest Territories in a joint sales and marketing process for the Cantung and Mactung properties.

Offshore Oil and Gas

Key message:

Establishing a moratorium on new Arctic offshore oil and gas licences in federal waters was the right thing to do for Canada.
A mandatory five-year science-based review in the Arctic offshore is underway and will inform next steps for Arctic oil and gas development.
We are working closely with our Northern partners to complete the review, taking into account marine and climate change science.

If pressed on Moratorium Extension Request

The moratorium recognizes the irreplaceable value of the Arctic offshore to Indigenous traditional lifestyles and the unique marine ecosystem.
We are working with our Northern partners to complete the five-year science based review, which will inform next steps in relation to the moratorium and future Arctic oil and gas development.
Safe, responsible oil and gas development in the Arctic offshore is the goal of the Government of Canada.

Background

In December 2016, as part of the Joint Arctic Leaders' Statement, Canada designated all Canadian Arctic waters as indefinitely off limits to future offshore Arctic oil and gas licencing, to be reviewed every 5 years through a climate and marine science-based life-cycle assessment. Following the announcement, CIRNAC officials launched a one-year consultation process with industry and territorial and Northern Indigenous governments on their interests in the Arctic offshore. In October 2018, based on these consultations, Canada announced next steps on the future of Arctic offshore oil and gas to address the Arctic offshore moratorium:

Freeze terms of existing licences in Arctic offshore so they don't expire and remit deposits to affected licence holders;
Work with Northern partners to co-develop a five-year science-based, life-cycle impact assessment accounting for marine and climate science; and
Negotiate a Beaufort Sea oil and gas co-management and revenue sharing agreement with the governments of the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Officials are working with territorial and Northern Indigenous governments to co-manage two regional five-year science-based reviews, which will incorporate data from the pair of regional strategic environmental assessments wrapping up in the Beaufort Sea and Eastern Arctic offshore areas. The findings from the science-based reviews will inform future decisions on the Arctic offshore moratorium by December 2021.

A Governor in Council Order was issued in 2019 prohibiting oil and gas activities in the Arctic offshore and freezing the terms of existing oil and gas licences. The Order expires in December 2021. Officials also launched negotiations with the governments of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation for a Beaufort Sea oil and gas co-management and revenue sharing agreement. A Negotiations Framework Document was finalized in June 2019 and negotiations will re-commence in January 2020.

There is currently no active drilling in the Beaufort Sea. There are currently 13 exploration licenses in the Beaufort Sea under the work prohibition. All exploratory drilling work related to the licences, which the licencees had valued at $1.9 billion, has been suspended and the security deposits representing 25% of this amount have been remitted to the license holders while the Order remains in force. Companies holding exploration licenses include Imperial Oil, BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Franklin Petroleum.

Nunavut Devolution

Key message:

On August 15, 2019, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. signed an Agreement-in-Principle on the devolution of Crown Lands, resources, and rights in respect of waters in Nunavut.
The parties will work to negotiate a Final Devolution Agreement over the next two years. I remain confident that we can continue to make progress.
I am committed to working with the government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and other stakeholders to support the people of Nunavut to make decisions over land and resource management that affect their communities, culture, and well-being.

Background

The devolution of province-like responsibilities to the territories is a long-standing federal policy objective. It seeks to ensure greater local control and accountability for decisions, and helps facilitate Crown reconciliation with northern Indigenous peoples. Nunavut is the last jurisdiction in the country remaining without responsibilities for public lands and resources. The parties negotiating this transfer are the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Government of Canada.

Agreement-in-Principle negotiations formally began in October 2014. Under the current Chief Federal Negotiator, Mr. Fred Caron, an Agreement-in-Principle was signed on August 15, 2019.

Negotiations on a Final Agreement are expected to resume shortly with the concurrence of all parties. The details of negotiations will remain confidential until a Final Agreement has been reached. Negotiations on offshore oil and gas will begin after the Final Agreement has been signed.

Climate Change

Key message:

Our government is working with Indigenous and northern communities to support the development of knowledge and tools to adapt to the impacts of climate change and support access to reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.
We will continue to ensure that our partners are empowered to participate in policy and programming decisions that impact them.
Building on the success of current programs, we will continue to support Indigenous and northern climate leaders to ensure a sustainable future for communities.

Background

Climate change impacts in Indigenous and northern communities

Indigenous and northern communities are already experiencing the significant and complex impacts of climate change on every aspect of their lives, and are the most in need of adaptation support. Unprecedented changes in temperature, precipitation, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, freshwater availability, ecosystem dynamics, oceans, and sea level exacerbate existing challenges and health stressors across communities.

The overlapping impacts of climate change are especially apparent in the North as is evident in the northernmost Inuit hamlet of Grise Fiord. For example, the community, which is located along a narrow strip of land between the ocean and a glacier, is experiencing coastal erosion accelerated by reduced sea-ice extent and permafrost melt which is threatening infrastructure and roads. In addition, the community's freshwater source, the Brume glacier, is retreating with run-off from the glacier menacing landslides and flooding in the community. Beyond the physical impacts, Indigenous communities are also experiencing impacts to food security due to changing animal migration patterns and un-safe travel conditions over sea ice. When animals are no longer available to hunt and fish, or accessing them becomes too dangerous, cultural and spiritual practices linked to these activities are also compromised which can have an effect on the survival of the culture and language in the long term.

