Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: Minister, last June, we learned that the board of directors of the Assembly of First Nations suspended National Chief RoseAnne Archibald. Their reason for doing so is concerning. She was suspended for wanting to investigate what she believed to be corruption and collusion in the awarding of contracts. She also spoke out against four employees being paid nearly $1 million after the contract was awarded.

I’ve often found that your government hasn’t been very focused on accountability for tax dollars paid to assist First Nations people. Having said that, given that the chief’s allegations about the use of funds are extremely serious, I’d like to know whether, as the minister responsible, you have taken concrete action to uncover the truth. If so, what actions have you taken? I would remind you that Ms. Archibald called for an independent inquiry.