PARLIAMENTARY WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 22 - 26, 2013

On Friday, April 19, 2013, NDP Member Jean Crowder introduced the following motion for debate.

That this House call on the government to: (a) abandon its confrontational approach to First Nations, Métis and in favour of a nation-to-nation dialogue; (b) make treaty implementation, as well as the settlement and implementation of land claims, a priority, including in Labrador; and (c) begin negotiations in good faith with NunatuKavut Community Council on their comprehensive land claim that has been without a response since 1991.

The motion was defeated in a vote on April 23, 2013.

Updates on Key Legislation pertaining to First Nations

Please note: LEGISinfo, a website maintained by the Library of Parliament, provides comprehensive information on all legislation: http://www.parl.gc.ca/LegisInfo/Home.aspx?language=E&Parl=41&Ses=1

Bill C-27: First Nations Financial Transparency Act RD • PASSED 3 READING IN THE SENATE ON MARCH 26, 2013 & RECEIVED ROYAL ASSENT ON MARCH 27, 2013. • The Act requires First Nations to prepare and publically disclose audited consolidated financial statements AND schedules for remuneration paid to Chiefs and councillors. This information would also be provided on the AANDC website. Failure to prepare or disclose such information could result in withholding of contribution funds or termination of an agreement. • Chiefs have affirmed the importance of accountability and transparency to their citizens. This Bill will not address the real issues that challenge First Nation governments and provides new powers to the AANDC Minister.

Bill C-47: An Act to enact the Planning and Project Assessment Act and the Surface Rights Board Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts nd • Introduced on November 6, 2012. Completed 2 reading in the Senate on April 16, 2013 and has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources for study. • Enacts the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, which implements certain provisions of Articles 10 to 12 of the land claims agreement between the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area • Enacts the Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board Act, which implements provisions of certain land claim agreements. In particular, that Act establishes the Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board, whose purpose is to resolve matters in dispute relating to terms and conditions of access to lands and waters in the Northwest Territories and the compensation to be paid in respect of that access. • Initial analysis reveals it may dilute First Nation participation on environmental assessment boards and land and water boards, and have implications for modern claims agreement and arrangements under territorial devolution. Further analysis is underway. • First Nations have informed the committee that this legislation does not have their consent and its impacts on their traditional lands have not been established.

Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act • Introduced in the Senate on September 28, 2011 and passed 3rd reading of the Senate on December 1, 2011. nd • The government imposed time allocation and S-2 completed debates at 2 reading on April 17, 2013. S-2 has been referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women for study. BC AFN Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould will present to the committee on May 2, 2013. • Matrimonial Real Property and land management is a matter of First Nation jurisdiction and First Nations have repeatedly called on the government to work with us on an approach that will truly ensure First Nation citizens’ access to justice. • Some changes to previous versions of bill – notably removal of the verification officer, removal of the voting threshold for ratification and addition of a 12 month transition period. • Does not provide the necessary tools and capacity to access justice or to address underlying issues, such as housing shortages, family violence and the need for community-based dispute resolution mechanisms. • There are already First Nations that have put their own laws and approaches in place on this matter. These must be respected and a similar approach must be supported for all First Nations. • First Nation governments are encouraged to work with their citizens to enact their own laws or codes in this area in advance of this Bill coming into force. A template First Nations matrimonial real property law is available to support this work on www.afn.ca.