Indigenous communities also face challenges in ensuring a safe, reliable, and reasonably priced supply of energy. This challenge is even more significant in Indigenous and northern communities that rely on diesel for heating and electricity generation. Climate change will place additional stress on all Indigenous and northern infrastructure, including energy systems and already vulnerable supply chains. Increasing volatility in both the price and availability of fuel supplies will also place these communities at greater risk and increase financial contributions required by the federal government. Fuel transportation costs will continue to increase due to winter road failures and other climate change impacts.

CIRNAC climate change programming

CIRNAC's suite of five climate change adaptation and clean energy programs have been recognized as best practices for working with Indigenous Peoples on climate change by ECCC and the AFN. They are:

First Nation Adapt – funding for climate change adaptation assessments including flood maps in First Nations south of the 60th parallel with an emphasis on impacts to infrastructure and emergency management.
Climate Change Preparedness in the North – climate change adaptation program for Indigenous and northern communities in the three territories and four Inuit regions with funding for small scale implementation of adaptation measures.
Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring – distinctions-based for climate monitoring in Indigenous communities across the country.
Northern REACHE – funding for the planning and construction of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and related capacity building in the three territories and four Inuit regions.
Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy – funding for the participation of the National Indigenous Organizations at bilateral distinctions-based senior-level tables with the Government of Canada with additional funding for non-affiliated groups to participate in climate change policy discussions.

These programs aim to empower Indigenous Peoples and northerners to take a leadership role in climate action through participation in policy and programming. Projects are community-led, build capacity and skills and yield economic opportunities for communities.

Canadian High Arctic Research Station

Key message:

The Canadian High Arctic Research Station opened its doors on August 21, 2019.
This station was built by Canadians to serve the world, and engage Northerners in cutting-edge science and technology.
As part of Canada's obligations under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station construction budget has contributed more than $73 million to an Inuit Benefits Plan through contracting, employment and training.
Polar Knowledge Canada is now operating this world-class research centre.

Background

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is leading the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, including research and storage facilities, and additional housing to accommodate both staff members and visiting researchers.

Polar Knowledge Canada operates the CHARS campus, and is responsible for advancing Canada's knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology.

The CHARS campus is currently largely operational with the testing and verifications of the systems and equipment expected to be complete in 2020.

Departmental Plan

Key message:

In 2020-21, Northern Affairs remains committed to the pursuit of a strong, inclusive, vibrant, prosperous, and self-sufficient north.
Building on the successful launch of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework in 2019, the department will continue to co-develop governance mechanisms and support a movement from co-development to co-implementation.
We will also continue to advance devolution in Nunavut, and to pursue regulatory frameworks in the North.
Efforts will continue to remediate contaminated sites, improve Nutrition North Canada, and on building long-term capacity in healthier and more resilient communities.

Background

CIRNAC financials

Departmental Spending Trend

For the period of 2018–19 to 2019–20, spending has increased from $4.4 billion to $7.9 billion. The increase of $3.5 billion primary reflects the following:

increase in funding for the Federal Indian Day Schools settlement claims (+$2.0 billion);
increase in one-time funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (+$919.0 million);
increase in funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement (+$631.3 million).

For the period of 2019–20 to 2020–21 spending is expected to decrease from $7.9 billion to $4.9 billion. The decrease of $3.0 billion primary reflects the following:

decrease in funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims as per anticipated spending (-$1.0 billion);
the sunset of one-time funding to forgive comprehensive land claim negotiation loans (‑$919.0 million);
the sunset of funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement as it is expected to be completed in 2019–20 (-$767.9 million);
decrease in funding to settle specific claims as per anticipated spending (‑$171.1 million).

For the period of 2020–21 to 2022–23, spending is expected to decrease from $4.9 billion to $2.2 billion. The decrease of $2.7 billion primarily reflects the following changes in funding:

the decrease in approved funding level related to the specific claims settlements (‑$1.4 billion);
the sunset of time-limited funding for the Federal Indian Day School settlement claims as it is anticipated to be completed in 2021–22 (-$1.0 billion).

The planned spending figures above reflect the current approved funding level for the Department and these figures will be adjusted as new funding is approved. Decisions on the renewal of the sunset initiatives will be taken in futures budgets and reflected in future estimates.

CIRNAC priorities in the North

CIRNAC is committed to supporting Canada's Arctic and northern regions in the spirit of partnership and reconciliation, and in the pursuit of a strong, inclusive, vibrant, prosperous, and self-sufficient North.
CIRNAC will continue the ongoing work on the implementation of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, as well as work on the Nunavut Devolution Final Agreement. In addition, the Department will continue to update Nutrition North Canada, as well as lead efforts towards federal coordination of natural resource and environment management, territorial relations, and effective delivery of federal programing to support a future where the Arctic and Northerners are thriving, strong, and safe.
To meet the unique needs and realities of the North, CIRNAC will also finalize the creation of the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to clean up the largest and most high-risk sites, as well as focus on priorities shared with territorial and Indigenous governments, including sustainable economic growth, climate change and hydroelectricity initiatives. The Department will also continue to support Indigenous governance through the full implementation of land claims and self-governing agreements, health, and strategic infrastructure.

Biographies

Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN), 43rd Parliament, 1st Session

Gary Anandasangaree

Jaime Battiste

Bob Bratina

Marcus Powlowski

Adam van Koeverden

Lenore Zann

Bob Zimmer

Gary Vidal

Arnold Viersen

Jamie Schmale

Sylvie Bérubé

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq

Gary Anandasangaree, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON

Biographical Information

Mr. Anandasangaree was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015.

