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Results: 1 - 100 of 1143
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
This is a simple deletion of five lines that is proposed by the Green Party. That's it, and there is no replacement.
I think it speaks for itself. They're important lines, they should be in there. We heard them from witnesses.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I want to read what's in clause 15, on socio-economic conditions:
the child must not be apprehended solely on the basis of his or her socio-economic conditions, including poverty, lack of adequate housing or infrastructure or the state of health of his or her parent or the care provider
I would argue that the words in the amendments are substantially already in the bill. Also, we have heard several indigenous organizations, including the Manitoba Metis Federation, speak in more detail in support of this particular clause.
That's all I wanted to put on the record.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I was simply going to say that I agree with MP McLeod. Also it could be that three years is too soon to actually do a complete review. There's always the possibility through the minister's office and I think it's also something that should be discussed with indigenous nations.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I want to put on the record that the work brought forward by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is substantial. If we approve this bill on indigenous child welfare, it will do nothing but help the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Grand Chief Arlen Dumas to bring forward their own laws on indigenous child welfare for their jurisdiction and for their nation.
I commend Mr. Viersen for his attempt to incorporate it into our bill, but our bill will do nothing but help what Mr. Dumas and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs are trying to do.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
First of all, I thank all three delegations for your presentations.
It's great to see you, Josh. It's always nice to see another Manitoba Métis here in Ottawa. You're doing a great job.
My question is for Pamela Palmater. We've been working on this for a while. The issue of paramountcy is incredibly important in this bill. I want to read you subclause 22(3) and have you comment on it:
For greater certainty, if there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision respecting child and family services that is in a law of an Indigenous group, community or people and a provision respecting child and family services that is in a provincial Act or regulation, the provision that is in the law of the Indigenous group, community or people prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
That seems pretty clear to me, and pretty powerful. I'd like you to comment on how you interpret this.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
That's not accurate, because subclause 22(1) has precisely the same wording, only the laws of the indigenous group or people will trump federal law, as well. We're not talking about the same thing here.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
First of all, thank you all very much for your presentations.
I'm going to begin by reading directly from the bill and asking for comment from both of you.
Clause 22 talks about, in my opinion, the nexus of this bill. The really powerful part is the issue of paramountcy. It gives indigenous nations paramountcy over federal and provincial law.
I want to read directly from the bill:
22 (1) If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision respecting child and family services that is in a law of an Indigenous group, community or people and a provision respecting child and family services...that is in a federal Act or regulation, the provision that is in the law of the Indigenous group, community or people prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
Morley Watson, can you perhaps comment on this provision and how you see this?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you, Morley Watson.
Jerry, do you want to comment on what I just read?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
You have 34 first nations, 14 agencies. I'm assuming that since you are clearly supportive, your constituency first nations are also supportive?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much for both presentations. They were very informative.
My first question will go to Lyle Thomas and Bernie Charlie.
What are the greatest challenges to providing child welfare services in your territory?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you.
The next question will go to Chief Wilson. There's been quite a lot of discussion about the importance of defining the best interests of the child. That was discussed this morning, I believe. I'm not sure if it was your presentation or the prior presentation that emphasized the importance of family, but one of the clauses we have in this bill is.... One of the factors to be considered when talking about the best interests of the child is the importance to the child of an ongoing relationship with the indigenous group, community or people to which the child belongs in order to preserve the child's cultural identity and connections to the language and territory of that indigenous group, community or people.
That's in the current bill. Could you comment on this clause?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, all three of you, for your presentations.
President David Chartrand, in the early 2000s the Government of Manitoba devolved child welfare. I believe you were still president—I was a city councillor, and MaryAnn was a cabinet minister, I believe. However, with the devolution of child welfare in Manitoba, the removal of children increased. Could you comment on that from your perspectives from the Métis federation?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I was only going to suggest that, rather than waste the time of the delegations over this, we could discuss this at the end of the meeting and decide then, and just continue hearing the delegations.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I completely agree with Rachel. It's just if we could get five minutes, we could vote on this before the end of our meeting today at 1:30. That way, we could continue with our delegations. We commit to vote on it.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
First of all, thank you for all of your presentations. They were very good.
I've worked on this for a while and the nexus point of the bill is really to affirm the inherent right of all indigenous nations across Canada, including Manitoba, to develop and to implement their own laws regarding child welfare.
I want to read directly from the bill. Clause 22 talks about indigenous nations and federal laws, stating, “If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision respecting child and family services that is in a law of an Indigenous group, community or people and a provision respecting child and family services” that is a federal act, “the provision that is in the law of the Indigenous group, community or people prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.”