Bill S-6: First Nations Elections Act rd • Introduced in the Senate on December 6, 2011. Passed 3 reading in the Senate on April 24, 2012 without amendments. st • Introduced at 1 reading in the House of Commons on May 4, 2012. • Bill S-6 is opt-in legislation for First Nations who conduct their elections under the Indian Act • Extends the election term from two to four years; has provisions for a re-call mechanism; elections can be contested in a court and sets-out offences and penalties in relation to the election of a chief or councillor. • Concerns have been expressed about provisions in the Bill that empower the Minister of AANDC to order a First Nation under the Act, including one that conducts custom elections, in the event of a dispute or an election overturned by the Governor-in-Council. • Includes opt-out provisions for FNs to transition to custom codes. • Legislation results from initiatives of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Bill S-8: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act rd • Introduced in the Senate on February 29, 2012. Completed 3 reading and passed in the Senate on June 18, 2012, without amendment. Bill S-8 was introduced in the House of Commons at 1st reading on June 19, 2012. The Bill underwent debates at 2nd reading on November 1, 2012 and again on November 22, 2012. The bill will likely return again for debates at 2nd reading this week. • Bill S-8 was previously introduced in the last session as Bill S-11. Some changes have been made including a commitment in the preamble for First Nation input into the development of regulations, the inclusion of a non-derogation/abrogation clause, and an explicit limitation that the bill does not authorize regulations respecting the allocation of water supplies or issues of permits for the use of water for any purpose other than as drinking water. • Creates regulations regarding FN drinking water, but not capacity to comply • Early support had been expressed for the changes and this version of the Bill by Alberta and Atlantic Chiefs. However, Alberta Chiefs have since passed a resolution and rescinded their support, as the Government has not met their conditions of acknowledging their Treaty and inherent control over water (including First Nation water supply and allocation laws) or addressed the water infrastructure funding deficit. • Consensus remains that investments are needed to support capacity for First Nations in this area, and that First Nations must be directly involved in the development of associated regulations.

Bill S-16: Tackling Contraband Tobacco Act nd • Introduced in the Senate on March 5, 2013. Completed debates at 2 reading on April 16, 2013 and has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for Study. • Creates a new offence of selling contraband tobacco, specifically: “a tobacco product, or raw leaf tobacco that is not packaged, unless it is stamped.” • Bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeat (i.e. more than one) offence. • This bill raises serious concerns regarding infringement on First Nations’ jurisdiction over trade and sale of tobacco and a legal analysis is underway.

Private Member Bills

Bill C-233: An Act to Eliminate Poverty in • Introduced on June 20, 2011 by Jean Crowder, Nanaimo-Cowichan • Compels the government to eliminate poverty and promote social inclusion by establishing and implementing a strategy for poverty elimination in consultation with the provincial, territorial, municipal and Aboriginal governments and with civil society organizations. • Legislation includes special consideration of Aboriginal peoples as follows: “Whereas it is especially imperative to address the living standards and specific historical and structural circumstances of Aboriginal communities so as to empower Aboriginal people and ensure their full participation in Canadian society and the Canadian economy”

Bill C-260: An Act to amend the Statistics Act (mandatory long-form census questionnaire) • Introduced on June 23, 2011 by Carolyn Bennett, St. Paul’s • Would reinstate the mandatory long-form census

Bill C-261: National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day Act • Introduced on June 23, 2011 by Rick Norlock, Northumberland – Quinte West • Would designate the third day in September “National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day”

Bill C-267: An Act respecting the preservation of Canada's water resources • Introduced on September 19, 2011 • Would prohibit the removal of water in bulk from major drainage basins in Canada.

Bill C-279: An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity) rd • Introduced on September 21, 2011 by Randall Garrison, Esquimalt--Juan de Fuca, BC. Passed 3 reading in the House of Commons March 20, 2013 and introduced in the Senate March 21, 2013. Began debates at 2nd reading in the Senate on April 16, 2013. • Amends the Canadian Human Rights Act to include gender identity as a prohibited ground of discrimination. • Also amends the Criminal Code to include gender identity as a distinguishing characteristic protected under section 318 and as an aggravating circumstance to be taken into consideration at the time of sentencing.

Bill C-302: Louis Riel Act • Introduced on September 29, 2011 by Pat Martin, Winnipeg Centre • This Bill would reverse the conviction of Louis Riel for high treason and recognizes and commemorates his role in the advancement of Canadian Confederation and the rights and interests of the Métis people and the people of Western Canada.