Prior to his election to the House of Commons, Mr. Anandasangaree advocated for education and justice as an internationally recognized human rights lawyer and community activist. He has served as Chair of the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre, President of the Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce, and counsel to the Canadian Tamil Congress. He was also legal counsel to the Independent Mortgage Brokers and Agents, a board member of the Youth Challenge Fund, member of the Toronto Police Chief's Advisory Board, and a member of the United Way Newcomers Grant Program.

Mr. Anandasangaree attended Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar in 2006 and later managed his own firm in Scarborough. He has been an advocate for human rights issues, regularly representing Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada at the United Nations. He has also served as an advocate for local youth, intervening in cases of wrongful student expulsion and suspension.

In honour of his devotion to community service and local advocacy, Mr. Anandasangaree has received both the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. He also received the Osgoode Hall Law School "One to Watch" Gold Key Award and the South Asian Bar Association's Young Practitioner Award.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "Our government is seized with this matter. The Prime Minister has a cabinet that is working on the situation around the clock. We all want peace and we want to get rail traffic going across the country. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Minister of Indigenous Services have stated that they are ready and willing to meet with the hereditary leadership at the earliest opportunity. With the B.C. RCMP's outreach to the chiefs yesterday, we hope this creates the ability to advance a peaceful resolution." Hansard, Feb 21, 2020
Indigenous Languages: "We can never recover from it, and I do not think that many people who have faced this type of struggle and violation could ever recover from it, but it is important that we start the process. That is why, overall, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action are important, and that is why language revival is so essential." Hansard, May 2, 2019
Residential Schools: "Healing the damage of residential schools will require the sustained action of not only involved governments, but other institutions and all Canadians. The need to achieve reconciliation is a fundamental truth and is beyond partisan politics." Hansard, Sep 24, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement: Achieved a good deal that benefits everyone; provisions that protect women's, minority and indigenous rights and environmental protections; protection for labour and minimum standards across our three countries. Hansard, Feb 3, 2020
Environment: Government is committed to attaining net-zero emissions by 2050; ban single-use plastics by 2021; protect 25% of our shores and 25% of our land mass by 2025, 30% by 2030; attaining net-zero emissions will require enormous commitment from everyone to reach this target by 2050. Hansard, Dec 11, 2019
Bill C-18 (An Act to amend the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act and the Canada National Parks Act): Canada at the forefront of efforts to conserve elements of its heritage, flora, fauna, and landscapes; first priority on ecological integrity in the management of the Rouge National Urban Park to further international leadership in conservation. Hansard, Feb 17, 2017

General Issues Raised in the Media

Sri Lanka Protests: "Standing in Solidarity with the families of the disappeared as we mark the 1000 days of protest. In the sweltering heat, downpours, and the dust, these women and men have stood for justice, peace, and with their families. Truth must prevail." Twitter, Nov 16, 2019

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

M-24 (Tamil Heritage Month) (Motion Agreed To, Oct 5, 2016) - That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Jaime Battiste, Sydney-Victoria, NS

Biographical Information

Born in Potlotek First Nation, NS, Mr. Battiste was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Jaime was a published writer on Mi'kmaw laws, history, and knowledge. After graduating from Dalhousie Law in 2004, Mr. Battiste worked as a professor, senior advisor, citizenship coordinator and Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief.

Mr. Battiste has done extensive volunteer work in athletics, youth advocacy, community events, and advocacy for the Mi'kmaq Nation. He is a member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, a part owner of the Eskasoni Junior B Eagles. He served as the Nova Scotia Youth council representative to the Assembly of First Nation National Youth Council from 2001-2006. In 2005, the National Aboriginal Healing Organization named him as one of the National Aboriginal Role Models in Canada. In 2006, as Chair of the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council, he became one of the founding members of the Mi'kmaw Maliseet Atlantic Youth Council (MMAYC), an organization that represents and advocates for Mi'kmaw and Maliseet youth within the Atlantic. In 2018, Mr. Battiste was recognized with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "I ask today for leaders in Canada, leaders of both indigenous and non-indigenous people, to commit to making our relationship work. Political action, not police action, has the ability to decrease tensions. It is the only way. Political discussion and negotiation is what is needed, not inflammatory rhetoric. We need to inspire hope. If nothing else during this speech, I want to make sure to say that there is still hope. The politician in me believes that and the protester in me believes that too." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Indigenous Languages: "Our govt. is implementing the Indigenous Languages Act by contributing $337m over the next 5 yrs for Indigenous Languages, and $1500/yr for kindergarten to grade 12 First Nations students as part of the new co-develop education funding policy." Twitter, Jan 27, 2020
Acknowledgement of Indigenous Role: "Being the first-ever Mi'kmaq Member of Parliament who is also a member of the Eskasoni First Nation, I want to acknowledge the significant role indigenous people have played in Canada's history. Our government is committed to working together to advocate for indigenous languages and for the well-being of indigenous peoples across Canada." Hansard, Jan 27, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Environment: The Indigenous Leadership Initiative hosted the Land Needs Guardians conference in Ottawa to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss; indigenous nations are at the forefront of a growing movement to create indigenous protection in conserved areas. Hansard, Feb 5, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

Health Care in Cape Breton: "One of the no. 1 things I heard at the doors was the need to improve access to health care in Cape Breton. I met with Hon. @PattyHajdu, Minister of Health, to discuss what matters most to Cape Bretoners when it comes to quality access to health care services. This will be one of my many priorities. I look forward to working with the Minister and improve access to the services we rely on every day." Twitter, Dec 19, 2019

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

None

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Bob Bratina, Hamilton East — Stoney Creek, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Hamilton, ON, Mr. Bratina was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Bratina worked in radio and broadcasting for local morning shows and sporting events. In 1998, he was inducted into the Football Reporters of Canada Hall of Fame. He was also a nominee for Hamilton Citizen of the Year, and won Hamilton Mountain Citizen of the Year. He also served on numerous Boards of Directors including; GO Transit, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Theatre Aquarius, and HECFI.

