Senator Poirier: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Senator Gold, your government also introduced Bill S-14 on October 19. That was a few days before the $30-million announcement from Minister Guilbeault. The timing is interesting, as both announcements on a related issue were made at the same time. As government leader, could you shed light on this? Is the announcement of October 24 related in any way to the measures contained in Bill S-14?

Hon. Rose-May Poirier: My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

On October 24, Minister Guilbeault announced a joint investment of $30 million with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, or NCC, to further protect 10 national parks, which include Kouchibouguac National Park near my home in Kent County. The press release on the NCC’s website states that the funds could be used for land purchase, donation and agreements with land owners. People in Kent County are still reeling from the expropriation of 250 families in 1960.

Government leader, can you guarantee the people of Kent County that the Liberal government will not repeat the mistakes of the past, mistreating and unjustly displacing people without consent around the park in Kouchibouguac?