Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) and 2020-21 Main Estimates. Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, November 19, 2020

Background

The Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs previously heard from witnesses about the 2020-21 Main Estimates on March 12th, followed by the 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) on June 16th. Ministers Miller, Bennett and Vandal and supporting officials appeared at both appearances.

During the June 16 appearance on the 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates (A) committee members asked several questions on the Government's response to COVID-19, including funding for the mining industry, airlines in the North, funding for Friendship Centres during the pandemic, and police interventions in communities in Quebec.

Most recently, Ministers appeared at INAN on October 27, 2020 on the COVID-19 Second Wave. A variety of questions were posed by the members. The Conservative members asked about boil water advisories, challenges facing tourism operators in the North, the deployment of GeneXpert instruments, and the First Nations Transparency Act. The Bloc Quebecois asked about connectivity in remote communities, Nunavik, northern air services, and staff shortages in long term care facilities. The NDP addressed housing, PPE, and lessons learned from the pandemic. The Liberals asked the Government to elaborate on what the Government is doing to flatten the curve, mental health investments, and UNDRIP.

Of note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited sessions in the spring for Parliament to study supply, the Standing Orders of the House of Commons were amended to extend the supply period until December, therefore Main Estimates are still under consideration by Parliament. INAN re-visited the 2020-21 Main Estimates for CIRNAC and ISC on October 27th : Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), and the order made on Monday, April 20, 2020, the committee commenced consideration of the Main Estimates 2020-21: Vote 1 under Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Votes 1, 5, 10 and L15 under Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Votes 1, 5 and 10 under Department of Indigenous Services, referred to the committee on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Following a vote, 2020-21 Main Estimates were carried on division.

Below is a list of some of the specific issues raised by Members of the Committee during the most recent committee meetings, including Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A):

MP Battiste (Lib)

• Recent funding
• Mental health
• Jordan's Principle
• Treaty Commissions

MP Bérubé (BQ)

• Sixties Scoop settlement / excluded claimants
• Housing conditions in a community in Quebec
• Jurisdictional issues
• Nunavik
• Urban Indigenous supports
• Covid-19 Funding for housing
• UNDRIP
• Métis inclusion in pandemic planning

MP Blaney (NDP), Critic of Veterans

• MMIWG
• Social assistance
• Small business, and wage subsidies
• Funding CFS (asked during QP)
• Pandemic funding in communities

MP McLeod (CPC), Critic of Crown-Indigenous Relations

• MMIWG
• Fiscal responsibility
• Repatriation of Canadians from overseas
• Production of PPE
• Rapid Testing
• Healthcare workers in the North/travel

MP Melillo (CPC), Critic of Northern Affairs and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

• Connectivity in remote and northern communities
• Food security in the north
• Support for northern Ontario
• Air services for the North

MP Powlowski (Lib)

• Evacuations in communities in Northern Ontario
• Second Wave

MP Vidal (CPC)

• Timeliness of funding delivery
• Child and Family Services applicants
• How much of the $270 million for income assistance will be allocated for internal services.
• The Departmental Plan's indicators, goals and the targets that have been lowered
• whether Indigenous peoples are being well served by the Department

MP Viersen (CPC)

• Supports for Indigenous businesses Indigenous companies that have been awarded contracts
• Contaminated masks
• Sexual exploitation of Indigenous women / human traficking

MP Van Koeverden (Lib)

• Connectivity in remote and northern communities
• Mental health programs for youth

MP Zann (Lib)

• Drug overdoses and addiction issues during pandemic
• Connectivity
• UNDRIP PPE stockpile
• Systematic racism

Funding for Specific Claims Settlement Fund ($760.1 million)

Funding for a litigation settlement ($88.6 million)

Funding to Support Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self- Determination (RIRSD) Tables in 2020-21 ($28.6 million)

Funding for Interest Payment Relief for First Nations with Loans from the First Nations Finance Authority ($17.1 million)

Funding for New Fiscal Policy Reforms co-developed by Canada and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments ($5.7 million)

Funding to Advance Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Supporting Missing Children and Unmarked Burials ($3.4 million)

Funding for the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement ($3.0 million)

Funding to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' (MMIWG) Final Report: Reclaiming Power and Place ($2.8 million)

Funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement ($2.2 million)

Funding for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement ($1.6 million)

Funding for Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation ($0.9 million)

Funding for Indigenous Peoples space at 100 Wellington Street ($0.4 million)

Funding for Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (North)- Phase III ($10.9 million)

Funding for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station project ($2.4 million)

Funding to support research and higher education in Canada's North ($94,000)

Funding for Federal Leadership towards Zero Plastic Waste ($30,045)

Statutory Forecasts

Expenditures by Program or Purpose

Budgetary Expenditures by Standard Object

This table shows the forecast of total expenditures by Standard Object, which includes the types of goods or services to be acquired, or the transfer payments to be made and the funds to be credited to the vote.

Definitions of standard objects available at: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/pceaf-gwcoa/2021/7-eng.html

Background

The 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (B) include key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $936 million, comprised of $138 million of funding for new initiatives; reprofiles totaling $790 million; and $8 million of net transfers with other government departments.

The net increase of $936 million is comprised of:

• $109.9 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures including:
  • Funding for a litigation settlement ($88.6 million);
  • Reprofile funding for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (North) ($9.4 million);
  • Funding to Support Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Tables in 2020-21 ($9.0 million);
  • Reprofile funding for the Sixties Scoop settlement ($2.2 million);
  • Funding to Advance Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Supporting Missing Children and Unmarked Burials ($1.8 million);
  • Reprofile funding for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement ($1.6 million);
  • Reprofile funding for Indigenous Childhood Claims Litigation ($0.9 million);
  • Reprofile funding for Indigenous Peoples' Space at 100 Wellington Street ($0.2 million); and
  • Transfers with other government departments (-$3.8 million).
• $822.2 million Vote 10 Grants and contributions including:
  • Reprofile funding for Specific Claims Settlement Fund ($760.1 million);
  • Funding to support Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Tables in 2020-21 ($18.2 million);
  • Funding for Interest Payment Relief for First Nation Loans with the First Nations Finance Authority ($17.1 million);
  • Reprofile funding for New Fiscal Policy Reforms co-developed by Canada and Self-Governing Indigenous governments ($5.7 million);
  • Reprofiled funding for the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement ($3.0 million);
  • Reprofile funding to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Final Report: Reclaiming Power and Place ($2.8 million);
  • Funding to Advance Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Supporting Missing Children and Unmarked Burials ($1.5 million);
  • Reprofile funding for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan - Phase III ($1.5 million);
  • Reprofile funding for Indigenous Peoples' Space at 100 Wellington Street ($0.2 million);
  • Reprofile funding for measures to support a better future for Canada's North ($94,000);
  • Reprofile funding to implement the "Federal Leadership Towards Zero Plastic Waste in Canada" ($30,045); and
  • Transfers with other government departments ($11.9 million).
• $2.4 million in Vote 5 Capital Expenditures: Reprofile funding for Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
• $1.5 million in Statutory funding: Funding for the Contributions to employee benefit plans (EBP) related to new initiatives.

If pressed

• $1.32 billion was allocated for settling specific claims in 2019-20. Given the unpredictable nature of negotiations, this was not all spent despite achieving 33 negotiated settlements and Tribunal awards for $559.8 million. The unused portion of $760.1 million was therefore carried over.
• The reprofiled funds will provide compensation to First Nations to discharge the outstanding legal obligations of the federal government.
• Canada is working with the Assembly of First Nations towards a plan to transform the specific claims process and implement policy reforms into 2021.

If pressed on progress on the Specific Claims Policy Reform

• Canada is working with the Assembly of First Nations in a spirit of co-operation and renewal to find fair and practical ways to transform the specific claims process.
• The engagement process in Fall 2019 was an important step to explore issues such as an independent body, claims research, transparency and fairness in claims resolution.
• We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Joint Technical Working Group towards a plan to implement policy reforms for Specific Claims into 2021.

If pressed

• This $88.6 million will be used to resolve an active litigation.
• As this matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

If pressed on Funding variance explanation between 2019-20 and 2020-21

• In 2018, $28,293,322 was voted for 2019-20. This funding sunset on March 31, 2020.
• In 2020, $28,635,985 was voted for inclusion in the CIRNAC reference levels in 2020-2021.
• There is a 1.2% of increase in total voted funding from 2019-20 to 2020-21. It includes:
  • increases of: 0.7 FTE; $62,759 in salaries for internal services for supporting this initiative; and $370,422 in Employee Benefit Plan (this used to be 20% and now is 27%); and
  • a decrease of $90,518 in other operating costs for internal services for supporting this initiative.

If pressed

• At the request of the Anishinabek Nation, most ratification activities were postponed to Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, to provide additional time for community engagement on the new governance arrangement, including flexibility for communities to carry out their votes during the pandemic.
• If the funding is not reprofiled, ratification and necessary steps to finalize the Governance Agreement will be delayed, thereby jeopardizing the relationship between Canada and the Anishinabek Nation.

If pressed on the National Action Plan

• We are continuing to work with our partners to develop the National Action Plan and ensure that it has indicators and measurements which will allow the plan to be accountable for results and evolve over time.
• We are grateful for the work of all partners to date. We recognize the work that remains ahead, and we are committed to redoubling our efforts to make sure we get this right for survivors, families and communities across this country.

If pressed further

• Indigenous peoples are taking leadership in developing the National Action Plan.
• A Core Working Group has been established and will bring together all key partners to coordinate the development of the National Action Plan.
• The federal government continues to work in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, the National Family and Survivors Circle, and with a Core Working Group that includes membership from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representatives, urban Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to develop specific components of the National Action Plan.
• Guided by families, survivors and grassroots community groups, the National Action Plan will respond to this national tragedy in an progressive, accountable and enduring manner.
• The Action Plan will represent the diverse regional perspectives and needs of communities across Canada and ensure the spirits and voices of all involved are honoured.

If pressed on investments since forming government

• We have been working since 2015 to address systemic issues that have contributed to this tragedy. Our shared work continues.
• We have passed legislation to address the Child and Family Services System, preserve and protect Indigenous language and culture, toughen criminal law in cases of domestic assault, and eliminate gender discrimination under the Indian Act.
• We have made investments in education, housing, policing, and shelters.
• We are ensuring we get this right for survivors and families, to honour those lost, and to protect future generations.

MMIWG – Funding for Indigenous-Led Engagement

• We are committed to working together with our Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners on the development of the National Action Plan.
• This is why we are investing $30 million over five years to support Indigenous-led engagement throughout the development and implementation of the National Action Plan.
• We have already provided $3.8 million to national and regional Indigenous organizations to ensure that they are resourced to meaningfully participate in our combined efforts to improve the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA people.

Sixties Scoop

• Given the exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19, the parties received approval from the Federal Court of Canada and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to issue interim payments of $21,000 to eligible class members immediately.
• To date, approximately 13,000 survivors have received an interim payment.
• The parties to the settlement and the claims administrator are working diligently to ensure that the remaining claims are processed as quickly as possible.
• Survivors whose applications are approved in the weeks and months to come will receive an interim payment.

Suspension of some applications

• COVID-19 has meant that timelines to respond to incomplete applications have been suspended and validation of applications have been delayed.
• Even though the COVID-19 deadline suspension remains in place, the claim administrator is processing, and where possible, approving applications.
• The parties are working collaboratively with the administrator to ensure that once the suspension is lifted the claims process will resume in an efficient and timely manner.
• Canada is committed to ensuring that survivors receive compensation expeditiously.

Métis/ Non-status not included

• We now have a settlement for Status First Nations and Inuit which represents a significant first step in resolving this historic injustice.
• We know that there are other claims that remain unresolved, including those of the Métis and non-status.
• Canada is working with our partners toward a fair and lasting resolution for all those affected by this dark chapter in Canadian history.

Métis Litigation

On July 13, 2020, the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal brought to attempt to overturn the Federal Court of Canada's decision granting carriage of the litigation to Koskie Minsky LLP and Paliare Roland Rosenenberg and Rothstein LLP.