In 2004, he was election as MPP for Hamilton Centre, and again in 2006. His concerns over high lead readings in city drinking water resulted in a lead water service replacement loan program and a lead blood screening program for young children. He was elected as Mayor of Hamilton in 2010, seeing the completion of a new stadium, development in the downtown core, and a move to solve the impasse in the local Randle Reed project.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests and the RCMP: "All communities should benefit from policing that is professional and dedicated, and indigenous communities are no exception. That is why we will co-develop a legislative framework for first nations policing and expand the number of communities served by the first nations policing program. We will ensure police officers and services have the necessary tools and resources to protect the vulnerable and increase community safety" Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
Water Quality: "We can no longer take a reactive approach to combatting lead pipes and drinking water quality. The time has come for the federal government to work together with its provincial, territorial, municipal, and indigenous partners to create a unified cross-country solution to eradicate these issues, which affect the very young more than the old, and low-income families more than the affluent. Children in older, poorer neighbourhoods should not be exposed to a serious health hazard because of where they live or their family's economic status." Hansard, Feb 7, 2017

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Steel and Bill C-101 (An Act to Amend the Customs Tariff and the International Trade Tribunal Act): Government must have tools and resources it needs to protect Canadians while continuing to encourage foreign investment, trade and economic growth. C-101 would provide this protection. Amendments to C-101 would help government respond quickly and appropriately to a substantiated surge of imports harming Canadian producers and workers. Hansard, Jun 6, 2019
Veterans: Must keep investing in veterans' benefits and services. After 10 years of cuts to funding and staff, we are rebuilding the trust of veterans. Hansard, Sep 25, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

Steel: "I've always supported steel all my life […] I had steelworkers at the door thanking me for what I did. (Stelco) is working; pensioners are getting their pensions; we put millions of dollars to increase the production facility." Hamiltonnews.com, Oct 22, 2019

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

M-69 (Water Quality) (Motion Agreed To, Feb 7, 2017) - That, in the opinion of the House: (a) the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities should undertake a study on (i) the presence of lead in Canadian tap water, (ii) provincial, territorial and municipal efforts to date to replace lead water distribution lines, (iii) current federal efforts to support other levels of government in the provision of safe drinking water; (b) the Committee should report to the House no later than December 1, 2017; and (c) following the tabling of the said report, the federal government should engage with key stakeholders, such as provincial and territorial governments, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as Indigenous partners, to discuss options for addressing lead drinking water service lines, including any potential role for the federal government.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Fort William, ON, Mr. Powlowski was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Powlowski served as a physician in the Emergency Room at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. In addition to being a medical doctor, he has two law degrees - LL.B, LL.M from the universities of Toronto and Georgetown, respectively. He also attended Harvard University and obtained a Masters of Public Health in Health Law and Policy.

Mr. Powlowski worked as a doctor for two years in northern First Nations communities, and for seven years practicing medicine in several developing countries in Africa and Oceania. For several years, he worked as a consultant in health legislation for the World Health Organization. He also volunteered on a medical project in Ethiopia.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "It is imperative to exhaust all peaceful means of resolving the rail blockades." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Indigenous living conditions: "I fully support efforts to improve the living conditions of the indigenous population - we can do better than we are doing now." Netnewsledger.com, July 21, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Housing: Government has made a real investment in Canadian communities; cost of rent is going up everywhere; need for federal government to play a leadership role in the housing sector. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

Firearms: "Given that there is currently no legal definition for a 'military assault rifle in Canada, some community members I have spoken with are skeptical that a ban based on this term would make sense as a coherent firearm policy. Such a term, as they see it, is more political than policy oriented, and seeks to target certain firearms without a rational basis." Ipolitics.ca, Jan 21, 2020

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

None

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Adam van Koeverden, Milton, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Toronto, ON, Mr. van Koeverden was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. van Koeverden was a professional sprint kayaker. He has won numerous Olympic medals, including the gold medal in Men's canoeing at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and has also won numerous medals at World Championship events, including the gold medal in 2007, and again in 2011.

Mr. van Koeverden has also worked as a managing consultant with Deloitte, and as a broadcaster, writer and producer with CBC Sports. He graduated as valedictorian from McMaster University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

