Periodical
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs [Up-Date](April 1988)
- Title
- Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs [Up-Date](April 1988)
- Is Part Of
- 1.06-01.07 UBCIC Up-Date
- 1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series
- Date
- April 1988
- Language
- english
- Identifier
- 1.06-01.07-05.01
- pages
- 12
- Type
- periodical
- Transcription (Hover to view)
-
U N I O N O F B.C. I N D I A N
CHIEFS
A p r i l 1988
NEWS ITEM
FROM MUSGAMAGW-TSAWATAINEUK OF KINGCOME I N L E T , B.C.
The
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk
will
be c e l e b r a t i n g t h e 50th
Anniversary
o f t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e i r St. George's
Anglican
Church
and King
George
V Totem
Pole.
More
importantly t h e
celebration w i l l
f o c u s on t h e c o m m i t t m e n t , energy and d e d i c a t i o n
r e m i n i s c e n t
o f t h e i r
a n c e s t o r s
whose memory
i s very
much
c h e r i s h e d by t h e i r
descendants.
The
f e s t i v i t i e s w i l l b e g i n on 18 M a y 1 9 8 8 a n d c o n c l u d e
on 22 May
1988.
The t o t e m p o l e i s i l l u s t r a t i v e
o f t h e four bands oft h e
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk .
The t o p f i g u r e
r e p r e s e n t s
t h e
Thunderbird,
c r e s t o f t h e G w a - W a - a i n e u k o f Hope Town, t h e s e c o n d
f i g u r e t h e W o l f r e p r e s e n t s t h e c r e s t o f t h e A h - K w a m i s h o f Wakeman
Sound, t h e t h i r d f i g u r e t h e Raven r e p r e s e n t s t h e Tsawataineuk o f
Kingcome
I n l e t
and t h e l a s t
f i g u r e on t h e p o l e t h e C e d a r Man
represents
t h e Kwicksutaineuk
o f Gilford
Island.
These four t r i b e s w i l l
each p l a y h o s t on a l t e r n a t i n g d a y s
that
w i l l
i n c l u d e sports, s p i r i t u a l ,
p o l i t i c a l
and
entertainment
events
w i t h p a r t i c i p a n t s from t h r o u g h o u t t h e Kwakiutl
Nation and
i n c l u d i n g
members o f t h e S l i a m m o n Band as w e l l
as some
guests
from other
bands.
*
* *
STANDING C O M M I T T E E ON A B O R I G I N A L A F F A I R S TO HEAR U B C I C P R E S I D E N T
AND MEMBERS OF UBCIC CHIEFS COUNCIL ON A P R I L 2 7 , 1 9 8 8 .
Chief Saul
Terry,
P r e s i d e n t o f t h e U n i o n o f B.C. I n d i a n
Chiefs
and
a m e m b e r o f t h e U B C I C C h i e f s C o u n c i l , Tom D e n n i s w i l l
appear
t o m a k e p r e s e n t a t i o n b e f o r e t h e S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E ON A B O R I G I N A L
A F F A I R S R E G A R D I N G THE I M P A C T OF B I L L C - 3 1 o n A p r i l
27 1988.
This p r e s e n t a t i o n represents
and encompasses t h e c o n c e r n s
brought
to
t h e UBCIC
by v a r i o u s
bands,
t r i b a l
c o u n c i l s and
Indian
organizations.
The
final
draft
will
be a v a i l a b l e
upon
request
from
our office.
+ * *
SUBMISSION
DENTAL
FROM HEALTH CONSULTATION WORKER
SERVICES
- PRIVATIZED
PAYMENT OF B I L L S
In J u l y ,
1 9 8 7 , t h e c o n t r a c t f o rpayment o f d e n t a l s e r v i c e s t o
I n d i a n p e o p l e w a s a w a r d e d t o a N a t i o n a l g r o u p c a l l e d B L U E CROSS.
(Blue
Cross
i n B r i t i s h
Columbia
i s c a l l e d
Medical
Services
Association.)
This p r i v a t i z a t i o n
o f d e n t a l p a y m e n t s was i n t e n d e d
to
improve t h e handling o f accounts submitted
by d e n t i s t s .
The
process
f o r payment
was t o b e s p e e d e d
up through
contract
r e q u i r e m e n t t h a t D e n t i s t s be p a i d o n a m o n t h l y b a s i s .
It appears that this intended
improvement i n dental
not be o c c u r r i n g .
A f e w r e p o r t s i n d i c a t e t h a t some
s t i l l
having
t o wait
s e v e r a l
months
t o obtain
services they
had provided t o Indian
clients.
p a y m e n t s may
dentists are
payment f o r
- 2
-
The
c o n t r a c t between Medical
S e r v i c e s and
Blue
Cross
i s open
to
change in June of each year
and
i s r e n e w a b l e on
a three
year
basis.
