Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: 2021-2022 Supplementary Estimates (A). Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. June 10, 2021

Logistics

Date: Thursday, June 10, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.
Location: Videoconference (Zoom)
Subject: 2021-2022 Supplementary Estimates (A)

Appearing – First Hour

• The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
• The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

Supporting Witnesses from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

• Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister (TBC)
• Annie Boudreau, Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer (TBC)
• Serge Beaudoin, Assistant Deputy Minister, Northern Affairs (TBC)
• Others TBC

Appearing – Second Hour

• The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services

Supporting Witnesses from Indigenous Services Canada

• Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister (TBC)
• Philippe Thompson, Chief Finances, Results and Delivery Officer
• Others TBC

Context

At this meeting, the Committee will discuss the 2021-2022 Supplementary Estimates (A) for both Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.

The two hour meeting will be split into separate appearances for each department, with CIRNAC appearing in the first hour (11 a.m.) and ISC appearing in the second hour (noon).

Ministers will each have six minutes to present opening remarks. In the CIRNAC hour, Minister Bennett will speak first, followed by Minister Vandal.

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled to occur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. via the web platform Zoom.

All witnesses will be asked to connect to the meeting at 10:30 a.m. The Zoom link will be sent directly from the House of Commons to the witnesses.

The Chair will open the meeting and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. He will then introduce all witnesses. Ministers will then deliver remarks as per standard practice (6 minute maximum each). It is recommended to speak slowly and at an appropriate level to ensure the interpreters can hear you. All witnesses are requested to mute your microphone when you are not speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either language but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges.

Following the Ministers' opening remarks (six minutes each), there will be rounds of 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
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Bloc Québécois (2.5 minutes)
  • New Democratic Party of Canada (2.5 minutes)
  • Conservative Party of Canada (5 minutes)
  • Liberal Party of Canada (5 minutes)

The meeting can be watched via Parlvu, however there is a 70-second delay.

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 (A) are the first estimates for 2021–2022.
• Eligible items are:
  • requirements that are expected to be approved by or before May 6, 2021;
  • reprofiles;
  • 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.

2021–2022 Supplementary Estimates (A)

• The 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (A) reflects a net increase of $997 million, which includes $136.4 million in new funding; $868.2 million of reprofile funding, and $7.6 million of transfers to other government departments.
• The total budgetary authorities for 2021-22 will be $5.7 billion.

Explanation of Requirements 2021–2022 – By Vote and Key Initiatives

The net increase of $996.9 million is comprised of:

• $866.1 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures. Key initiatives include: Reprofile funding for Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement $610 million; Reprofile funding for the Sixties Scoop Settlement $256.6 million; and $0.5 million of internal reallocation of resources for Stoney Nakoda loan.
• $1.6 million in Vote 5 Capital for Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).
• $128.7 million in 10 Grants and contributions. Key initiatives include: Funding to respond to Territorial Governments Housing and Infrastructure Needs $50 million; Funding for Inuit- specific housing $40 million; Funding to increase the Nutrition North subsidy $20 million.
• $0.5 million in Vote 25. Debt Forgiveness for Stoney Nakoda First Nation loan.

Crown–Indigenous Relations Supplementary Estimates (A) items

Northern Affairs Supplementary Estimates (A) items

Annex A

If pressed on the net increase

• The 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (A) includes $136.4 million of funding for new initiatives, $868.2 million of reprofile funding, and $7.6 million of transfers to other government departments.
• For Crown-Indigenous Relations, the net increase includes:
  • $866.1 million in Vote 1 Operating expenditures including the following three items:
    • Reprofile funding for Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement ($610 million)
    • Reprofile funding for the Sixties Scoop Settlement ($256.6 million); and
    • Internal reallocation of resources for Stoney Nakoda loan ($0.5 million).
  • $128.7 million in Vote 10 Grants and contributions including:
    • Funding for Inuit-specific housing ($40 million);
    • Funding for the implementation of the Canada-Tŝilhqot'in Nation-British Columbia Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement ($8.1 million);
    • Funding to Advancing Reconciliation through the Implementation of interim measures with the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke ($7.6 million);
    • Funding to improve ventilation in public buildings ($5.5 million);
    • Funding for the renewal of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA) and Cooperative Management for the Torngat Mountains National Park ($3.2 million); and
    • Funding to implement interim reconciliation agreement ($2 million).
  • $0.5 million in New Vote 25: Debt Forgiveness for Crown-Indigenous Relations for Stoney Nakoda First Nation loan.

McLean – Federal Indian Day Schools (133 words)

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $610 million of reprofiled funding for the Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement (McLean) that will be used for Level 2-5 compensation.
• The reprofiled funds will ensure that all approved claimants receive their compensation. The Government of Canada is legally required to provide the appropriate funding to the claims administrator upon receiving a request for compensation. 
• Payments totaling $2.89 billion have been made to date under this Settlement.   

McLean – Federal Indian Day Schools (83 words)

• The mistreatment of Indigenous children is a tragic and shameful part of Canada's history.
• As of April 30, 2021, more than 110,000 claims have been received and over 68,000 survivors have received payments for individual compensation under the settlement.
• The settlement includes an investment of $200 million to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration.

Claims Process (98 words)

• The court approved claims process is paper-based and does not require survivors to testify. It minimizes the burden on survivors and avoids the re-traumatization associated with a hearing.
• The process is designed to be quick and require minimal documentation that should already be in the possession of survivors or their family members.
• If the administrator determines that the information provided by a claimant in the application form supports a higher level of harm than requested compensation will be provided at the higher level.
• Survivors who require assistance with the claims process can seek advice from the administrator, Deloitte.

Other Claims (76 words)

• Our government is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and healing.
• We are dedicated  to righting past wrongs through negotiation rather than litigation and the proposed settlement agreement brings us one step closer to lasting and meaningful resolution to the legacy of Federal Day Schools. 
• We know that there are other Childhood Claims and we are actively working with parties, including the provinces, territories and Indigenous leadership, to resolve litigation in a respectful, compassionate and fair manner.