He grew up in cooperative housing in a single mother household, and has volunteered extensively for organizations like Right To Play, WaterAID, Special Olympics, Parkinson's Canada, and the David Suzuki Foundation. He has also served as Chair of the Canadian Olympic Athletes' Commission, and was a member of the federal government's working group for Gender Inclusion and Gender Based Violence in Sport.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "We can certainly all agree, I hope, that a peaceful process and a resolution that results in no violence is in everyone's best interests. However, the language that we have heard from the Leader of the Opposition is anything but peaceful, as he suggested that indigenous people 'check their privilege'. The Leader of the Opposition doubled down on that statement today when he urged haste and force." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Indigenous Inclusion: "I am grateful to Inuit people for providing a boat that I used for many years. As a white guy from Oakville, I always express gratitude to indigenous people for the artifacts that we often use. Many are not aware that lacrosse, for example, is an indigenous sport, and kayaking as well. I think acknowledging that is a very important aspect of truth and reconciliation, […] our government's track record speaks for itself on truth and reconciliation, although there is far more work that needs to be done by all parties in this House." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Equality in Sport & Society: Find solutions so all Canadians can access sport, recreation and physical activity; examine barriers that women in leadership roles face inside and outside the sport industry; work on expanding Canada's anti-racism strategy; ensure easier access to sports and community activities for newcomers to Canada. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020
Environment: Carbon pricing a very effective solution; government has stepped in to make sure that everybody follows a carbon pricing scheme; investments in green energy and green infrastructure to bring us closer to zero net carbon emissions by 2050. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Mental Health: Workplaces across Canada should have mental health standards; people should not have to wait months for mental health services; government will work to introduce relevant workplace mental health standards. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020
Cooperative Housing: Mom has been building co-ops and managing co-ops for over 30 years; one of the ways to relieve poverty is to ensure that there is less profit and that when people pay the rent, they do not need to ensure that somebody else is making a buck; always going to be a vocal advocate for co-op housing. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

Canada Child Benefit: "Canada is an example of what real action on poverty reduction looks like. With programs like the Canada Child Benefit - families in Milton, and across our country have more money each month. That's more money for healthy food, sports & recreation and quality time together." Twitter, Feb 6, 2019

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

None

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Lenore Zann, Cumberland—Colchester, NS

Biographical Information

Born in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Zann was first elected to House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Zann worked as a screen, television, stage, and voice actress, and appeared in numerous television shows, films, radio, and animated series.

Ms. Zann was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2009, and again in 2013 for the Nova Scotia NDP. As a first-time opposition member, she was named NDP spokesperson for Education, Environment, Status of Women, Human Rights Commission, Aboriginal Affairs & Truth & Reconciliation, Agriculture, Advanced Education, African NS Affairs, and Gaelic Affairs. She served as the Ministerial Assistant for the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage.

Each summer, Ms. Zann produces and directs a community theatre production for the Truro Theatre Society, which boasts a cast of all ages - including students from local schools.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "As we heard from the Mohawk leaders, and from AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde last week, we need to resolve this impasse through dialogue and mutual respect. Therefore, we only ask that the Wet'suwet'en be willing to work with our federal government as a partner to find solutions." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
Indigenous Role in the Environment: "The First Nations people, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, have been very active in combatting all kinds of environmental degradation in our province. I am very proud to have stood with them on the front lines, fighting for government recognition and fighting to get these issues noticed, especially when big corporations are polluting the lands right beside the First Nations communities." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Environmental Racism: "One of the bills I introduced in the legislature in Nova Scotia was called "An Act to Address Environmental Racism". It acknowledged the disproportionate amount of toxic waste sites, landfills, dumps and huge corporate pollution on the lands of first nations and black communities. I would like environmental racism to be talked about more often, especially in the House, as we move forward." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Gang Violence: Root causes of violence are poverty, desperation, lack of education, lack of a sense of hope, mental illness and addiction. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Health and Addiction: More money into addictions research; in Nova Scotia, the wait time for addictions counsellor is sometimes 125 days, sometimes 365 days. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement: New agreement maintains preferential access to markets; modernizes outdated elements of NAFTA, including labour obligations on employment discrimination based on gender. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

Environmental Habitat in Newfoundland: "An environmental assessment off the coast of Newfoundland could fast-track oil and gas exploration in an area that is home to sensitive corals and sponges, and includes important habitat for endangered whales. We have until Feb. 21 to take action ecologyaction.ca/ocean" Twitter, Feb 8. 2020

Written Questions

None

Private Members' Business

None

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Bob Zimmer, Prince George—Peace River, BC

Biographical Information

Born in Dawson Creek, BC, and raised in Fort St. John, BC, Mr. Zimmer was first elected to the House of Commons in 2011, and again in 2015 and 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Zimmer began his career working for his father's family carpentry business, obtained his Red Seal Journeyman Carpentry Certification, and went on to own his own construction business.

He received an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University in human kinetics and history/political science as well as a bachelor's of education degree from the University of British Columbia.

Mr. Zimmer is currently the critic for Northern Affairs and the Deputy Critic for the Northern Economic Development Agency. He serves as Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus.

In the 42nd Parliament, he served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2017-2019), Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities(2016-2017), Critic for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Chair of the BC/Yukon Conservative Caucus, and Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast. In the 41st Parliament, Mr. Zimmer has sat on several committees including the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2013-2014), the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2013-2014), the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2012-2013), and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2012-2013).

