Hon. Carolyn Bennett (St. Paul’s, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government talks about strong, self-sufficient Aboriginal communities, but then actively undermines them.
The Carcross-Tagish First Nation in the Yukon has successfully managed its own affairs since 2006. It needs a new federal funding agreement by October 1st or this exemplary, ground-breaking example of Aboriginal self-government will collapse.
While in Carcross last month the Prime Minister said he would instruct his minister to intervene.
Will the minister commit today to ensure that by October 1st the Carcross-Tagish First Nation will have the money it needs to take care of its people?
Mr. Greg Rickford (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, CPC): Mr. Speaker, we have successfully negotiated the renewal for financial transfer agreements with 10 of the 11 self-governing first nations in the Yukon. Carcross-Tagish is the only first nation to not have renewed its agreement. Canada has made a fair offer to the first nation and we urge the chief to reconsider that offer. Our government remains ready and willing to work with the first nation toward a renewed agreement.
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