Since the announcement of the settlement agreement, several new claims seeking compensation for Métis peoples impacted by the Sixties Scoop have been filed. The Department and the Métis National Council continue to share information and discuss options that could inform a future settlement of this litigation.

Supplementary Estimates (A)

In 2019-20, the department sought to reprofile of $260M ($250M Settlement funds and $10M administrative funds) in Supplementary Estimates (A) and is seeking a late reprofile for the remaining $2.2M unspent administrative funds to support ongoing efforts. The expenses that were anticipated to be spent before fiscal year-end were delayed due to COVID-19 and are still pending and will need to be paid once the health crisis is stabilized.

If pressed

• As all but one claim under the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) have been completed, the work must now shift to ensuring that those sensitive records created through the IAP are appropriately managed to protect the privacy of the claimants and comply with Court direction on the destruction, transfer or retention.
• The funding reprofiled through Supplementary Estimates B will support this important work and support the appropriate wind-down of administrative processes related to the implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

If pressed on the Indigenous Peoples Space

• The spirit and intent of the Indigenous Peoples Space has always been that it must remain First Nations, Inuit and Métis led. 
• We have been working in the true spirit of reconciliation – all decisions around the space are taken as a group between partners, and we look forward to continuing this work together.
• We are working closely with Indigenous partners on reaching an agreement to move forward, and remain committed to the Indigenous Peoples Space initiative.

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 Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program

• The Government of Canada is investing $2.2 billion over the next 15 years 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 the selection process of Task Force members

• On October 23, 2020, we launched an independent Task Force on Post-Secondary Education in the North, which will provide recommendations on how best to close the post-secondary education gap.
  • For the Task Force, nominations were sought from our co-development partners to the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework including provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations, as well as women and youth.
• Since the announcement, work has been done to set up a kick-off meeting with the Task Force members to begin discussions on a work plan.

If pressed on the BC elections

• This past summer, we planned to conclude negotiations of an initial agreement by mid-October. The provincial election in British Columbia resulted in negotiations being suspended, so the parties will revisit the timeline for negotiations when they resume meeting.
• The current BC election process has impacted our timelines but the parties remain committed to continue to move forward once negotiations resume.
• While we have made a commitment to an accelerated process and have set deadlines to focus us to achieve our shared goal, the parties understand that we all need to be flexible in negotiating agreements and the timelines for achieving them, particularly in light of the continuing COVID pandemic.

If pressed on the exclusion of Wet'suwet'en Indian Act chiefs from the Memorandum of Understanding on Wet'suwet'en Rights and Title

• CIRNAC has a long standing relationship with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, first in the BC treaty process and now under the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination process.
• In both processes, it is the Hereditary Chiefs that have come forward to represent Wet'suwet'en aboriginal rights and title interests.
• It was also the hereditary chiefs who took the case of Wet'suwet'en rights and title to the Supreme Court of Canada.
• It will be critical to build a broad understanding of, and support for, the agreements we are negotiating. The hereditary chiefs acknowledge that much work is needed to build that consensus – they describe it to us as part of "nation re-unification." This will require direct engagement between the hereditary and elected leaders of the Wet'suwet'en.
• We need to provide the space for the internal conversations that are going on right now between the elected and hereditary leadership and will continue throughout the process to help inform negotiations.
• Negotiated agreements will ultimately be taken back to all Wet'suwet'en people through a ratification process that must clearly demonstrate their support.

If pressed on Nathan Cullen Contract to Support Discussions with Wet'suwet'en

• Between February 24 and March 17, 2020, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada retained Nathan Cullen as a Ministerial Special Representative to provide strategic advice to Minister Bennett and federal representatives and to facilitate discussions between Canada, British Columbia and the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs with respect to Wet'suwet'en rights and title.
• From February 27 to 29, 2020, Mr. Cullen attended meetings with the parties to advance discussions on the recognition of Wet'suwet'en rights and title, which is at the root of Wet'suwet'en concerns over the Coastal GasLink project.
• The meetings resulted in an understanding, signed on May 14, 2020, to proceed with a process to recognize Wet'suwet'en rights and title throughout Wet'suwet'en's territory.
• The original estimated contract cost was $41,000.00 (including expenses and taxes), but the final value of the contract is $21,229.11 (including expenses and taxes).

Wet'suwet'en Memorandum of Understanding

• Canada signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Province of British Columbia and the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs on May 14th, 2020, which recognized that Wet'suwet'en rights and title are held by the Houses under their system of governance.
• The MOU committed Canada to negotiating a number of agreements to provide legal recognition that the Wet'suwet'en Houses are the Indigenous governing body holding the Wet'suwet'en Aboriginal rights and title, legal recognition of Wet'suwet'en title as a legal interest in land by Canada and BC, and the implementation of Wet'suwet'en jurisdiction.
• The signing of the MOU was criticized by several of the elected Chiefs of the five Indian Act bands because they were not included in the negotiation process nor referenced in the MOU.

Background

The Nutrition North Canada program's objective is to help make perishable, nutritious food more accessible and more affordable than it otherwise would be to residents of isolated northern communities that lack year-round surface access (i.e. permanent road, rail, or marine). There are currently 116 communities eligible for the full subsidy available under the program.

The impact of the program on food prices is measured through a "Revised Northern Food Basket", which reflects the cost of food in isolated northern communities. The cost of the Revised Northern Food Basket in March 2019 was lower by $4.41 (or 1.03%) than in March 2011, prior to the launch of the program. According to Statistics Canada, the price of food purchased from stores elsewhere in Canada increased by 10.5% over that same time period.

In the 2018 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced an additional investment in the program of $62.6 million over five years starting in 2019–20, with $10.4 million per year on an ongoing basis. These investments support program enhancements such as a new targeted subsidy level for essential food items and childcare goods for communities most in need, and a seasonal surface transportation subsidy for items shipped by sealift and winter road. Additionally, the program continues to develop a Harvesters Support Grant, to help alleviate the high costs associated with traditional hunting and harvesting and improve access to country foods.