Bill C-428: Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act • Introduced on June 4, 2012, by Rob Clarke, Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. Is currently under study by the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. • Amends provisions of the Indian Act including repealing provision which limit bylaw authority and require submission to the Minister before they can come into force; repeals provisions related to residential schools, and repeals provisions that give the Minister authority over the handling of wills and estates on reserves. • Sets out in preamble a commitment to develop new legislation to replace the Indian Act and continuing work in “exploring creative options for the development of this new legislation in collaboration with the First Nations organizations that have demonstrated an interest in this work” • Establishes a requirement for the Minister to report annually on efforts to replace sections of the Indian Act with modern amendments or legislation.

Bill C-469: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. • Introduced on January 28, 2013 by Romeo Saganash, Abitibi – Baie-James – Nunavik – Eeyou. • Requires the Government of Canada to take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and that the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs must prepare an annual report to Parliament for the next four years reviewing progress in implementing this law.

Senate Public Bills

Bill S-207: An Act to amend the Interpretation Act (nonderogation of aboriginal and treaty rights) • Introduced in the Senate on December 13, 2011 and completed 2nd reading on June 7, 2012. Has completed review by the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and reported to the Senate. It now awaits debates at report stage and 3rd reading. • Bill would amend the Interpretation Act (which governs the implementation of all laws) to provide that no enactment shall be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from the aboriginal and treaty rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Bill S-212: First Nations Self-Government Recognition Bill

• Introduced on November 1, 2012 by Senator Gerry St. Germain. • Provides for a process for a First Nation to become a recognized as self-governing under its constitution and would recognize a First Nation’s exclusive power to legislate with respect to its lands and persons on those lands.

Committee Business

House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANO) The committee continues its study on Bill C-428: Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act. First Nations are encouraged to contact the clerk of the committee, Jean-Marie David, if they wish to appear at (613) 996-1173 or [email protected].

Special Committee on Violence Against Indigenous Women (IWFA) The committee heard from departmental witnesses this week. Transcripts are attached. The committee is scheduled to meet every Thursday the House of Commons is sitting, 6 – 8 pm.

House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO) The committee is studying Bill S-2: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. All interested First Nations are encouraged to contact the committee as soon as possible as they will move to clause-by-clause review on May 9, 2013. The clerk can be contacted at [email protected].

Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (APPA) The committee is continuing its study on Metis rights.

Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (RIDR) A study on issues pertaining to the human rights of First Nations band members who reside off-reserve, with an emphasis on the current federal policy framework continues. First Nations are encouraged to contact the clerk of the committee, Daniel Charbonneau, if they wish to appear at (613) 993-4874 or [email protected].

House of Commons Highlights

April 22, 2013 Aboriginal Affairs

Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP): Mr. Speaker, last week, the Neskantaga First Nation declared a state of emergency following a surge of suicides. In the past year, there have been 20 suicide attempts, four deaths by suicide and seven tragic deaths in a community of just 421 residents. The government's band-aid solution is completely inadequate. When will the government announce a serious, long-term strategy to fight substance abuse, suicide, crime and violence in aboriginal communities?

Hon. (Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the , CPC): Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to those individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide. As I stated last week, Health Canada will work closely with the communities and send both additional nursing and counselling to the communities that were affected. We have renewed funding and work very closely with the national aboriginal organizations to develop the framework for the national aboriginal youth suicide prevention strategy and will continue to work in partnership with many other organizations. The member can support aboriginal first nations women by supporting the matrimonial rights legislation in place in the House. That will give aboriginal women the same rights she takes for granted.

Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the minister is disconnected. I have spoken to the chief, and Band-Aid solutions are not the answer. Instead of playing political games, the Conservatives should act to end this crisis and start working on real solutions. The sad truth is that in a non-aboriginal community a similar situation would not be tolerated, and substantial resources would already have been deployed to deal with the situation. Why will the government not deliver long-term solutions that the community needs and, in a country such as ours, deserves?

Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we have been increasing health care funding for our first nation communities during our time as government. We have also made historic arrangements at improving health care delivery, particularly in British Columbia, with a historic tripartite health agreement that we signed off, which will be implemented this year. The member and her party and the other opposition party can support the matrimonial rights legislation that will give—

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: This is not funny—

The Speaker: Order, please. The hon. Minister of Health still has the floor.

The hon. Minister of Health.

Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, CPC): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is not a laughing matter to deny first nations the same matrimonial rights that you take for granted every day. If you want to help aboriginal women, you can support this legislation—

The Speaker: I would remind the hon. Minister of Health to address her response through the Chair and not directly at other colleagues.

The hon. member for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette.

* * *

April 23, 2013

Aboriginal Affairs

Mrs. Kelly Block (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC): Mr. Speaker, women on reserves are some of the most vulnerable people in Canada and have been victimized without the protections they need. In situations of family violence, women have also been kicked out of their homes, with nowhere to go. We have heard their message loud and clear. They want the same rights and protections as all other Canadian women. As it is national victims week, could the Minister for Status of Women please tell the House what our government is doing to protect thousands of aboriginal women on reserves?

Hon. (Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, CPC): Mr. Speaker, our government believes in sending a very clear message that family violence and violence against women, wherever it occurs, cannot be tolerated. That is why we have introduced the matrimonial property rights legislation to protect thousands of first nations women and children. Our legislation would finally allow judges to issue emergency protection orders and remove a violent partner from the home. Emergency protection orders save lives. They are essential to protect women from domestic violence. Yet, shockingly, the Liberal leader has asked his caucus to vote against extending these rights to aboriginal women. He needs to reverse his position now. I am proud to say that this government will continue to fight for the rights of aboriginal women.

* * * Justice

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, Jordan Anderson passed away in hospital while governments fought over the cost of his care. This House voted unanimously for Jordan's principle to ensure that no other first nations child needing care would be left behind. Eight years later, Maurina Beadle had to take the government to court to argue that her son Jeremy had the same rights to care as other people. The Federal Court agreed and stated that Jordan's principle applied in this case. Will the minister agree with this ruling, announce today that he will not appeal the Federal Court decision and uphold Jordan's principle?

Hon. (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we believe that the health and safety of all children must triumph over any jurisdictional issue. We also believe on this side of the House that the rights of women and children on reserve should be equal to those of other . I would invite that member's party and her leader to reverse their instructions to those MPs who voted against giving women and families on reserve the same rights as other Canadians.

* * * April 24, 2013

Aboriginal Affairs

Ms. Niki Ashton (Churchill, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government is showing its paternalistic attitude yet again. This time, it is Bill S-2. The government has made some wild statements, claiming to have heard from aboriginal people. It is not formal consultation. The government has not listened to first nations, to recommendations made by aboriginal organizations or the ministerial representative. In fact, Bill is in breach of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Conservative government has also suddenly remembered the issue of violence against aboriginal women, yet Bill S-2 has nothing to do with ending violence against aboriginal women. It provides no effective and timely access to remedy, including legal services and the courts. More importantly, it does not involve an action plan; no national inquiry, no investment in shelters, housing and education, and now members of the government are blaming first nations leaders. Pretty convenient. Instead of playing politics, the Conservative government should do its job: consult with first nations and take real action on ending violence faced by aboriginal women. It turns out the government does not know best.