Subclause 22(3) also concerns relations with the province:
For greater certainty, if there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision respecting child and family services that is in a law of an Indigenous group, community or people and a provision respecting child and family services that is in a provincial Act or regulation, the provision that is in the law of the Indigenous group community or people prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
My question is for Grand Chief Dumas. I haven't read your bill, but if there is a conflict with either the province or the federal government, your law would prevail. Based on that, I'm having a hard time understanding where the conflict is that you or the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs have with this bill.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
You're saying that, in spite of the words in the bill that give you paramountcy over provincial laws and federal laws, that's not going to happen.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Grand Chief, with all due respect to your opinion, we've had constitutional experts sitting where you are now, saying that the provisions in this bill shall override the provincial perspective, or even the federal perspective. We have spoken to a lot of people—constitutional experts—who have an opinion differing from yours.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I want to read another section of the bill, paragraph 9(2)(d):
child and family services provided in relation to an Indigenous child are to be provided in a manner that does not contribute to the assimilation of the Indigenous group, community or people to which the child belongs or to the destruction of the culture of that Indigenous group, community or people;
Can you comment on that?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Natasha, thank you for your presentation. It was very powerful.
We don't have a lot of time. Do you have a recommendation on what we can do to improve the lives of young indigenous people in the child welfare system, going forward?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much for all for your presentations.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
First of all, thank you to all three presenters. I appreciate the time you've taken.
I only have seven minutes, so if I cut you off, don't be offended. It's because I want to get to another question.
I'm going to start with Clément Chartier.
Mr. Chartier, Senator Murray Sinclair called the co-development process around this bill a model for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, yet around this table, we've heard from several groups saying that the co-development process has been lacking.
Can you talk about the process from your perspective and offer your thoughts on that, please?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
In the traditional territory of the Métis nation which is parts of Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C., those territories were engaged and know about the legislation.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I also appreciate the fact that you mentioned that this is the beginning process. The engagement needs to continue. From our perspective, we're committed to that co-development process as this unfolds.
Billie Schibler, welcome. Obviously, you've read this bill.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
The whole crux of the bill is to put more focus on prevention and less on the removal of children. Is it possible to redirect dollars that are being used for the removal of children toward prevention, without compromising that role of child protection and making sure kids are not abused?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay, thank you.
Greg, you mentioned a couple of programs that Métis Child, Family and Community Services runs that really are not.... Could you explain more on the dilemma you're in?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Sure.
I have another question for Billie. You made the comment that the Province of Manitoba did devolve child and family services, I think in the early turn of the century. Yet you say they've never fully devolved. The whole point of that devolution was to better serve children, yet child welfare removals are at an all-time high. Can you talk about the reason for that?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you for your passionate presentation, Mrs. Michel.
You mentioned key points that concern you, for instance, regarding funding and the Jordan principle. I believe you had a third one. Can you talk about that again?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
Thank you, all of you, for your fine presentations, and welcome to Ottawa.
My first question will be directed right to Duane Smith because he's the freshest in my mind.
Generally, I think you said that it's not a perfect bill, but you're supportive of the bill. My question to you is who currently administers child welfare in your territory. Is it the federal government?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay. You've made your point quite clearly. For some reason, I didn't get that. I'm sure you mentioned it, but I didn't hear it.
Chief Prosper, I understand you were on the AFN's legislative working group that worked on this legislation. Is that correct, and if it is, can you tell me what that was like?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I believe all three of you—Ms. Cox, Chief Prosper and Paul Morris—have identified funding as an issue. The rationale, what we're hearing from the department, is that we are trying to essentially redesign the child welfare system and that to identify funding right now would perhaps be premature and that, rather, we should see what sorts of models come out.
My question, I guess, is to all of you. When you say “funding”, are you talking about precise dollar figures or are you saying that funding principles should be embedded in the bill, if that's your suggestion? I'll go to the chief first.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
All three of you have also mentioned the new legislation brought in by the province. It sounds like it's been a positive initiative. Could you talk about the role of the province in this legislation and how you see that unfolding? Do you have any thoughts on that?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much to both of you for your presentations. They were very good presentations.
I'll start with Karon.
What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges in protecting and promoting the Michif language?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
If I want to learn Michif, are there any schools or language institutes other than Gabriel Dumont Institute, which I know of?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
If this bill passes, there is a budget, and you are able to access some support from the federal government, where would it go?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I understand.
Jocelyn and Christopher, you mentioned a number of language programs in your friendship centres across the country. There was a lot of information very quickly.
Do you have the approximate number of language programs, and is there any particular model or practice that stands out for its results or its quality?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
Again, let's assume this bill passes and there is a budget attached to the bill. If you had access to some program support, what would be the priority for the friendship centres?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I know through our friendship that you're also the chairperson of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. It has indigenous language programming several hours a week—I'm not sure how many anymore. I know you touched on it in your presentation, but could you talk about the role of media—television and radio—not only in promoting indigenous languages, but as places where people can actually hear languages?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you.
First of all, thanks very much to all of you for being here. It's very much appreciated, as are the excellent presentations.
I want to clarify something. The people from Manitoba are part of the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, but can you clarify your relationship with the Manitoba first nations school board? Can somebody begin by clarifying that?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay. Are there other members in the actual school board who are community-based? Are they appointed by you or by the organization?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
This study is about community capacity-building and retention of talent in the delivery of your services. What are the biggest challenges in that respect, in retaining talent and building capacity?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
That's excellent.