To face the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a one-time financial injection of $25 million in order to increase Nutrition North Canada's subsidy rates on nutritious food and essential items. The targeted/highest subsidy level has been increased by 50cents/kg, and the higher subsidy level has been increased by $1/kg. By providing an additional subsidy on a broad range of items, residents of isolated communities will be better able to afford to feed and protect themselves and their families. These changes are temporary measures to assist residents of isolated northern communities during this challenging period. This decision will extend until March 31, 2021.

Program development and implementation is informed by the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, which provides advice to the Minister, and two important engagement forums at the working level: the Indigenous Working Group, which is made up of representatives of First Nations organizations that serve communities eligible for Nutrition North Canada; and the Inuit-Crown Food Security Working Group, which was created by the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee to work towards food security across Inuit Nunangat. The Department continues to work with its Indigenous partners to enhance the program in making it more accountable, transparent, and culturally relevant for Northerners.

If Pressed on Nutrition North Canada in Northern Ontario

• There are currently 27 isolated northern communities in Ontario eligible for the Nutrition North Canada subsidy.
• Based on previous program spending, it is estimated that 10 percent ($2.5 million) of the $25 million invested in the Nutrition North subsidy will be received by eligible communities in Northern Ontario.

If pressed on climate change in remote communities in Northern Ontario

• First Nation Adapt provides funding support to First Nation communities to assess the impacts of climate change and plan for adaptation. The program has supported communities in northern Ontario to address impacts on infrastructure from flood events, ice jams, and shortened winter road seasons.
• First Nation Adapt has worked across northern Ontario, supporting risk assessment and adaptation planning work in over 24 communities, with funding of over $2.7 million. In addition, the program has supported a number of workshops on climate change adaptation, as well as training on the use of First Nations specific tools for the assessment of climate change risks to infrastructure.
• The Program has continued to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic and has increased flexibilities to allow communities to continue their work on this important issue.

Long term drinking water advisories

• Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water.
• Budget 2019 dedicated an additional $739 million over five years, to support ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories, with $184.9 million per year ongoing.
• Since November 2015, 40 long-term drinking water advisories have been revoked from public systems on reserves in Ontario, including 37 in Northern Ontario First Nations.
• There are 44 that remain in effect of which 31 are in Northern Ontario First Nations
• The Government of Canada is working with First Nation leaders, communities and organizations to co-develop long‑term solutions to ensure clean drinking water for all communities.

Background – Long Term Drinking Water Advisories

• Of the 31 remaining long-term drinking water advisories in Northern Ontario First Nations, ISC has provided funding for First Nations to undertake projects to address 29 of the advisories. The current status of the projects are:
  • 5 are in post-construction awaiting recommendation to lift from EPHO or acceptance of recommendation from the Chief and Council;
  • 23 are in various stages of construction; and
  • 2 are in the design stage
• For the remaining 2 long-term drinking water advisories, ISC is working with each First Nation to define the necessary scope of work and funding requirements.

Examples of Inuit housing projects through direct CIRNAC investments:

• Nunatsiavut Government (Labrador)
  • Multi-unit complexes have been constructed to provide a home for parent(s) whose children may have otherwise been taken into care without the provision of adequate housing. This innovative approach to the issues of children in care will maintain the family unit, keep children connected to their community and culture and prevent children from coming into care through Department of Child, Seniors and Social Development. The long-term outcomes therefore include new housing in Nain and Hopedale where housing needs are greatest, a reduced number of children in care and support for parents to provide a stable, healthy home environment within their community and culture.
• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (NWT)
  • In Inuvik, design work and planning is currently underway for the development of 27,000 square foot, 17 unit apartment building to provide affordable rental units to Inuvialuit in Inuvik. The project is expected to be completed in 2021 at a cost of $12.5M.
• Makivik Corporation (Nunavik, QC)
  • A new allocation of 54 units to be constructed for delivery in 2020 was made on September 12th, 2019 during a meeting held in Kuujjuaq. (Since 2016, 240 units have been constructed and delivered through Budgets 2016 and 2018 funding - $25M annually).
    

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

• Universal Broadband Fund - Budget 2019 announced funding of $1 billion over 10 years for the UBF. The 2020 Speech from the Throne noted that the connectivity timelines and ambitions of the UBF would be accelerated. The government recognizes the urgency of bridging the digital divide for Canadians and it looks forward to launching the Universal Broadband Fund.
• Connect to Innovate - Announced in Budget 2016, Connect to Innovate is primarily focused on the construction of new backbone infrastructure (digital highways that move large amounts of data in and out of communities at high speeds) to connect institutions like schools, hospitals, First Nation band offices and libraries, and to improve residential and business Internet services. Projects funded under the $585 million Connect to Innovate program will bring new or improved high-speed access to over 390,000 rural and remote households, including in 190 Indigenous communities.
• Telesat LEO Satellites - The government has partnered with Telesat and invested up to $600 million to secure Low Earth Orbit satellite capacity over Canada to reach the most remote communities. These satellites will provide high-bandwith, low-latency broadband internet coverage to rural and remote regions of Canada, including the North.

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

• CRTC Broadband Fund - In 2016, the CRTC established a fund of up to $750 million to help achieve universal access at speeds of 50/10 Mbps, as well as mobile coverage along major roads. The CRTC's fund is sourced from a levy on telecommunications service providers' revenues. On June 3, 2019, the CRTC issued a notice of its first call for applications to its fund. The first call accepted applications for Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and satellite-dependent communities across Canada, and closed on October 3, 2019. On August 12, 2020, the CRTC approved $72M in funding for five projects in the north, which will improve broadband service to more than 10,000 households in 51 communities. The CRTC's second call for applications, focusing on the rest of Canada, closed June 1, 2020.

Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)

• CIB Financing - The CIB supports infrastructure projects in the public interest and uses its project financing expertise to crowd-in private investment and ensure optimal allocation of risk between the public and private sectors. Broadband is one of the CIB's priority investment categories. In October 2020, the Government announced the CIB's $10 billion Growth Plan that includes $2 billion for broadband investments – up from $1 billion announced in Budget 2019.

Infrastructure Canada

• Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Stream - Broadband is an eligible category under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure (R&N) stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Since 2018, INFC has announced $341 million in funding for eleven broadband projects.