Joan Jack Legal Fees (84 words)

• Canada respects that the lead plaintiffs to the McLean class action have chosen Gowling WLG to represent their wishes and best interests and to carry out any additional legal work.
• We are pleased that the Court has approved the settlement agreement and the process has begun to compensate survivors.
• The ongoing legal fees litigation will have no impact on the implementation of the Settlement Agreement. Former students can continue to apply for compensation and payments will continue to be made to eligible class members.

Reclassified Claims (91 words)

• Some class members will receive a letter from the Claims Administrator notifying them that based on the information provided in their claim form, their claim has been assessed at a lower level than originally selected.
• This decision is NOT final and class members who receive a notification that their claim is being leveled down have 120 days to provide additional information and seek a reconsideration of that decision from the Claims Administrator.
• We strongly encourage class members to reach out to Class Counsel, Gowling WLG, for assistance with the reconsideration process.

Ineligible Claims (75)

• The Federal Indian Day School Settlement Agreement is open to all former students who attended a Federal Day School and suffered harm as a result of their attendance.
• Individuals will only be found to be ineligible for compensation if they did not attend a school listed in Schedule K of the settlement, have already received compensation for their attendance in another proceeding, passed away prior to July 31, 2007, or opted out of the settlement.

McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation (80 words)

• The Federal Indian Day Schools Settlement Agreement provided $200 million to the McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation – an independent organization – for legacy projects to support commemoration projects, health and wellness programs, truth-telling events, and the restoration and preservation of Indigenous languages and culture.
• It is important to hear from survivors, their families, communities, and other key stakeholders in order to build trust and creditability around the distribution of funding.
• Canada supports the work that the McLean Settlement Corporation is undertaking.

Form Fillers (93 words)

• As per the terms of the Settlement Agreement, class members cannot be charged for any services rendered in assisting them to complete their claims form, including form filling, unless the Federal Court of Canada has approved these amounts. This includes both legal advice and form filling.
• Class members should report any individuals seeking to charge them money without having Court approval to class counsel, Gowling WLG, or the claims administrator, Deloitte, immediately.
• Class members that require assistance to complete their claims forms should reach out to class counsel, Gowling WLG, for free assistance.

Funding for the Sixties Scoop Settlement

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $256.6 million of reprofiled funding to support the implementation of the Sixties Scoop settlement agreement.
• COVID-19 has significantly delayed the implementation of the settlement, but it is expected that the amount each class member will receive in individual compensation could be  determined in 2021-22. The reprofiled funds are therefore to ensure the availability of compensation funds in the year.

Funding for Inuit-specific housing

• There are unacceptable and longstanding housing gaps that exist in Indigenous communities.
• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $40.0 million in funding that was committed through Budget 2018 to support Canada's commitment to improving housing outcomes in Indigenous communities.
• In response, our Government has committed more than $1.7 billion in funding through Budgets 2017 and 2018 for distinctions-based housing strategies.
• This funding will be delivered to Makivik Corporation, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation through grant funding agreements.  
• There is more to do and we continue to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners to co-develop and implement community-led housing strategies.

Funding to implement the Tŝilhqot'in Nation – Canada –  British Columbia Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement (27 words) 

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $8.1 million of new funding for the Tŝilhqot'in community priorities relating to the pathways of reconciliation that are set out in the 2019 Tŝilhqot'in–Canada–BC Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement.

Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke – Funding to Advance Reconciliation Through the Implementation of Interim Measures with the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke (55 words)

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $7.6 million of new funding to implement interim measures negotiated between Canada and the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke to advance reconciliation and resolve land and environmental issues impacting the Nation.
• Canada and Kahnawà:ke continue to work collaboratively through the Kahnawà:ke-Canada Relationship table to implement these measures and advance the Nation's self-determination objectives.

Funding to Improve Ventilation in Public Buildings

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $5.5 million of new funding in 2021-22 to Inuit and Métis partners to improve ventilation in public buildings in their communities in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Funding will be delivered to partners through existing departmental authorities following engagement to determine preferred organizational allocation approaches.
• These funds are delivered in partnership with Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, under whose portfolio the program falls. My department will support a distinctions-based approach to ensure Inuit and Métis communities receive appropriate and equitable attention to delivery of Indigenous-led solutions
• An additional $2.0 million will be available in 2022-23.

Funding for the renewal of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA) and Cooperative Management for the Torngat Mountains National Park (83 words)

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $3.2 million of new funding that will be used for the implementation of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA) and the cooperative management of the Torngat Mountains National Park.
• This initiative will ensure that Canada continues to meet its obligations under modern treaties, by advancing work through the Institutions of Public Government in northern regions, including land use planning and resource and cooperative management activities, and contributing to Indigenous peoples determining their political, economic, social and cultural development.

Funding to implement Tsleil-Waututh First Nation interim reconciliation agreement

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides $2.0 million of new funding to implement the Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement with Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
• The Agreement, which is an interim reconciliation agreement, was co-developed at the Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination table with Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Transport Canada, implicated departments that share responsibility for the implementation of the Agreement.

Stoney Nakoda First Nation: Debt forgiveness associated with the 1946 financial arrangement between Canada and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation (120 words)

• Supplementary Estimates (A) provides the authority to forgive up to $515,306 in principal and interest owing associated with a 1946 financial arrangement entered into between the Government of Canada and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
• This debt forgiveness is consistent with the Government of Canada's priorities to redress past wrongs and pursue a renewed fiscal relationship with First Nations.
• This satisfies a request made by the Stoney Nakoda Tribal Administration, fully extinguishes the Department's responsibility to collect on amounts associated with the 1946 financial arrangement and supports relations between the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and the Government of Canada.

