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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Volume 153, Issue 62

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 22, 2022 02:00PM
  • Sep/22/22 2:00:00 p.m.

Hon. Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations: I’m sure we all agree that this problem will unfortunately not be solved overnight. Remember how the government was criticized for developing the plan, with people suggesting that no money would be attached to an action plan. Quite the opposite is true. At least $2.2 billion has been allocated under this plan, and these funds have been distributed across the country among 25 government agencies and departments.

It is clear that, because of the systemic problems and the 231 calls for action in the final report of the national inquiry, we need to see some results, which are long overdue. This is not to say that nothing has been done. Consider, for example, the commitments that have been made to support safe housing for women in abusive situations and their children. Several federal government investments have already been announced. I have personally seen some of the housing that has been built. The investments in housing that have been made, particularly in the last two budgets, are part of the government’s goal to get these women and children out of these abusive situations.

Of course, any systemic response requires responses from all governments, not only the federal government, but also provincial and territorial governments and municipalities. That said, the federal government needs to show leadership, and we are doing just that. Since the pandemic, the number of women experiencing violence has also increased, as we have seen in Quebec in particular. It’s a challenge, but we have to meet that challenge.

[English]

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  • Sep/22/22 2:00:00 p.m.

Hon. Marc Miller, P.C., M.P., Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations: I could talk for more than a minute and a half about the Jordan principle, which, to answer your previous question, is subject to long-term reform to ensure that the funds are properly administered.

Everyone knows that the funds weren’t well-administered by the Government of Canada. I’d rather not speak about a third party because I’m not familiar with the contract as such, but I could look into it. The reality is that it’s a principle that, with respect to the money allocated, has changed significantly in recent years, because this envelope has increased by several billion dollars.

We must carry out a comprehensive reform so that children who are entitled to receive money for their care can obtain it more quickly and, in certain cases, on an urgent basis. Together with the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, we’ve committed to moving forward with long-term reform to respond to the dispute to which a senator referred earlier.

This process is constantly evolving, but not yet perfect. That could be part of this dialogue, but I’m not familiar with the details of the file you’re asking about.

[English]

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