Indigenous Services Canada

• First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF) - Connectivity projects are one of the eight project categories eligible under the FNIF. In general, the FNIF only funds on-reserve projects, but can also fund off-reserve projects that are cost-shared with non-First Nation and Indigenous partners. Since 2016, the FNIF has provided over $50 million for 20 connectivity projects.

Regional Development Agencies

• Regional capacity building support - The RDAs have regional economic development funding programs that can be used for community broadband capacity building, or small scale construction. This support is complementary to that provided by programs focussed on larger scale broadband infrastructure deployment. In addition, some RDAs help facilitate on-the-ground support and assistance in establishing regional partnerships. For example, FedNor has provided funding to five ICT Networks and Champions to support communities with broadband infrastructure planning and technology adoption. CanNor has provided over $2 million since 2015 for capacity building and small scale construction in the territories.

Biographical information

Mr. Anandasangaree was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015, and again in 2019.

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, Ontario. 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.

For his 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

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "Our government is seized with this matter… 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

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Policing: Racial representation is quite important. We see some transformation taking place. Peel, City of Toronto and now City of Ottawa police services are led by racialized individuals, and I think within the service itself there are more people who are getting into the system. SECU meeting, July 23, 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

• Anti-Black Racism: "We cannot continue to afford to let history repeat itself. We must not only address Anti-Black racism and educate one another, but stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all our brothers and sisters across the globe to fight back against any form of racism and discrimination." Twitter, May 30, 2020

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.

Biographical information

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

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

Mr. Battiste has extensive volunteer experience in athletics, youth advocacy, community events, and advocacy for the Mi'kmaw Nation. He is a member of the Aboriginal Sport Circle and 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'kmaq 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.

Mr. Battiste is the first Mi'kmaw Member of Parliament.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Creation of an Atlantic First Nations Fisheries Authority: "It's a partnership approach rather than a paternal approach. That's what reconciliation is about. It's about moving forward together, hearing each other and figuring out how we can best find win-win, collaborative approaches to solving difficult situations." CBC news, Sept. 30, 2020.
• COVID-19 government response: "Our Government is investing $100M to meet the urgent food needs of vulnerable Canadians, including those living in Indigenous and northern communities. This money will help ensure that organizations can buy and deliver food to those who need it most." Twitter, Apr 3, 2020
• 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... Political discussion and negotiation is what is needed, not inflammatory rhetoric." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• First Nations Education: "In Nova Scotia, the Mi'kmaq took control over their education system 20 years ago with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, which we call MK, … and we saw a 30% graduation rate increase to where we are today at about 90%. The evidence seems to clear that first nations-led and first nations-governed education systems achieve better results for first nations students. I also understand that there are 23 Anishinabek nations who have signed a historic self-government agreement on education." INAN, Feb 25, 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
• Indigenous Role: "Being the first-ever Mi'kmaw 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." 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: "… the need to improve access to health care in Cape Breton… will be one of my many priorities." Twitter, Dec 19, 2019

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• M-35 (environment grading label) (Motion placed on notice, February 20, 2020) - That: the House recognize that Canadians understand that climate change represents a threat to our way of life and are looking for opportunities where they can make a difference in their day-to-day lives, and that the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development be instructed to undertake a study to recommend a consumer-friendly environment grading label on all products available to Canadian consumers and to provide recommendations to the industry sector on ways to implement the labelling regime, and that the study examine, among other matters, the possibility of having the environment grading label include greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy usage, and waste creation.

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 elected 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

• 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

• Automotive industry: "I am encouraged by the recent Unifor-Ford collective bargaining agreement and what this multi-billion dollar investment means for the future of Canadian auto manufacturing. As the member for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, I represent Canada's biggest steel producer and hundreds of related manufacturing operations." Hansard, Oct. 8, 2020
• 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. 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.

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

• COVID-19: "H1N1, which was the last COVID-19-like virus to go around, disproportionately affected people in northern indigenous communities for the reasons … probably (because of) the usual social determinants of health, lack of water, overcrowding, those kinds of things. However, I think there was probably also a genetic component. Being a doctor in Thunder Bay regional hospital at the time, we had a lot of ICU beds occupied by people from northern communities. There were young people who got H1N1 and were ill enough that they had to be intubated and put on a ventilator. The ultimate concern with COVID-19 is the proportion of people who have more serious illnesses. The answer to that, if you're in one of the northern fly-in communities, is to fly them out. In the case of an epidemic, you're probably going to need more planes, better transportation systems. Is that being considered and prepared for?" INAN, Mar 12, 2020
• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "It is imperative to exhaust all peaceful means of resolving the rail blockades." Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• Funding for Services: "A constant refrain that I hear in Thunder Bay is that we have this large community here, but we're not getting the funding to provide services for that community. I know there's Jordan's Principle there that says nobody falls between the cracks, but that seems like that's filling in the cracks, that's not really a plan. What is being done in order to assist indigenous people coming to these kinds of communities to get the services they need to integrate if they so choose, into the society?" INAN, Feb 25, 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

• COVID-19: Over the years, because of a lack of infectious disease, we've become a lot more concerned about doing everything possible not to infringe on individual liberties, and we've been very reluctant to use any sort of coercive action to control the spread of infectious disease. This is public health academia. Although our government was criticized for it, it is the prevailing attitude in public health academia and public health circles in the western world… this was perhaps a mistake on the part of the public health community. HESA, Apr 15, 2020
• 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 29, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• LGBTIQ+ Discrimination: "LGBTIQ+ people still face serious challenges in their everyday life. When we stop pointing to the exceptions and start looking at how we can best support each other, we break the silence and continue the demand for systemic change." Twitter, May 17, 2020
• 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.

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 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

• 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'" Hansard, Feb 18, 2020
• Energy: "As we all know, many communities continue to rely on diesel-fueled power as a primary energy source. We've heard from many communities that this is becoming increasingly challenging as the impacts of climate change affect their ability to access diesel, as well as the cost." INAN, Feb 25, 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 to women in leadership roles in 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 be waiting months for mental health services. Hansard, Jan 27, 2020
• Cooperative Housing: 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 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.