If pressed on the net increase

• The 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (A) includes key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $997 million. This includes $136.4 million of funding for new initiatives, $868.2 million of reprofile funding, and $7.6 million of transfers to other government departments.
• Of this, for Northern Affairs the net increase includes:
  • $1.6 million in Vote 5 Capital for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) under Northern Affairs.
  • $128.7 million in Vote 10 Grants and contributions including:
    • Funding to respond to Territorial Governments Housing and Infrastructure Needs ($50 million); and
    • Funding to increase the Nutrition North subsidy ($20 million).

If pressed on Northern Housing (92 words)

• Our government recognizes the importance of safe, adequate and affordable housing and the unprecedented challenges that Northerners are facing in responding to their housing needs.
• We will continue to work with key partners, including territorial government and Indigenous organizations, to ensure Northerners' needs are met.

Nutrition North Canada

• 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.
• Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government injected $25 million in Nutrition North Canada and subsidy rates were increased, bringing the total subsidy budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year to $128 million.
• Nutrition North Canada also expanded the list of subsidized food and essential items to include personal hygiene and cleaning products, representing an estimated investment of $8.4 million.
• Northerners in eligible communities are now also benefiting from the program's new Harvesters Support Grant, an $8 million dollar a year initiative, which is resulting in increased access to traditional foods through funds to support hunting, harvesting and food sharing activities.

Nutrition North Canada – Budget 2021

• 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.
• Budget 2021 proposes an investment of $163.4 million over three years, beginning in 2021-2022, to expand Nutrition North Canada in collaboration with Indigenous partners to better address food insecurity in the North. 
• Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020 the government injected $25 million in Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidy rates and expand the list of eligible items to include personal hygiene and cleaning products.
• Eligible communities are benefiting from the program's Harvesters Support Grant, with $8 million dollars a year to support hunting, harvesting and food sharing activities to increase access to traditional foods

Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)

• The CHARS campus serves as the headquarters for Polar Knowledge Canada. It includes offices, research labs, spaces for knowledge sharing and community engagement, a maintenance garage, equipment storage space, as well as accommodations for visiting scientists and researchers.
• The construction budget has contributed more than $73 million to an Inuit Benefits Plan through contracting, employment and training. Inuit culture and traditions played a central role in the design of the campus.

MMIWG – National Action Plan (80 words)

• Our hearts are with the survivors and the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA people.
• On June 3rd, contributing partners from across Canada came together to release the National Action Plan – and the Federal Pathway – to finally end this ongoing tragedy.
• It is supported by Budget 2021 investments of an additional $2.2 billion over five years and more than $160 million ongoing to implement the concrete measures that will truly keep Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people safe.

Remains found at BC Residential School (83 words)

• All Canadians were heartbroken when we learned of the remains of children at the former Kamloops Residential School.
• We are working with the community and our partners, such as the BC First Nations Health Authority, to provide resources and the supports needed, as determined by the community.
• We are also reaching out to Indigenous communities across Canada on how best to support them in finding their lost children, including how they can access $27 million of funding being made available on an urgent basis.

Background

The Kamloops Indian Residential School opened on May 19, 1890, and was located on the Kamloops Reserve No. 1 approximately 4.5 kilometers from the town of Kamloops, British Columbia. In the late 1940s and 1950s, the IRS was noted as the largest residential school in Canada.

Children residing at the Indian Residential School came primarily from the Okanagan, Shuswap, Thompson and Lillooet areas of British Columbia. A few children from the West Coast were also resident at the Indian Residential School.

TRC Documents Disclosure – Church & Government (105 words)

• The tragic news from Kamloops is a poignant reminder of the horrific harms done to residential school survivors and the trauma they and their families continue to suffer every day.
• The Government has turned over all relevant documents located –  over 4 million – to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These documents are housed at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
• We agree that the Catholic Church and its entities must provide all documents related to missing children and burials at Indian Residential Schools in Canada and the Prime Minister has urged them to do so.
• This is essential to reconciliation and to unlock the healing.

Catholic Church – Papal Apology (87 words)

• Residential schools survivors, families and those dealing with intergenerational trauma need to hear the Pope apologize explicitly for the Catholic Church's role in this tragedy – to unlock healing and support closure.
• The Prime Minister formally requested an apology when he met Pope Francis at the Vatican and our Government continues to call upon the Pope to apologize.
• Pope Francis's statement Sunday does not go far enough.
• A direct apology from the Pope, which acknowledges the Church's past wrongs regarding residential schools, is essential for meaningful reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action – Implementation (86 words)

• The Calls to Action provide a roadmap for reconciliation and we will continue to accelerate work with our partners to advance implementation. 
• Over 80 per cent of the 76 Calls to Action under the sole or shared responsibility of the federal government are completed or well underway.
• The recent passage of Bill C-5 is an example of concrete progress and we look forward to passing C-8 and C-15 soon.
• This work will require sustained and consistent action to advance Canada's shared journey of healing and reconciliation.

Request for Independent Review (91 words)

• The mistreatment of Indigenous children, including those who attended St. Anne's Indian Residential School, is a tragic and shameful part of Canada's history.
• To restore confidence, rebuild trust and maintain the integrity of the process, the court has ordered an independent, third party review of St. Anne's claims to determine if additional compensation is owing to survivors.
• The court has designated former Justice Ian Pitfield to conduct the independent review and steps are underway for that process to begin.  
• Canada will fund additional health support measures for survivors throughout the review.

Gottfriedson (64 Words)

• Our Government is working towards righting past wrongs, especially those involving Indigenous children, outside of the courts.
• We remain committed to negotiating a resolution outside of the courts, as we believe that negotiation is always preferable to litigation.
• We know that working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples to renew the relationship based on affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership is fundamental to achieving reconciliation.