* * *

The Environment

Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table a petition signed by hundreds of citizens from Spring Bay, Providence Bay, Evansville, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Little Current, M'Chigeeng, Tehkummah, Manitowaning, Wikwemikong first nations, Gore Bay, Sheguiandah, Mindemoya, Massey, Espanola, Sudbury, Wanapitei and as far away as Toronto. Water levels in Lake Huron have dropped four to five feet with no rebound in sight. It has caused immeasurable damage to the aquatic wetlands, the spawning areas, and it is causing serious economic and safety concerns to many communities. The impact, especially with respect to tourism, cottaging and boating is crucial. I want to also indicate that the petitioners are requesting that the government act to halt and reverse the ongoing loss of water from the Great Lake Basin in general, and the Lake Huron-Michigan-Georgian Bay-North Channel Basin in particular.

This is a serious issue and we hope the government will act soon.

* * * Aboriginal Affairs

Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul's, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, sadly, the Prime Minister has failed to live up to his residential schools apology, which established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to forge a new relationship with aboriginal peoples. The commission is not being given the time or the resources to achieve its mandate and has been forced to go to court to access the documents it needs to do its work. Will the Prime Minister commit today to providing the TRC with what it needs to do its crucial work?

Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I find it curious indeed that she would raise this matter, because I met with the commission and the commissioners yesterday morning in Montreal. As far as I can tell, the government is living up to its commitment under the settlement agreement that has been reached. I have assured the commissioners of our support to help them continue their important work.

* * * April 26, 2013

Aboriginal Affairs

Ms. Manon Perreault (Montcalm, NDP): Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that the Conservatives do not care about the future of young aboriginal Canadians, either. There is nothing in budget 2013 to address the chronic underfunding of schools in aboriginal communities. Furthermore, the Conservatives are preventing post-secondary institutions from using the funds received under the Indian studies support program to provide quality education services. Why is the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs coming down so hard on this program rather than providing aboriginal young people with the tools they need?

Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, clearly the member is misinformed about the programs available to support aboriginal students across the country, and not just at the post-secondary level. For example, we have also launched a major initiative to bring in federal legislation specifically to enable all first nations students to get results and school governance that will allow them to get the jobs they are looking for.

Mr. Dennis Bevington (Western Arctic, NDP): Mr. Speaker, we are not talking about a lack of information here but about a lack of will. The Conservatives are putting the Indian studies support program in jeopardy. They are telling institutions that they cannot use federal dollars to pay for day-to-day activities like rent or salaries, and this is with only three-days' notice. It is simply unacceptable.

These programs have been one of the biggest success stories in providing indigenous students with the skills training they need to participate in our economy. Why is the government changing this program, when everyone agrees that indigenous education is a priority?

Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as I have said, the change I suspect the member is referring to is the better targeting of financial resources to ensure that aboriginal youth in Canada are better connected with available jobs and that these youth can get the life skills and education they need to access those jobs. If NDP members oppose these measures, let them stand on it.

Mr. Dave MacKenzie (Oxford, CPC): Mr. Speaker, our government has always believed in sending a clear message: violence against women, wherever it occurs, cannot be tolerated. But women on reserves are being abused and victimized without the protections they need. Aboriginal women have also been kicked out of their homes with nowhere to go. Can the Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women please tell the House what our government is doing to protect thousands of aboriginal women on reserves?

Mrs. Susan Truppe (Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hard-working member for Oxford for his very good question. We have introduced matrimonial property rights legislation that will finally allow judges to enforce emergency protection orders that save lives and protect women from violence. Aboriginal women, and even the United Nations, have been calling for this for many years, but shockingly, the Liberal leader has instructed his caucus to vote against this protection. If he truly wanted to listen to the United Nations, he would support this bill. I am proud to say that our Conservative government continues to stand up for the rights of aboriginal women.

* * *

Highlights from the Senate

April 24, 2013

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs

Missing Aboriginal Women and Girls—Calls for Inquiry Hon. Lillian Eva Dyck: Honourable senators, my question today is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Honourable senators, for years, First Nations leaders, First Nations citizens, the families of the missing Aboriginal women and girls, and national and international human rights groups have been demanding that this government take action and call for a national inquiry into the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.