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. She was the 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.

Ms. Zann also produces and directs a community theatre production for the Truro Theatre Society.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "As we heard from the Mohawk leaders, and from AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde …, we need to resolve this impasse through dialogue and mutual respect." Hansard, Feb 20, 2020
• New fiscal relationships: "…When indigenous communities move toward self-governance and self-determination, they have better outcomes across the board…. Part of this includes developing fiscal relations with communities that allow them to make their own choices about where to invest and the government has proposed a new collaborative self-government fiscal policy as a better way to address the needs of self-governing first nations." INAN, Feb 25, 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 … 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, 019

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

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Environmental Assessment: "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

• C-230 (National Strategy to Redress Environmental Racism Act) (Introduced Feb. 26, 2020) - An Act respecting the development of a national strategy to redress environmental racism.

Biographical information

Born in Kenora, Ontario, Mr. Melillo was first elected to the House of Commons in 2019.

Prior to his election, Mr. Melillo studied economics at Lakehead University, worked for a non-partisan think tank in Thunder Bay (Northern Policy Institute) conducting policy analysis, served as an Associate for a Business Consulting firm, and worked as the campaign manager for Kenora—Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.

Mr. Melillo is the Conservative Party's Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.

Mr. Melillo is the first Generation Z MP, the youngest Conservative MP ever elected in Canada, and the youngest in the 43rd Canadian Parliament.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Northern affairs: "Many Canadians in my riding, across the territories and in other parts of northern Canada struggle with housing shortages, transportation difficulties and higher costs of goods and services. The north needs serious upgrades to infrastructure and transportation routes to ensure food security and lower the cost of living." Hansard, Sept. 25, 2020.
• Employment: "The Province of Ontario has announced $20 million to support northern Ontario businesses impacted by COVID-19, but FedNor is nowhere to be found… how has the government completely forgotten about northern Ontario?" Hansard, Sept. 29, 2020.

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Broadband connectivity across Canada: "I'm happy to present a petition, which has been signed by hundreds of Canadians across 10 provinces and territories, calling on the government to take immediate action to improve rural broadband connectivity across Canada. Many Canadians in rural and remote regions of our country do not have access to reliable Internet …." COVID-19 Pandemic Committee on April 29, 2020.
• Canadian energy: "I would like to focus most of my time on the removal of NAFTA's energy proportionality clause, understanding that Canada will no longer be penalized for shipping less oil to the U.S. I would like to know if Canada has a plan now to diversify our exports and reach new markets for Canadian energy." Natural Resources Committee, Feb. 24, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Long-term boil water advisories on First Nations: "They've shown they can spend billions of dollars to address a crisis in short-notice during this pandemic, and there's no excuse to not have clean drinking water available for every single person living in Canada. That is something we will push them on." Twitter, Oct. 14, 2020

Written Questions

• Q-119, Mercury poisoning issues at the Grassy Narrows – Dec. 9, 2019
• Q-91, Drinking water advisories – Sept. 30, 2020
• Q-92, Nutrition North Canada – Sept. 30, 2020

Private Members' Business

• None.

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 CPC critic for Indigenous Services.

Mr. Vidal has volunteered in a variety of leadership capacities in his local church as well as 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

• Policing: "Would you agree that, in the context of that percentage of indigenous people living off reserve in urban centres, declaring first nation policing as an essential service may not represent the needs of that population as well as it would for some of the people who live out in the reserve settings?" SECU Committee meeting, July 24, 2020.
• INAN Committee: "Surprised to hear @ccab_national @BullTabatha tell our #INAN committee that no Indigenous businesses have secured any procurement contracts from the Government to produce PPE's when many are willing and able. The Government needs to do better." Twitter, May 30, 2020
• COVID-19 legislation: "The currently legislation leaves out First Nations across Canada - we need to ensure these businesses have access to the same programs so they can survive during this difficult time." Twitter, Apr 24, 2020
• COVID-19 legislation (Cont): "The standard model for first nations in Canada to carry on business is through the use of limited partnerships. These limited partnerships operate businesses in all parts of the Canadian economy, including forestry, mining, manufacturing, construction and consumer sales. The effect of the COVID crisis on these companies mirrors that of the general Canadian economy. The brief indicates that this business model will not qualify for either of the amounts of the wage subsidy programs. If first nations businesses, through their limited partnership models, are excluded from these benefits, I see this as a huge gap in the creation of this wage subsidy." FINA, Apr 8, 2020
• COVID-19 First Nations elections: "Minister Miller and his department need to be in direct contact with these Nations immediately and provide them clarification. These elections are dangerous and the Government needs to be doing all they can to prevent outbreaks in indigenous communities." Twitter, Mar 26, 2020
• First Nations consultation: "…Why weren't the provinces consulted or engaged earlier on? The honest heart of the social service minister in Saskatchewan was an honest concern about no child falling through the cracks. Is there an intention to get the provincial departments more involved in the process going forward than they maybe were during the development of the legislation?" INAN, Feb 25, 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

• COVID-19 Tax increases: "Today the Liberal's increased taxes on Canadians AGAIN! During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Justin Trudeau has increased his Carbon Tax, making everything more expensive for Canadians. So my colleagues and I from Saskatchewan wrote to the Minister of Finance, demanding he stop!" Twitter, Apr 1, 2020
• Firearms: "Here in Northern Saskatchewan, hunting and sport shooting are a way of life for a lot of people, including my son Alex. This is also an issue we commonly hear about when talking with voters. 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
• Q-296, Commitments made in Budget 2019, Chapter 3 "Advancing Reconciliation" of the Budget Plan 2019 – Feb. 5, 2020
• Q-349, How many visits to First Nations reserves were made by the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations – Feb 20, 2020

Private Members' Business

• None.