Wet'suwet'en Nation

UNDRIP Legislation

Desautel

Restoule/Whitesand litigation (52 words)

• Canada respects the Court's previous decisions regarding the interpretation of the Robinson Treaties.
• We are committed to honouring and implementing our treaty obligations. Treaties provide foundations for ongoing cooperation and partnership as we move towards reconciliation.
• Canada prefers to resolve litigation outside of the courts through respectful and collaborative dialogue, wherever possible.

Caledonia – 1492 Land Back Lane (94 words)

• Our Government believes the best way to resolve outstanding issues is through a respectful and collaborative dialogue, which is vital to building stronger relationships and advancing reconciliation for the benefit of Indigenous communities and all Canadians.
• We deeply value our relationship with Six Nations. We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively to address their historical claims and land rights issues.
• We are ready and willing to work with Six Nations' Elected Council, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council and Ontario to try to build a negotiation process that addresses the interests of all parties.

If pressed on Budget 2021 – Indigenous Investments

• Budget 2021's investments continue to advance resilience and recovery, and the important work of reconciliation.
• $1.2 billion in funding will continue supporting the COVID-19 response in Indigenous communities. This includes support to hire nurses, help at-risk people to isolate, and distribute personal protective equipment.
• The federal government is proposing a historic, new investment of more than $18 billion over the next five years to address socio-economic gaps and create new opportunities for Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Budget 2021 asserts an unwavering commitment to also address systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples, help nations rebuild, and accelerate self-determination and self-government.

Métis governance (64 words)

• Our government is working together with the Métis Nation to advance reconciliation and build a renewed Nation-to-Nation, government-to-government relationship.
• Métis identity and Métis internal matters are for the Métis Nation to determine. The Government of Canada will continue working with Métis Nation leadership, as elected by the Métis people. 
• We are committed to building on these relationships and continuing our shared path towards reconciliation.

Budget 2021 – Indigenous Investments (93 words)

• Budget 2021's investments continue to advance resilience and recovery, and the important work of reconciliation—for the benefit of Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
• The federal government is proposing an historic, new investment of more than $18 billion over the next five years to address socio-economic gaps and create new opportunities for Indigenous peoples and communities.
• This government is taking clear action in response to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to make communities safer for Indigenous women, children and families while addressing systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples.

Atlantic Canada – Fishing Rights/Moderate Livelihood (49 words)

• The Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati Nations have a Supreme Court affirmed Treaty Right to fish. Our government has never stopped working to implement that right.
• We remain committed to working with Indigenous partners to implement the right in a manner that provides stability and orderly management of the fisheries.

If pressed on COVID-19 Cases in Nunavut

• As of May 27, 2021, there are 21 active COVID-19 cases in Nunavut, all in Iqaluit.
• The Government of Nunavut's Public Health Team is working to trace, test, and contain the spread of the virus.
• As of May 27, 2021, travel to and from Iqaluit is restricted, and public health measures have been imposed. The NWT/Nunavut Common Travel Area has been suspended until further notice. The Nunavut – Churchill Manitoba Common Travel Area is still in effect.
• Most of the infected individuals are doing well and recovering, with four hospitalizations reported.
• The Government of Canada is providing more than $19 million in emergency pandemic response funding to Nunavut in response to needs brought on by the COVID-19 outbreaks. ISC remains ready to support partners as new needs arise.

If pressed on vaccines in Nunavut 

• To date, 17,044 Nunavummiut have received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine and 14,113 are now fully vaccinated.
• All communities in Nunavut have had second dose vaccine clinics. Vaccine supply is available in all communities and residents and rotational workers are able to book vaccine appointments.
• As of May 27, 2021, 69 per cent of eligible adults in Nunavut have received a first dose and 57 per cent have received a second dose.
• The Government of Nunavut is expecting to receive its first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19, which Health Canada has approved for use in people 12 and older, sometime during the week of June 7. The 9,360 doses expected in Nunavut will be enough to fully vaccinate the territory's teenage population.

If pressed on support to the territory  

• In April 2020, Canada announced $35.8 million to Nunavut in support of COVID response measures, including health and social services preparations and to maintain critical air services.
• In the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement, Canada announced an additional $30 million to Nunavut for further COVID relief measures. 
• On November 25, 2020, the Government of Canada provided more than $19 million to Nunavut in response to needs brought on by COVID-19 outbreaks in Arviat, Rankin Inlet, and Whale Cove.
• ISC has provided more than $137.8 million in combined COVID-19 support to communities in Nunavut since the beginning of the pandemic.
• The Government of Canada will continue to support the territory and its partners to provide assistance as required.

If pressed on health services in the North

• We are working with territorial and Indigenous partners to advance the health and safety of First Nations and Inuit in the North.
• While territorial governments are responsible for the delivery of health care in the territories, we work in partnership to ensure First Nations and Inuit have access to culturally safe supports and services, including on the land activities.
• In 2020-21, $45.7 million was allocated to support mental health programming and services in all 72 First Nations and Inuit communities in the three territories.

If pressed on health services in the North during COVID-19

• Our government is supporting Indigenous communities to implement culturally relevant emergency measures to promote on the land physical distancing.
• Last year, Canada invested more than $117 million in mental health and wellness supports related to the COVID-19 pandemic, of which $10.6 million was allocated across the three territories.
• In response to COVID-19, a pan-territorial Indigenous working group is in place and will continue to work with Indigenous partners to help them protect their health and safety during this pandemic.

Budget 2021 – Indigenous Investments

• Budget 2021's investments continue to advance resilience and recovery, and the important work of reconciliation—for the benefit of Indigenous peoples, and all Canadians.
• The federal government is proposing a historic, new investment of more than $18 billion over the next five years, to address socio-economic gaps and create new opportunities for Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Budget 2021 asserts an unwavering commitment to address systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples, help nations rebuild, and accelerate self-determination and self-government.