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "The fact remains that consultations were conducted and the majority of the Wet'suwet'en people support the project and believe the project will benefit their First Nations. Coastal GasLink has signed agreements will all 20 elected First Nations governments along the pipeline's path, including five of the six band councils in the Wet'suwet'en Nation." EnergeticCity.ca, Feb 12, 2020
(Cont.) "It is shameful that elected officials, representing millions, were prevented from fulfilling their duties in Victoria. The work that is done in buildings like the BC legislature is a vital part of our democracy and to deny these officials the ability to do the work they were elected to do is alarming to say the least." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
Bill C-69 (An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts) and the Moratorium on Northern Development: "We have Indigenous peoples across the North who want to develop their resources and a good economy for their people and for their benefit. What we saw from the government was a complete stifling of that opportunity." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Residential Schools: "I understand that some of the decisions Sir John A. Macdonald made are controversial, especially as it relates to residential schools…we have all made mistakes." Energeticcity.ca, Aug 22, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Softwood Lumber in BC and USMCA: Tariff affecting the sale of lumber and timber to U.S.; new NAFTA should include an agreement on softwood lumber. Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Firearms Registry: Enough regulations and laws; no need for gun registry. Hansard, Jun 19, 2019
Trans-Mountain pipeline expansion: With growing federal debt and deficits the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion would provide an opportunity to make money as a country through natural resource development. Hansard, Jun 5, 2019
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Canada Energy Mega Project in Kitimat, BC: Largest private investment in Canada's history; $22 billion in provincial revenue; reducing the reliance on emitters that use higher amounts of emissions. Hansard, Oct 2, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

Firearms: "The fact is the vast majority of firearms owners respect Canada's gun laws. It's criminals who do not. While it may be much harder to go after gangs and illegal gun traffickers, that is precisely what this government should be doing to make Canadians safer." Alaska Highway News, Jan 20, 2020
Natural Resources: "Interesting response from Parliamentary Secretary to Natural Resources in the @OurCommons today when asked about developing our CDN Oil/Gas resources...@LefebvrePaul actually said they "support investment". Please tell me Paul how C-48 (An Act respecting the regulation of vessels that transport crude oil or persistent oil to or from ports or marine installations located along British Columbia's north coast) and C-69 (An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Act) "support investment". I'll wait." Twitter, Dec 13, 2019

Written Questions

Q-195, Grants and contributions under $25,000 provided by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, since January 1, 2018 – Jan 27, 2020
Q-55, Office of the Prime Minister and minister's offices – Dec 5, 2019
Q-54, Cambridge Analytica and AggregateIQ scandal – Dec 5, 2019

Private Members' Business

Bill C-346, An Act to amend the Firearms Act (licenses) (Defeated, House Second Reading, Nov, 2017 – 42nd Parliament)
M-589 (Firearms regulations) (Motion debated for 1 hour, May 26, 2015 – 41st Parliament) - That, in the opinion of the House: (a) Canada already exceeds all the standards listed in United Nations resolution 55/255 concerning firearms (the resolution); (b) the regulations envisioned in the resolution would do nothing to enhance public safety, and would serve only to burden the law-abiding firearms community; and therefore, the government has already surpassed its obligations with respect to the resolution and is not required to take any further steps.
M-588 (United Nations Firearms Protocol) (Motion Withdrawn, Mar 26, 2015 – 42nd Parliament) - That, in the opinion of the House, the United Nations firearms markings regime does nothing to enhance public safety and only serves to burden the law-abiding firearms community and therefore, the government should not be obliged to implement the regime.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Gary Vidal, Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK

Biographical Information

Born in Meadow Lake, SK, Mr. Vidal was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Vidal served as Mayor of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan from 2011 to 2019. He graduated from Carpenter High School in 1983 and went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible College. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and is a partner in the accounting firm Pliska Vidal & Co. where he has been serving clients since 1988. He was also Vice Chair of Saskatchewan City Mayors' Caucus from 2016 to 2018. He was a member of the SaskWater Board of Directors from 2008 to 2017. In this position, he also served as Chair of the Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2017.

Mr. Vidal is currently the critic for Indigenous Services.

Mr. Vidal has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities in his local church as well as on the board of Bethel Gospel Camp, an interdenominational children's bible camp. Other volunteer activities include coaching and managing minor hockey, baseball, and soccer teams. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "We simply cannot allow a minority of protestors to stand in the way of the will of the Wet'suwet'en nation. These protestors have taken extraordinary measures to hold Canada hostage, compromising the safety of our rail infrastructure, blocking and intimidating people attempting to go to work and in some cases physically assaulting elected members of a provincial legislature." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Softwood Lumber and United-States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (UCSMA): "NorSask Forest Products is a 100% First Nations-owned company whose profits are directed to the nine bands that make up the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. These funds are used for services like housing, education and health care, including suicide prevention programs. Since 2017, NorSask has paid over $10 million in softwood lumber tariffs. That is $10 million not being used for services in these communities." Hansard, Dec 10, 2019
Indigenous participation in Industry: "With the Indigenous Services file, one of the things we are looking for is partnerships between Indigenous communities and industry, allowing Indigenous people to be part of the private sector, to be part of the market so they create economic activity that will help them take care of the very demanding needs in their First Nations communities." Hansard, Jan 30, 2020
Indigenous Youth Suicides: "If young people in northern Saskatchewan could look to the people they look up to, their parents, big brothers and sisters, and if they could look to the people they respect and see them succeed by being part of the industry in northern Saskatchewan, they would have hope. With that hope, they would not have to consider suicide as an outcome." Hansard, Jan 30, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Softwood Lumber and USMCA: lack of transparency from government, cannot adequately scrutinize the deal; no softwood lumber agreement, workers enduring hardships, fears of closure of lumber mills. Hansard, Dec 10, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

Firearms: "Here in Northern Saskatchewan, hunting and sport shooting are a way of life for a lot of people… A Conservative government will protect the rights of law abiding gun owners." Twitter, Sep 15, 2019

Written Questions

Q-186, Foreign takeovers and acquisitions of Canadian companies by foreign state-owned enterprises covered by the Investment Canada Regulations and the Investment Canada Act – Jan 27,2020
Q-187, Canadian Armed Forces members serving abroad – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

None

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Arnold Viersen, Peace River—Westlock, AB

Biographical Information

Born in Barrhead, AB, Mr. Viersen was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Viersen apprenticed as an auto service technician and attained his journeyman ticket from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). He has also earned a business degree from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) while continuing his automotive career.