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 CPC Deputy Critic of Rural Affairs. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

Mr. Viersen is 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

• COVID-19: None.
• Indigenous Victims of Trafficking: "it is well known that indigenous women are by far the highest represented victim group in human trafficking in Canada while being only 4% of the women's population in Canada. A 2014 report by the Canadian Women's Foundation established that at least 50% of the female victims of sex trafficking in Canada were indigenous. In Winnipeg it was more like 70% or 80% and in Edmonton, a city near where I live, 40% to 50% of sex crime victims are indigenous women." INAN, Mar 12, 2020
• Band election accountability: "One of the concerns that keeps coming out of my riding is around band elections and due process for band members when they feel there is an irregularity or a change of a date, these kinds of things. In one case where there is no quorum because people have resigned from the band council, there's no ability to make quorum anymore and there's an expectation that INAN step in to fill the void. Because at this point they can't make quorum, they can't sign cheques, people aren't getting paid. I'm speaking about Kapawe'no First Nation. What is the process for allaying some of these concerns around due process when it comes to elections?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• 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
• 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

General Issues Raised in the Media

• COVID-19 Assistance: "We are in this together. Whether you are a farmer, small business owner, oil and gas worker, front-line worker, or student - if you need assistance or help - please contact my office. We are here to help you get through this." Twitter, Apr 15, 2020
• Online sexual exploitation: "Parents must remain vigilant when it comes to the online activities of their children. As young people spend more time online during this time of confinement, the risks of online sexual exploitation increase." Twitter, Apr 14, 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

• C-463 (Putting Victims First Act) (Bill introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons, June 19, 2019) – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (orders of prohibition and orders restricting publication).
• M-45 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) (Motion placed on notice August 10, 2020).
• 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.

Biographical information

Born in Kingston, ON, Ms. McLeod was first elected to House of Commons in 2008, and again in 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. McLeod completed training from the University of Western Ontario as a registered nurse, practicing for some years thereafter.

McLeod was a municipal politician in Pemberton, British Columbia, serving as a town councillor from 1993 to 1996 and then as mayor from 1996 to 1999, before moving to Kamloops, where she worked as a nurse and a health care administrator.

In 2008, McLeod was elected Member of Parliament for the Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo riding. She was re-elected in the 2011 federal election with 52% of the riding's vote.

On January 30, 2011, she became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. On September 19, 2013, she became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification. On September 8, 2020 she became the Official Opposition's Critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• MMIWG: "This past weekend, Sisters in Spirit vigils were held across Canada to honour murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. This is an ongoing and devastating tragedy. It has been 16 months now and the government has been sitting on the results from the national inquiry's final report. The Native Women's Association gave it a resounding fail and stated that we did not have an action plan; we had a lack of an action plan. When can we expect a plan or is this just another failure to deliver?" Hansard, Oct. 6, 2020
• Self-governance: "There is the First Nations Land Management Act, which is very significant, the First Nations Land Management Act, which is again pretty significant, on organizations and operations. However, nothing has been done. I think it would be important for the Liberals especially and all members of the House to say that we promised we would not do this, but we did it. We have some testimony over in the Senate, and it should lead us to be a little concerned about what we have done. We need to actually support the amendments proposed by the Conservatives and do some proper process in terms of making sure that we are going to move forward with a piece of legislation that is going to get the job done. Otherwise, again, it is another broken promise and another failure of the Liberals." Hansard, Nov. 26, 2018
• UNDRIP: "In the past, the Liberals have argued vehemently that any small changes to the Indian Act and the Labour Code must only be introduced as government legislation, where there is an opportunity for comprehensive reflection and not just a couple of hours of debate. I would suggest that the bill before us today has more far-reaching implications than the right to a secret ballot for union certification. For the Liberals to support an NDP private member's bill to implement UNDRIP and not put it forward as government-initiated legislation is unfathomable. The debate will not be afforded the due diligence that it requires and deserves. Even today, members might have noticed that we did not hear from the minister. We did not have an opportunity under private members' business to even question the minister. In my mind, that is a problem." Members' Statement, HoC, Dec. 5, 2017.

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Bill C-3 (Judges Act): "It is my privilege to rise to talk about Bill C-3, a bill that is going to make a small difference in what is really a larger system failure in dealing with sexual violence and sexual assault in Canada." Hansard, Oct. 8, 2020
• Speech from the Throne (Opioid epidemic): "In the throne speech, all the government did was acknowledge there is an opioid epidemic. It gave no hint of a plan. There was one sentence, when more than 1,000 people in B.C. have died. There are heartbroken families. Fentanyl is being smuggled unchecked and there is no plan from the Liberals. How does the government justify such neglect?" Hansard, Sept. 24, 2020
• Softwood Lumber: "We've had support going to the arts and we've had support going to fisheries, just to name a few, but arguably for the industry that was having some of the most numerous challenges, it has been radio silence. That was eight weeks ago today. Can the government at least commit to releasing an updated softwood lumber transition plan before we rise?" COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, June 16, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Long-term boil water advisories on First Nations: "Out of the many Liberal broken promises and commitments- this is the worst! These water systems can and must be fixed!" Twitter, Sept. 28, 2020
• Bill C-69: "We had conversations with mining association at the time suggesting they should be concerned about this bill. Economic recovery will require a nimble but comprehensive assessment process not multiple layers...Usually best left in the hands of the Province." Twitter, Aug. 22, 2020

Written Questions

• Q-117, Wet'suwet'en Nation and TC Energy's Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline project – Oct. 5, 2020
• Q-118, Hgh-speed Internet to Indigenous communities – Oct. 5, 2020
• Q-119, Deadline to release a national action plan in response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Oct. 5, 2020
• Q-120, Contract between CIRNAC and Nathan Cullen – Oct. 5, 2020

Private Members' Business

• C-330 (An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (landlord consent)) (introduced and Dec. 14, 2016 - Defeated at second reading – May 30, 2018)
• C-290 (Modernizing Access to Product Information Act) (introduced June 14, 2016) – An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (machine-readable code).
• M-165 (Indigenous jurisdiction and institutions) (Motion placed on Notice, Jan. 31, 2018) - That, in the opinion of the House, the government should: (a) recognize Indigenous jurisdiction and support the creation of new accountable Indigenous institutions to provide services to Indigenous communities; (b) recognize that the most effective way to transfer jurisdiction and services from the government to Indigenous communities is to support First Nation-led opt-in legislation and to support First Nation institutions; (c) request that the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs advance First Nation-led proposals to establish a First Nation-led infrastructure institution and a First Nation-led and operated Indigenous land title registry; and (d) report to the House annually on progress made.