If pressed on whole-of-government Budget 2021 investments (86 words)

• Given the unique challenges in the region, our ability to make meaningful progress for Arctic and northern communities requires a whole-of-government approach.
• In this Budget, substantial northern investments were made across federal portfolios, including to implement the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework:
  • food security, health and wellness;
  • early learning and child care;
  • critical infrastructure including clean energy, housing, transportation, and broadband;
  • Northern post-secondary education;
  • scientific research and mapping;
  • Northern travel costs; and
  • capacity and resources for marine and safety.

If Pressed on Targeted COVID relief and recovery measures

• $854.7 million in targeted COVID relief and recovery measures has been identified:
  • $137.3 million for territorial preparation and response efforts plus $19.36 million for Nunavut Assistance;
  • $247.2 million for critical arctic and northern air transportation;
  • $25 million for enhancements to Nutrition North Canada;
  • $52.3 million for relief to northern businesses and regional recovery;
  • $115.1 million for Indigenous Community Support Fund;
  • $155 million for Investing in Canada Infrastructure program – COVID-19 resilience stream;
  • $16.6 million mental health and critical health support;
  • $37.1 million Safe Restart Agreement top-u p; and
  • $49.5 million Federal Gas Tax Fund.

If Pressed on Post-Secondary Education

• Through Budget 2019, our government invested almost $13 million over five years in the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning and $26 million over five years for the construction of a science building at Yukon University.
• Post-secondary education in Canada's North is a key priority for Northerners. In October 2020, we launched an independent Task Force on Post-Secondary Education in the North, initially announced in Budget 2019. The Task Force will provide recommendations on how best to close the post-secondary education gap in the North.
• The Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education website launched on May 17, 2021. This launch signals the beginning of the public engagement sessions for the Task Force.

If pressed on Nunavut Devolution

• 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 next step is the negotiation of a Final Devolution Agreement.
• The parties resumed negotiations on a Final Devolution Agreement to be completed over the next two years.
  • This work is progressing well.
  • The details of negotiations will remain confidential until a Final Agreement has been reached.

If pressed on Northern Contaminated Sites Program

• The Government has renewed the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and has made significant investments in the new Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program.
• Both programs 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.

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

• UNDRIP and Healthcare: "We also need to ensure that we bring forward legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We need to make sure that the gaps we see in all other social determinants of health are closed as well. As the throne speech said, we also want to make sure that in health care, we have legislation that is co-developed by indigenous partners so we can have proper health care for all in this country." Hansard, Oct 1, 2020
• MMIWG Action Plan: "In response to the first-ever national public inquiry regarding this ongoing national tragedy, our government is working with all provincial and territorial governments as well as indigenous leaders, survivors and families to develop a national action plan that sets a clear road map to ensure that indigenous women and girls, two-spirit and gender diverse people are safe. As the Speech from the Throne and the minister's mandate letter highlighted, the co-development of the national action plan is a priority of our government and work is under way through a series of working groups led by indigenous women, with families and survivors at the centre of this work." Hansard, Feb 2, 2021
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: "It is a day marked by September 30, traditionally Orange Shirt Day. As much as we mark this day, as much as this day is important and significant, it is a day for Canadians to recommit and double down on the need for reconciliation to take place, the need for all the social determinants of health to be rectified and to ensure that we have a proper plan and path forward to ensure that true equality can take shape in Canada." Hansard, Oct 23, 2020
• Indian Act: "A number of questions were posed about the Indian Act itself. I can categorically say that it is a deeply flawed and deeply racist act that continues to subjugate First Nations people from coast to coast to coast in a very colonial setting." Hansard, Oct 23, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94): "I just want to put on the record the importance of having this work within Bill C-8, the term "Constitution Act, 1982". It is very important in the sense that it recognizes some very specific rights of Indigenous people, defined in section 35. Bill C-8 is a document that had consultation through a number of different Indigenous organizations and peoples, and we believe it's an important outlet to reaffirm the importance of the Constitution and the constitutional rights of Indigenous peoples as enshrined therein." INAN, Feb 4, 2021
• COVID-19/Long-term care: "While Canada has done relatively well in handling the pandemic, our systemic failure within our long-term care homes is a national shame. I recognize and acknowledge that the long-term care homes are a provincial responsibility. In some respects, it is easy for us to say this and point fingers. Truth be told: no one cares about jurisdiction. Canadians want action and rightfully so. Decades of neglect have eroded the fragile foundations of these facilities. An absence of accountability and apathy toward oversight has shifted the culture from one of long-term care to one of long-term crisis." Hansard, Jan 25, 2021.
• Human Rights/Sri Lanka: "This year is the 10th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Last June, Parliament unanimously passed a motion asking the United Nations to undertake an investigation into genocide on the island. Sadly, Sri Lanka has returned a war criminal to power with his cohorts of despotic military leaders, who have sent chills down the spine of civil society actors on the island and worldwide. Now more than ever truth, peace, accountability and reconciliation on the island seem far out of reach." Hansard, Dec 11, 2019

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

• UNDRIP: "There is no doubt that the Indian Act is racist legislation. There is no doubt that we need to change it. I really hope we can do so with UNDRIP, being something that takes its place. My father is one of the initial drafters of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is an amazing document and we should move forward on it." Hansard, Oct 23, 2020.
• Systemic Racism/Policing: "We have to understand that there is systemic racism in all levels of government and while we want the RCMP and police keepers, what we really want to see is more Mi'kmaq police keepers, peacekeepers and RCMP people to help protect." Hansard, Oct 23, 2020
• 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. 20, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• UNDRIP: "today is a historic day for indigenous people: 13 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly voted to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Many scholars across several nations, including my father, Sákéj Youngblood Henderson, worked for decades on the UN declaration. Will the Minister of Justice update the House on the Liberal government's commitment to introduce a bill on the UN declaration before the end of 2020?" Hansard, Dec 3, 2020
• Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94): "A lot of people focus on section 35 of the Constitution of Canada, which recognizes and affirms the aboriginal and treaty rights, but I don't feel that people acknowledge and put as much weight on section 52, the supremacy law that you were referring to that recognizes that aboriginal and treaty rights, which include inherent and aboriginal title and all of the things the AFN was talking about, are actually the supreme law of Canada." INAN, Feb 2, 2021.
• 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