In February, a significant Human Rights Watch report found that not only did the RCMP and police authorities ignore claims of missing Aboriginal women in B.C., but they took part in the cycle of sexual and physical abuse against these very women who were seeking help. This report clearly showed that a national inquiry is the only way forward to help these victims and their families, but this government has refused to create one. As the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, stated in February, the government will continue its "vigorous criminal justice agenda," but she would not directly comment on the idea of a national public inquiry.

The need for a national inquiry or commission is most succinctly stated in British Columbia Commissioner Wally Oppal's report of B.C.'s missing women inquiry. His report stated that among the most serious challenges is public indifference. Nothing but a national commission can get to the bottom of this problem.

Last week, Aboriginal Affairs ministers from the provinces and territories met in Winnipeg and jointly called upon the federal government and demanded a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Manitoba's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, chairman of the working group of the provincial and territorial Aboriginal Affairs departments, stated:

We jointly call upon the federal government to call a national inquiry into this matter of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.

My question to the Leader of the Government in the Senate is quite simple. Will the government now heed the demands from the provinces and the territories and call a national inquiry into the over 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in this country?

Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government): I thank senator. This question has been raised many times in the past.

There is no doubt, and the government has made it very clear, that this is and has been a very serious situation. Obviously, our thoughts and concerns are expressed towards the families of these murdered and missing women.

The government has taken a number of positive steps to address this issue. It has established a national centre for missing persons; improved law enforcement databases to investigate missing and murdered women; created a national website to help identify and find missing persons; supported the development of school and community pilot projects aimed at reducing vulnerability to violence among young Aboriginal women; supported the development and adaptation of victim services so that they are culturally appropriate for Aboriginal women and peoples; and developed a best practices list to help communities, law enforcement and justice partners to address, deal with and investigate these serious issues. We have worked alongside Aboriginal communities to develop community safety plans and supported development of public awareness materials to help end the cycle of violence affecting Aboriginals, most particularly Aboriginal women and children.

Senator Dyck: I thank the leader for her answer. She has given that answer several times in the past. At least this time, honourable senators, she did not list the dollar value of what her government has invested over the last five years. That seems to be the standard answer.

It is important for the government to recognize that, without knowing the scope of the problem, they will not know that all those programs that she has just listed will work. They can develop a program, but if it is not really getting at the root causes or they do not know what they are trying to get at, then they are spinning their wheels unless they actually understand.

The Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation at the University of Saskatchewan and a leading expert in indigenous issues, Dr. Ken Coates, has stated that without an in-depth, nationwide look at the problem, it is hard to know whether the right actions are being taken at the right time.

The actions have to come from a really solid shared understanding of what the problem is. If you don't know the underlying patterns, how do you the money's going to the right place? I ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate this: Her government seems to be refusing a national inquiry even though it is the morally right thing to do. For a government that prides itself on being good fiscal managers, will your government at least call a national inquiry because it is also the fiscally responsible thing to do?

Senator LeBreton: Honourable senators, I think we all understand the problem. We know what happened. What happened is a terrible tragedy.

We believe as a government, however, that the way to address this very serious problem is going forward and putting in place the programs and the supports, and working with our Aboriginal communities, including the First Nations policing route, to address the issue going forward. That is really what is required now. We have to create a situation and a climate whereby these horrible events do not happen now or in the future.

Senator Dyck: I thank the leader again for that answer.

If we understood the problem, then I do not understand why we have set up a special parliamentary committee to look into the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. If we understood it, we would not need that special parliamentary committee that has been struck in the other place. Could the leader explain that to me?

Senator LeBreton: Honourable senators, I answer, of course, in this chamber for the government. I answer and respond to what the government is doing. I do not speak for all parliamentarians, and honourable senators would not expect me to, nor would they want me to. Parliament is a unique institution. In the other place they established this committee, and that is their right as parliamentarians.