Mr. Odjick, first of all, I did take a tour of your region with William Amos. Is Barriere Lake part of your tribal council?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
I have the same question for you, Mr. Odjick. Relative to the focus of this capacity-building study, what are your biggest challenges?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you very much.
Thank you for being here, all of you. I'm very impressed by your presentations. Three minutes is not long.
Back in September, the Government of Canada invested nearly $68 million to transform first nations health, in partnership with MKO, to arrive at better health outcomes.
Chief Kent, Louis, or Dr. Lavallee, can you offer some perspective on that? Have you been involved in this transformation? If you have, how's it going? If not, why not?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
To Ben or Norm—we don't have a lot of time—what sort of advice would you give us as elected officials on how we can support the fine work you're doing?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
You mentioned a number of children who have been helped through Jordan's principle in Manitoba. I think you did. Can you repeat that number?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I can tell you that in Canada there were well over 200,000 children who have received support from Jordan's principle.
Mindy or Bonnie, what advice do you have for us as elected officials on how we can help you better do your job?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you for your presentations.
You've just referenced the lack of progress in the last 18 years. I can speak for the last three years. That's how long I've been here and our government has been here. We've invested record numbers of dollars in infrastructure and education and health. I believe it's close to $17 billion of new money in those initiatives. There's actually construction going on and there's more focus on those very important factors.
In the 10 years prior to that, there was no investment by the Harper Conservatives. Can you draw a correlation between the lack of results with no investment and significant investment in the last three years?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Absolutely. Would you agree that it's more important that ever now to ensure that we have good systems of monitoring and evaluation, given the historical investments our government is making?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Absolutely. I agree. Partnerships are key and we are laying that groundwork that started three years ago.
One of our success stories, or one of the communities' success stories, is with boil water advisories. Some 78 have been lifted in the last three years. There are 60 that are left, but that is 78 fewer than there were three years ago.
My question is for Indigenous Services, the operators of those water systems. What are we doing to assure partnership communities that we have operators?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
That's excellent.
Are you confident that once 100% of the boil water advisories are lifted by 2021, we will have the adequate people in place to operate them?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I have seven minutes?
Okay.
Thank you very much for being here.
The first thing I want to say is that when my friend Wayne Long talked about his involvement in sport what he didn't mention is that he's an active amateur boxer who's had several fights recently, and probably has several more bouts lined up in the next few months.
A voice: In the House?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Tell me a little about the whole initiative of sport for social development. I know you didn't get to that part of the presentation, but budget 2018 announced funding of $47.5 million over five years. When I read the intent, I think it's something that is incredibly beneficial, leveraging the power of sport for improvements in individuals.
Maybe you can spend 90 seconds or a couple of minutes on that.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Can you tell me about the work that sport for social development has done? How much of it is outside of cities? How much of it is in cities?
The reason I ask is that I know a lot of people traditionally think of reserves when we talk about helping indigenous and first nations people. That's absolutely true. However, I come from Winnipeg, and young indigenous people, Métis and first nations, are the fastest-growing demographic in Winnipeg. That's where we need to put a strategy together to provide exercise and to provide self-esteem.
How much of the sport for social development work is divided up between the urban and the rural or reserve?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Okay.
There's a lot of information in your presentation. I've been reading quickly.
Bilateral agreements have been around since 2003. Lots of money has been invested in partnership with provinces. Are there specific objectives in those bilaterals for engaging youth? How many youth and what types of activities?
Tell me a bit about the bilateral agreements.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
It sounds as if you keep pretty good records or results from the bilaterals, based on the information you have.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
What's your secret for that? We're working across other departments and we can't seem to figure out where our money is going.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Can you tell me a little bit about infrastructure? Do we fund infrastructure at all—sports infrastructure on or off reserve, or in the cities?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Can you tell me a little bit about the partnerships with Indigenous Services?
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Madam Chair, could I just get clarification on....
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
It will be five seconds.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
It'll take no more than five seconds. I have one quick question.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
There are 85. I just wanted to make sure I heard that right.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
I just wanted to add that, for several meetings now, we've been asking all kinds of questions about the date and the purpose of the holiday, and during that time, we never considered our questions as being outside the scope of the bill. I don't see why that wouldn't be the case today.
We've been asking these questions for many meetings, and they have never been ruled out of scope. The amendments we're proposing, the amendment Randy is proposing.... It's hard to see how the amendment he's proposing is out of scope, all of a sudden, if the questioning was not out of scope over many meetings. That's the only thing I wanted to add.
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
View Dan Vandal Profile
Lib. (MB)
Thank you.
First of all, I appreciate all of your input. It's been very valuable. This bill is incredibly important, and we can only learn through consultations with not only you but also many other groups and individuals.
My first question is whether any consultation was done before this bill was presented to the House of Commons by the author of the motion, MP Jolibois.
President Obed, was there any consultation? Is this the first time you've been asked your opinion?
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