• Domestic terrorism: "We are taking the threat posed by organizations and groups that traffic in hate, misogyny, and antisemitism seriously. Violent extremism has no place in Canada and must be treated appropriately. Twitter, Feb 3, 2021
• COVID-19 government response: "I sat down with Mayor McDougall to discuss how we'll work together on progressive policies that will support those who need it most, lay out the importance of investing in our local infrastructure on the federal level, and ferry Cape Bretoners through the post-COVID recovery. Twitter, Jan 20, 2021
• Health care: "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. 12, 2019

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• M-35 (environment grading label) (Adopted in the HOC Feb. 24, 2021 and referred to ENVI, study date TBD.) - 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

• Steel industry: "Despite the pandemic, many of the business sectors in Hamilton are performing well, contributing to wages and tax revenues, including the steel industry, which I am proud to help represent. With the current round of pre-budget consultations now under way, can the Associate Minister of Finance tell us how the government plans to ensure vibrancy and sustainability for steel and steel-related industries as we navigate the complex issues of a post-pandemic economy?" Hansard, Feb. 2, 2021
• 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
• 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

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Food Security in the North: "Having lived for a couple of years in such communities, I have spent a lot of money at the Northern store and have had to pay whatever they were charging, four or five dollars, for a head of lettuce and those kinds of prices. Obviously in a lot of these communities, Northern store basically has a monopoly. There's no real competition. Do you think their prices are fair?" INAN, Jan. 26, 2021
• 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
• 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

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

• Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts: As highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and in the calls for justice issued by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, broadcasting can play a key role in promoting and protecting Indigenous languages, arts, cultures, traditions and perspectives. The bill would support Indigenous creators so that they can tell their own stories in their own words. It emphasizes the need for Indigenous-run broadcasting services. …. Hearing them, allowing us to live the stories they tell, will not only have us in awe. It will contribute to reconciliation and mutual understanding." Hansard, Nov. 19, 2020
• Food Security in the North: "I'm curious how the various harvester programs—and the programs that fund hunters, gatherers, fishers and traditional food suppliers—are interacting with the harvester grant. …. You mentioned how important these programs are for the mental health and vitality of people, enabling them to live on the land. Do you have any recommendations for how this program or these programs could continue to work better or work better together?" INAN, Feb. 23, 2021
• 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

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Environment: "Last week, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change released a list of the 325 conditions that the CN intermodal project must meet before it could proceed with any development in my riding of Milton. I recognize that these conditions address some of the concerns raised by my community and that this conditional approval is a technical assessment not an endorsement by the federal government. However, let me be very clear that these conditions do not change my position. I have always advocated for a rejection of this project and I remain strongly opposed." Hansard, Jan. 29, 2021
• 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
• COVID-19: "the reason that I bring it up is that misinformation is actually incredibly damaging to the Canadian rhetoric. It is very dangerous. I had a call with seniors from my riding, just last night. They were really worried because they are listening to this anti-vaccine rhetoric and these notions that the number of deaths in Alberta has been inflated somehow. Misinformation is another pandemic, and we have to be very mindful of what we put out there. People rely on us for good information." Hansard, Dec. 3, 2020
• Mental Health: "We need to ensure that workplaces across Canada have mental health standards in place. People who want to access mental health services should not have to wait months on end before they get the help they need. These are exactly the sorts of problems our government will tackle, by working to introduce relevant workplace mental health standards and ensuring Canadians can access services when they need them." Hansard, Jan. 27, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Racism and Discrimination: "Through Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, we are funding projects to combat racism in all its forms. We will continue our work as allies and partners with racialized communities, religious minorities, and Indigenous peoples to combat racism as we build back better and more inclusive." News Release, Canadian Heritage, Nov. 9, 2020
• 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

• UNDRIP: "The Government of Canada hopes to achieve what we began along the path of reconciliation, and we plan to introduce UNDRIP. I am looking forward to that. We committed to a renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown, government-to-government process with Indigenous peoples across Canada to make real progress on the issues that are most important to them. We have already started down this path and we will keep walking together. It is in my heart and it is in my mind, and I pledge that I will do everything that I can as a member of Parliament to make sure that this happens." Hansard, Oct. 19, 2020.
• MMIWG: "On domestic violence and gun control, I noted that at least 118 women and girls have been murdered across our country so far this year, according to the annual report from the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability. More often than not, that is a result of domestic violence, and shooting was the most common method of killing. This report comes on the 30th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre at the university in Montreal. That shooting, which left 14 innocent young women dead, thrust the term "misogyny" into the public discourse in Canada. It still continues today, and it is a problem. Missing and murdered Indigenous women are still a huge issue that we need to address on all sides of this House and in all provinces across this nation." Dec. 12, 2019.
• Bill C-230, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy to redress environmental racism: "I would contend that Indigenous and Black women have been building grassroots environmental and social justice movements for decades to challenge the legal, political and corporate agendas that sanction and enable environmental racism and other forms of colonial violence in their communities. Colonial gendered violence continues today and includes the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, the displacement of Indigenous people from their lands by corporate resource-extraction projects, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous police violence and other forms of state-sanctioned violence that make it difficult for Indigenous and Black peoples and women to meet their basic needs with respect to employment, income, health care and other resources." Hansard, Dec. 8, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Mi'Kmaq fisheries: "My constituents in Millbrook First Nation, as well as the Mi'kmaq across the province, would appreciate an update on the current nation-to-nation discussions under way between our government and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs based on their treaty rights to fish for a moderate livelihood, which was upheld in a ruling on the Marshall decision…" Hansard, Oct. 2, 2020
• COVID-19/Mental health: "We heard in the spring that the pandemic was having impacts on mental health across the country for Indigenous communities that were already vulnerable before the crisis. They are even more so now and will probably be more so afterwards… Can you please describe the impacts of the pandemic on the mental health of Mi'Kmaq communities in our area?" INAN, Nov. 26, 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