In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Viersen was the Deputy Critic of Rural Affairs. He advocated for the rights and concerns of rural families, farms and industries in Alberta and across Canada. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

Mr. Viersen is also involved in a number of parliamentary caucuses; including the Indigenous Affairs Caucus, Outdoor Caucus, and the Pro-Life Caucus. He is also a member of the Canada-Netherlands Parliamentary Friendship Group, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and the Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Indigenous Languages: "It is not just indigenous languages that are struggling in Canada. Without the economic underpinning, people's culture, way of life and community are under threat, if people are unable to finance them and to survive under the economic situation in their particular area." Hansard, May 2, 2019
Indigenous Victims of Trafficking: "We know indigenous women and girls are the most represented victim group in sex trafficking and prostitution in Canada. They make up only 4% of Canada's population, yet make up more than 50% of the victims in Canada." Hansard, Feb 4, 2020
Pipelines and Indigenous Communities: "One of the things that has really helped indigenous communities in northern Alberta is their participation in the oil and gas industry, and the wealth it has brought there. When the communities have the wealth, they become communities again; their culture begins to thrive and their languages are able to be maintained." Hansard, May 2, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Human Trafficking and Sex Work: Legalized prostitution causes violence against sex workers; Sex trafficking increase, especially among youth; happened in Germany, New Zealand and the Netherlands; legitimization of prostitution normalizes attitudes of violence, misogyny and the objectification of women and girls. Hansard, Feb 4, 2020
Oil and Gas: To get the economy right in northern Alberta, we need pipelines; we need pipelines to get oil off the railway, and replace it with grain and lumber going to market. Hansard, Dec 12, 2018
Trans Mountain: Trans Mountain would allow petroleum products to reach people living in energy poverty and without luxury. Hansard, Feb 12, 2018

General Issues Raised in the Media

Human Trafficking: "Modern day slavery & human trafficking exist in every country of the world including Canada. With over 25 million people around the world trapped in modern day slavery, we have a responsibility to tackle the slavery in our communities and in our supply chains" Twitter, Feb 6, 2020

Written Questions

Q-113, New "For Glowing Hearts" logo unveiled by Destination Canada – Jan 27, 2020
Q-112, Government's participation in the UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 in Madrid, Spain, in December 2019 – Jan 27, 2020
Q-111, Government purchases of tickets or passes for Canada 2020 events during 2019
Q-110, Total amount of late-payment charges for telephone services since June 1, 2018 – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

M-212 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) (Motion Placed on Notice, Feb 20, 2019) - That, in the opinion of the House, the government should encourage Canadians to raise awareness of the magnitude of modern day slavery in Canada and abroad and to take steps to combat human trafficking, and should do so by designating the 22nd day of February each year as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, to coincide with the anniversary of the unanimous declaration of the House on February 22, 2007, to condemn all forms of human trafficking and slavery.
M-47 (Instruction to the Standing Committee on Health (Violent and Sexual Online Material)) (Motion Agreed To, Dec 6, 2016) - That the Standing Committee on Health be instructed to examine the public health effects of the ease of access and viewing of online violent and degrading sexually explicit material on children, women and men, recognizing and respecting the provincial and territorial jurisdictions in this regard, and that the said Committee report its findings to the House no later than July 2017.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Jamie Schmale, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, ON

Biographical Information

Born in Brampton, ON, Mr. Schmale was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2015, and again in 2019.

Prior to his election to, Mr. Schmale he served as the executive assistant and campaign manager for former Conservative MP Barry Devolin (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ontario). He graduated from the Radio Broadcasting program at Loyalist College in Ontario, and started his career as a news anchor. He later became news director for CHUM media.

Mr. Schmale is currently the critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations.

In the 42nd Parliament, Mr. Schmale served as the opposition critic for Northern Economic Development, and Deputy Critic for Natural Resources. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015-2017) and the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2017-2019).

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protests: "What Conservatives have pointed out many times, and which I did in my speech, is that there are activists who have an agenda that is totally separate from that of those first nations communities. These people want the end of oil and gas development in Canada. They want to shut down that vibrant economy of our country and are trying to glom on to this very important issue that five hereditary chiefs have with what is going on with this pipeline." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Water Quality in Indigenous Communities: "The minister's department [CIRNAC] and the Parliamentary Budget Officer are at odds over the true cost to get water and wastewater in Indigenous communities up to the same standards as the rest of Canada." Hansard, Dec 9, 2019
Bill C-88, An Act to amend the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: "When the Prime Minister vetoed the northern gateway pipeline, he killed benefit agreements between the project and 31 First Nations, worth about $2 billion.... All this is destroying energy jobs and investment from coast to coast to coast. Now, with Bill C-88, we add another coast, the northern coast… we […] are deeply disappointed that the Prime Minister, who campaigned on a promise of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, blatantly would allow and choose to deny our 31 First Nations and Métis communities their constitutionally-protected right to economic development." Hansard, Apr 9, 2019
Bill C-69, An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: "…is putting a chill on investment in Canada's natural resources sector. The President of the Indian Resource Council said, 'Bill C-69 will harm Indigenous economic development, create barriers to decision-making, and make Canada unattractive for resource investment.' This legislation must be stopped." Hansard, Oct 26, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Natural Resources: Supports economic development and getting energy to markets; the Conservatives view the North as a key driver of economic activity for Canada. Hansard, Apr 9, 2019
Oil and Gas: Supports the oil and gas sector; anti-energy bills are regulating to death the west-to-east pipeline. Hansard, Jun 13, 2019