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 CISSS de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue 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

• Key Indigenous issues: "Can we acknowledge the clear link between the spread of COVID-19 and the sanitary conditions of first nations? Can we pass a bill to give effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? Can we adopt framework legislation to replace the first nations policing policy? Can we deploy resources to ensure this is carried on in the daily practice, languages, culture and traditions of indigenous peoples? Can we fix the way indigenous schools operate to address the education crisis?" Hansard, Oct. 6, 2020
• Housing: "I want to point out that we need to implement a five-year plan to build 8,000 housing units for first nations in Quebec. Does the government have an update on that?" Hansard, Oct. 5, 2020
• Policing: "The federal government must work with Indigenous peoples, Quebec and the provinces to establish adequate funding for indigenous police forces. Civilian ethics organizations should be created to oversee the RCMP. Police officers and the general population must be better educated on indigenous realities and cultures. Hundreds of pages must be written and actions taken to restore confidence in law enforcement so as to achieve the long-overdue reconciliation." COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, June 10, 2020
• Wet'suwet'en Protest: "Since this government abdicated its leadership responsibilities on the rail crisis, the situation has deteriorated. More blockades are going up in Quebec and elsewhere. When the Prime Minister decided to hide from this dispute last Friday, he said that he wanted to engage in dialogue, but that it takes two to have a dialogue." Hansard, Feb 25, 2020
• Boil water advisories: "Je représente la circonscription de Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou et, actuellement, il y a des situations qui dégénèrent relativement à l'accès à l'eau potable et aussi en matière de logement. Vous dites que vous avez un groupe de travail mixte composé de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations. Qui, parmi les Premières Nations, siège au comité du groupe mixte?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Oath of Citizenship : "The Bloc Québécois does not oppose including the recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights in the oath of citizenship. We even commend the principle and sincere desire behind this act, but we want to point out that this addition constitutes a detour that would not be necessary if Canada was a state that recognized the nations that make it up in its fundamental legislation right from the start." Hansard, Feb. 24, 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

• Q-389, Consultations that the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is currently holding in order to develop an action plan to implement the 231 calls for justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – Mar. 5, 2020
• Q-390, Drinking water situation in Kitigan Zibi – Mar. 5, 2020

Private Members' Business

• C-223 (An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (adequate knowledge of French in Quebec)) (Bill introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons, Feb. 25, 2020. Reinstated from the previous session, Sept. 23, 2020).

Biographical information

Ms. Blaney was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and again in 2019.

Prior to her election, Ms. Blaney was a non-profit professional. She was the Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Vancouver Island.

Ms. Blaney is currently the Whip for the NDP and Spokesperson on Veteran's Issues.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• Lobster Fishery Dispute in Nova Scotia: "I want to go back to what he kept referring to, something I think is so important, which is that this was a decision made in 1999: 21 years ago. I find it fascinating that the government is saying that this behaviour is a surprise. I am wondering if the member could tell the House what ideas he has around preparing, and recognizing, as the Liberal government says it does, systemic racism and the impacts on local communities." Hansard, Oct. 19, 2020
• Oath of Citizenship: "If the current pace holds (2.25 Calls a year) it will take approximately 38 more years before all of the Calls to Action are implemented. Reconciliation in 2057?
• If we look at what is happening across our country, it definitely is clear that there is a lack of a pathway, a lack of leadership around reconciliation. There is an essential distrust. When we look at the bill and when we talk about treaties, we have to also acknowledge how long this path will take." Hansard, Feb 24, 2020
• Sterilization of Indigenous women: "This is more than just a gross violation of human rights and a product of systemic racism." "This is enough, enough apologies, enough talking points. How will this government make sure this never happens again?" "It's hard to find language to wrap around even the thought of one story of the woman who had given birth and they said, 'you cannot see your newborn child until you agree to being sterilized,'" "Imagine any Canadian woman thinking that's an okay conversation after you've just given birth. This story is horrifying. It's inhumane and it really goes against the rights of all Canadians." Powell River Peak, Nov. 24, 2018

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Bill C-7 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)): "When we talk about the subject, the most important thing is the unnecessary suffering. We need to end that, not only for the person experiencing it but for the pressure of watching their loved ones go through that unnecessary suffering." Hansard, Oct. 9, 2020
• Veterans: "The veterans minister seems to be okay telling 45,000 veterans in this country that they can wait another two and a half years to see their disability applications completed. Last week, the PBO provided a plan to get this done in one year and make sure this never happens again to our veterans. Instead of focusing on helping them, the Liberals spent over $200,000 in legal fees defending a Liberal minister and attacking a veteran. When will the government stand up for veterans and make sure that it is spending the money on the people who stood up to protect us in this country?" Hansard, Oct. 7, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Speech from the Throne (Veterans): "Veterans are so far down this government's list of priorities they didn't even mention them in the speech that was over an hour long. Our service men and women give so much for this country. They are there when we need them, whether it's helping to keep our loved ones safe in long-term care homes during a pandemic or supporting our allies overseas. Our veterans deserve much better from this government." Powell River Peak, Sept. 24, 2020

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• M-224 (Guaranteed Income Supplement) (Motion placed on Notice – March 28, 2019)- That, in the opinion of the House, the government should consider helping seniors who risk having their Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits suspended by amending the Old Age Security Act to: (a) require the Minister of Employment and Social Development to estimate the income of a pensioner who was unable to make the required statement for up to one year so that the most vulnerable Canadian seniors can have a reliable, secure income; and (b) require the Minister to provide the information and resources necessary to reduce the administrative burden on the pensioner with respect to declaring their income so that daunting paperwork prevents no one from accessing the services they need and are entitled to by Canadian law.
• C-449 (An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (monthly guaranteed income supplement) (Bill introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons, May 16, 2019)
• C-325 (An Act to amend the Canadian Bill of Rights (right to housing)) (Bill introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons, Dec. 5, 2016)