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

• MMIWG/Water: "I worry that this promise [MMIWG Action Plan] could follow a fate similar to the government's pledge to end all long-term drinking water advisories. We know the government had to walk that promise back very recently…" Hansard, Feb. 2, 2021.
• Water: "Today marks 26 years since the Neskantaga First Nation in my riding fell under a boil water advisory. Not only has the community had to overcome the advisory itself, but last year a malfunction with the water system caused residents to have to evacuate entirely. The government has stated that no relationship is more important to it than its relationship with Indigenous peoples; however, its inaction on this issue speaks far louder than its hollow words. All that community residents have been asking is for the government to keep the promise it made and put an end to this crisis." Hansard, Feb. 1, 2021
• Housing: "the member across the way mentioned the rapid housing initiative and has been speaking of housing in the north more broadly. In my riding of Kenora in northwestern Ontario, we see many of these issues day after day. One of the things that concerned me when the rapid housing initiative was announced is that there seems to be a specific focus on urban centres when, meanwhile, northern rural regions and Indigenous communities seem to have to fight for the rest of the funds. I would ask the member why northern Canada and Indigenous communities, more specifically, weren't offered a specific stream as part of this initiative." Hansard, Nov. 5, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Broadband: "In 2016, the government promised high-speed Internet to the communities of Madsen and Shoal Lake 39 in my riding. This funding was announced five years ago, yet these communities are still waiting for improved service. If it was not to deliver high-speed Internet as promised, where was this funding actually spent?" Hansard, Jan. 28, 2021
• FedNor: "Municipalities across northern Ontario have been waiting over 100 days to find out whether they will receive funding through the community investment initiative   to support economic development. The department claims to respond to funding applications within 80 days. I raised this issue with the minister two weeks ago, but as of this morning we are still waiting for an answer." Hansard, Dec. 9, 2020
• Northern Infrastructure: "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

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

• Indigenous Businesses: "An issue that has become near and dear to me, as I have served in the capacity as shadow minister over the past year, is Indigenous businesses. I strongly believe that without true economic reconciliation, Canada's relationship with Indigenous people will continue to be one of dependence. We need to put our effort and focus on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs who remain so connected to their nations and allow them to reinvest in their communities to provide real and lasting positive outcomes. That means the Liberals making good on their promise of a 5% procurement target for Indigenous businesses." Hansard, Dec. 3, 2020
• Indigenous Businesses: "We need to ensure that all Canadian businesses have the ability to prosper. 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

• 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
• 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 [Bill C-92, child and family services]?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020

General Issues Raised in the Media

• Indigenous Procurement/COVID-19: "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 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
• 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
• 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

• UNDRIP: "yesterday, at the northern and aboriginal affairs committee, we had natural resources officials there. We are currently studying Bill C-262, on the implementation of UNDRIP and how all Canadian law is going to have to live within the framework of UNDRIP. We asked the natural resources officials if they had considered whether Bill C-69 lived within that framework, and they had not. That was their answer. I am just wondering if free, prior, and informed consent is to be held at all levels, particularly legislative, but also if the member thinks that Bill C-69 meets that threshold of free, prior, and informed consent." Hansard, Mar. 2, 2018
• Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94): "I have the privilege of representing 14 First Nations in northern Alberta, all Cree people who speak Cree…These communities are vibrant. They are surviving very well in northern Alberta due to natural resource development. Many of them have road construction companies. They have logging companies. They have oil service companies. They have been blessed by the abundance of natural resources… While the bill is an important one, it will not necessarily bring the tangible results we are looking for on some of these major issues around employment in First Nations, around drinking water on reserve and around whether the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies on reserves… When they signed the treaty, they became Canadian. The Charter of Rights, therefore, applies to them. It is a document that they should be able hold their own band leadership to account with, as well as the federal, provincial and municipal governments, depending which government they live under." Hansard, Nov. 23, 2020
• 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

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Métis settlements: "You talked about the $50 million that they're looking for in bridge funding. I wonder if you could outline a little around what has happened to the Métis settlements over the last five years, essentially, and where the revenues they normally have been funded with have dried up." INAN, Nov. 26, 2020
• Pipelines: "To get the economy right in northern Alberta, we need pipelines. We need pipelines so that we can get our product to market. We need pipelines so we can get our oil off the railway and our grain on the railway to get it out. We need pipelines so we can get oil off the railway and get our lumber to market on the railway. We need pipelines. We need pipelines. We need pipelines."  Hansard, May 2, 2019.
• 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

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

• M-45 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) (Motion placed on notice August 10, 2020).
• 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-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 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 served as critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations under Andrew Scheer's leadership. Following the election of Erin O'Toole as CPC leader, he was appointed critic for Families, Children, and Social Development. On February 10, 2021, during a CPC critic shuffle, he was re-appointed critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations.

During his time as critic for Families, Children, and Social Development (2020), he was a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA).