General Issues Raised in the Media

Firearms: "After all, if you want to stop increasing gun crime, the answer lies in tackling criminals and gangs, not punishing law abiding gun owners." Twitter, Jan 31, 2020

Written Questions

Q-193, Classified or protected documents since January 1, 2019 – Jan 27, 2020
Q-188, Veterans Affairs Canada service standard of 16 weeks for decisions in relation to disability benefits applications – Jan 27, 2020
Q-172, Purchase of carbon offset credits by the government – Jan 27, 2020

Private Members' Business

None.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Sylvie Bérubé, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC

Biographical Information

Ms. Bérubé was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Bérubé she spent 30 years with the in human resources and information. She also acted as the Director of the social committee at l'Hôpital de Val-d'Or, administrator for Taxibus, was a member of the information security association of Québec, and was President of the Parti Québécois d'Abitibi-Est.

Ms. Bérubé is currently the critic for Indigenous Affairs.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Food Security in the North: None.
Wet'suwet'en Protest: "Since the beginning of this crisis, it seems that only the Bloc Québécois has been trying to find concrete solutions to address the situation. We did not stand idly by, unlike the Prime Minister and his ministers, who did nothing for far too long, hoping that everything would fix itself. The federal government needs to step up and take action […] With every day that this crisis goes on, our economy suffers even more. This crisis is affecting workers and ordinary folks. Just look at the number of CN employees who have been temporarily laid off because of the rail blockade. If nothing is done right now, many more employees will join their ranks." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
Treaties: "More than ever, we need to make sure that we are respecting treaties and their interpretation, if we are to break free from the colonialism that this country's First Nations suffered and still suffer to this day. This should be one of the priorities in the throne speech." Hansard, Dec 12, 2019
Key Indigenous Issues in Northern Quebec: "As far as Indigenous affairs are concerned, the key issues are social housing, homelessness and infrastructure in northern Quebec. The melting snow is also important […] because it changes their culture. When it comes to the environment, we have to work with First Nations." Hansard, Jan 28, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

Québec Infrastructure: Need to invest in transportation, telecommunications, airport infrastructure investments; transport of dangerous goods by rail ignored by Ottawa. Hansard, Jan 28, 2020
Housing: Large mining sector in riding causing housing shortage, need investments in water and sewer systems. Hansard, Jan 28, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

Québec-Federal Relations: "Ce n'est jamais facile avec le fédéral. On envoie de l'argent à Ottawa qu'on pourrait garder chez nous et le fédéral met des bâtons dans les roues du Québec." Lecitoyenvaldoramos.com, Jul 1, 2019
Québec Issues: "On ne sera jamais aussi bien servis que par nous-mêmes. Plusieurs dossiers du fédéral m'agacent, dont la couverture internet, le financement de logement social, l'inaction concernant la Loi sur les Indiens et la taxe sur le bois d'œuvre qui affecte notre région." Lecitoyenvaldoramos.com, Jul 1, 2019

Written Questions

None.

Private Members' Business

None.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

Mumilaaq Qaqqaq, Nunavut, NU

Biographical Information

Born in Baker Lake, NU, Ms. Qaqqaq was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Qaqqaq was a facilitator, public speaker, and volunteer. She was best known for her speech in the House of Commons on International Women's Day in 2017, through the Daughters of the Vote, a program designed for young women to speak about their visions for their country in the House of Commons. She worked as an employment officer with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and as a wellness program specialist with the Health Department of the Government of Nunavut. She has held positions with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, working with Susan Aglukark in the Arctic Rose Foundation, and with Northern Youth Abroad. She graduated from the Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School.

Ms. Qaqqaq is currently the critic for the Northern Economic Development agency, Northern Affairs, and the Deputy Critic for Natural Resources.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

Nutrition North: "Since [it] started, food security has actually gotten worse in Nunavut. People in need struggle to get quality food and necessities. Nunavut is the only fly-in, fly-out territory, so in my riding it is even worse." Hansard, Jan 29, 2020
Wetsu'wet'en Protests: "What we are seeing across this country is not just about one resource project. This is about generations of underfunding, broken promises and broken treaties. The federal government has backed indigenous peoples into a corner. Food, water, safe housing and infrastructure are fundamental human rights that the federal government has promised us and continues to deny us." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
Climate Change and Northern Peoples: "It threatens the lives and abilities of our hunters to provide for families and communities. We need to treat it just as it is, a crisis." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
Northern Infrastructure: "In Nunavut we continue to fight for basic human rights: to have a safe place to live, to afford to feed ourselves and to have clean drinking water." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
Indigenous and Northern Youth Suicides: "This is a conversation that has been going on for decades. I hope that by the end of this term we can talk about post-secondary opportunities and child care spaces." Hansard, Dec 6, 2019
Indigenous and Northern Languages: "I am not fluent in Inuktitut. Unfortunately, this is a reality of too many Inuit. The NDP is committed to protecting and revitalizing Indigenous language through new legislation and stable funding." Twitter, Oct 2, 2019

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

None.

General Issues Raised in the Media

None.

Written Questions

None.

Private Members' Business

None.

First Nations and Indigenous Organizations in Riding

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Date modified:: 2020-07-10