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

• UNDRIP: "… we keep saying that we approve of the aspirational part of UNDRIP and of Bill C-15… What we are opposing and questioning, which is no secret, is the lack of due diligence in putting forward this legislation without coming to a common understanding of what free, prior and informed consent actually means." Hansard, Feb. 17, 2021.
• Development: "… 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....We aspire to help the world meet its energy needs and move to ever-cleaner fuel sources. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint. We want Indigenous reconciliation and long-term partnership. And we hope to maintain the standard of living we have come to enjoy. But without a balanced approach to harnessing our energy future, all of this is at risk." Hansard, Apr. 9, 2019.
• 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

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• COVID-19, rural communities: "more than one million tourism-related employees have been laid off. Summer festivals all over the country are being cancelled. Kids' camps are closed. For many restaurants, a recent study is telling us that the pandemic is going to devastate the industry. In rural communities, mom and pop businesses are being told to close, yet big-box stores are allowed to open. Rural Canadians are told to work from home, yet internet and cellular service is sketchy at best. Rural communities are going to be the hardest hit and, in many cases, the slowest to recover." Hansard, May 26, 2020
• COVID-19: "The Indigenous Services minister stated that his department sent packages of PPE supplies to First Nations across Canada. However, there are still First Nations communities that are reporting little access to this life-saving equipment. Can the minister report on how many First Nations communities are still waiting for their PPE?" Hansard, Apr. 20, 2020
• Domestic Violence: "But as many of you mentioned in your testimony [COVID-19 self-isolation measures], it didn't take into account the women and children who face domestic abuse. There has been some recognition of this by the federal government. Some of you, in your comments and your testimony, said that more needs to be done." INAN, May 15, 2020
• Indigenous housing: "This housing issue hasn't just started today, it's been going on for decades, so what is being done...? I know you mentioned what the government's doing, but what is the schedule to get these units built and actually functioning so you don't have these overcrowded situations." INAN, Feb 25, 2020

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.

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
• MMIWG: "For the sake of all the missing and murdered women, we need to move forward with solutions, such as immediately implementing the recommendations set out in the report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." Hansard, Oct. 5, 2020.
• Wet'suwet'en Protests: "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." [1] Hansard, Feb. 20, 2020

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Boil water advisories: "I represent the riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou and there are situations that are getting out of hand in relation to access to clean water and also to housing. You say you have a joint working group including the Assembly of First Nations. Who from the Assembly of First Nations is part of this working group?" INAN, Feb 25, 2020
• Quebec 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

• Quebec-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
• Quebec 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
• Q-397² — UNDRIP – Feb. 15, 2021

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, 2nd hour of debate at 2nd reading anticipated on Feb. 18, 2021).

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.

She previously sat on INAN and was a Vice-Chair during the 42nd Parliament from May 28, 2018 until Parliament was dissolved.

Statements on Indigenous Issues

• UNDRIP/Reconciliation: "one of the concerns I have is that this is the 94th call to action. With the passing of the bill before us, that would mean 10 of the 94 calls to action would have been implemented, which is very slow. I am also concerned that the government is now dragging its feet on moving forward with legislation around the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I wonder if the member could speak to how long reconciliation needs to take with the current government in power." Hansard, Feb. 24, 2020.
• MMIWG: "That is why I have brought this serious issue forward. It is because so many families across this country want to see action now. They want to see preventative measures so that this does not happen again, when again and again, what we see are Indigenous women and girls murdered or missing, and not found. I also think it is important to recognize that all of these communities are coming together across Canada to get these voices heard. The red dress campaign continues to be a fight, but we want to see action, and we want to see the inquiry action items actually put into place. I am hoping to hear from the government today that there will finally be action." Hansard, Oct. 8, 2020
• Bill C-14, Economic Statement Implementation Act 2020: "All of this really fits into the reason I put forward my Motion No. 53, principles for a sustainable and equitable future, in the fall. This motion requires the government to equitably distribute funds and programming among federal ridings and take into account UNDRIP, climate change and the prioritization of projects by small businesses that create diversity in local, long-term, well-paying jobs, because that is how we keep profits and benefits within the community." Hansard, Jan. 26, 2021.
• Housing: "I am still waiting for the Indigenous national housing strategy that the government said it would provide years ago. When I look at the numerous urban Indigenous communities that exist across the country, I can see that they need housing desperately. This is a huge gap in supports and services. It is heartbreaking when children are taken from their families, sometimes incredibly strong families, simply because they do not have adequate housing. Putting in a bill that we will not do that is not enough. Children should be kept safe: all children should be recognized and Indigenous communities, both off and on reserve, need the housing. We have to stop dithering. We have to take action." Hansard, Oct. 23, 2020.

General Issues Raised in Question Period and Committee

• Public Transportation: "There are a lot of rural, remote and Indigenous communities in my riding that need accessible transportation. This has been an ongoing challenge. As we look at recovery, making sure people can get to their appointments and get out of their communities for opportunities, health and many other concerns is pivotal, so I hope to see some support for this." Hansard, Jan. 26, 2021.
• 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
• 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

Written Questions

• None.

Private Members' Business

• M-53 (Principles for a Sustainable and Equitable Future) (Motion placed on Notice – November 12, 2020) – That: (a) the House recognize and honour that, (i) Canada, as a nation, has a rich history of resource-dependent rural communities providing the economic prosperity many Canadians have benefited from, (ii) this prosperity has often been at the expense of or specifically excluded local Indigenous peoples and communities, (iii) the future of these resource-dependent communities is at risk due to climate change, the movement of rural residents to urban centres, the loss of ecological diversity and integrity, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, (iv) the majority of the landscape in Canada is remote and sparsely populated and rural communities are crucial in our understanding and management of localized climate change impacts; and (b) in the opinion of the House, for all federal COVID-19 relief and recovery funding, programming and legislation, the government should abide by the following principles: (i) be in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, (ii) it be applied and distributed equitably by federal riding, geographic region, and province or territory, (iii) prioritize and incentivize projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions or waste, (iv) prioritize and incentivize initiatives that improve the water-retentive capacities of soils and that facilitate the recharge of groundwaters, (v) prioritize and incentivize projects that can be built and managed by local businesses and agencies to create a diversity of local, long-term, well-paying employment opportunities and small business initiatives that keep profits and benefits within the community.
• 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)