T h i s b e i n g t h e c a s e , i t w o u l d be w o r t h w h i l e
f o r bands
to
w r i t e to M e d i c a l
S e r v i c e s i n f o r m i n g them of problems t h a t a r e
e n c o u n t e r e d
by
d e n t i s t s
or
band
members.
This
type
of
information w i l l
e n s u r e t h a t b o t h p o l i c y and o n g o i n g p l a n s
f o r
Dental S e r v i c e s r e f l e c t the needs of the community
people.
It
is e s p e c i a l l y
important
that problems encountered
through
p r i v a t i z a t i o n
o f d e n t a l p a y m e n t s be d e a l t w i t h a s t h e y
occur.
The
f i r s t a t t e m p t a t p r i v a t i z i n g o f a p a r t of h e a l t h s e r v i c e s i s
c o n s i d e r e d a model f o r p r i v a t i z i n g o t h e r n o n - i n s u r e d
services.
*
SUMMARY:
*
*
H O S P I T A L S O C I A L W O R K E R S V I E W OF
THE
MAJOR
E X P E R I E N C E D BY H O S P I T A L I Z E D N A T I V E
INDIANS.
In t h e
past
s e v e r a l months,
the
Health
m e e t i n g s with the S o c i a l
Work D i r e c t o r s of
Vancouver. The intent of these meetings were:
a. to obtain information on hospital services for summary
i n an I N F O R M A T I O N
1 988) .
b.
to identify
I n d i a n s who
DIRECTORY
the types
have been
to
PROBLEMS
Liaison
worker
h e l d
the major h o s p i t a l s
in
bands
(mailed
out
April,
by
native
of problems encountered
hospitalized.
Generally,
t h e same t y p e s of p r o b l e m s were i d e n t i f i e d a t most o f
the h o s p i t a l s .
The
main problems are
l i s t e d ,
including
some
suggestions
on how
bands might a s s i s t t h e i r members i n p r e v e n t i n g
them.
1.
Travel
and
Accomodation.
Often people
who
t r a v e l t o V a n c o u v e r to o b t a i n medical
are discharged
from h o s p i t a l
and
do n o t
have t r a v e l
accommodation
p l a n s
in p l a c e .
These
people
may
discharged
sooner than p l a n n e d or are d i s c h a r g e d
friday
when most
offices
( i n c l u d i n g
band o f f i c e s )
c l o s e d for the weekend.
O f t e n p a r t of the d i s c h a r g e
p
i n c l u d e
r e n t a l
or purchase
of
s p e c i a l
equipment
wheelchair,
walker,
etc.).
The
can
p r o b l e m s c r e a t e d by
be k e p t t o a m i n i m u m
unplanned
or a v o i d e d
or unexpected
by:
care
and
be
l a t e
have
lans
(eg.
discharges
a.
m a k i n g
d i s c h a r g e
a r r a n g e m e n t s
f o r
accommodation,
and e q u i p m e n t a t t h e t i m e o f
admission,
or
b.
Informing
hospital
S o c i a l
Workers
about
emergency
t r a n s f e r s to a lower mainland h o s p i t a l ,
especially i f
special
arrangements
are
r e q u i r e d on d i s c h a r g e .
This
a d v a n c e n o t i c e to the h o s p i t a l
w i l l
a l l o w the
s o c i a l
workers
enough
time
to
begin
to
set
up
plans
for
discharge.
In most c a s e s , t i m e l y
a n x i e t y an
individual
away f r o m home.
planning w i l l
reduce the
might experience w h i l e in
t r a v e l ,
hospital
stress
and
a
hospital
2.
Lonliness
and
3 -
Fear
F o r some p e o p l e , b o t h a l a r g e h o s p i t a l and t h e c i t y
i t s e l f
are
new
experiences
that c o u l d
cause c o n s i d e r a b l e
fear.
This
l e v e l
of
fear
can
i n t e r f e r e
with
medical
care,
especially
i f a person s i g n s t h e m s e l v e s out of t h e
hospital
before treatment
is complete.
One
p o s s i b l e means f o r d e a l i n g w i t h t h i s p r o b l e m w o u l d
be
for
bands
to
i d e n t i f y
at
l e a s t
one
i n - c i t y
f a m i l y
or
c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r who
w o u l d be a b l e t o p r o v i d e s u p p o r t t o t h e
person admitted
to the h o s p i t a l .
This support
p e r s o n ' s name
c o u l d be made a v a i l a b l e t o e i t h e r t h e h o s p i t a l
social
worker
o r be g i v e n t o t h e i n d i v i d u a l
who
i s l e a v i n g the
community.
Often
an e l d e r who
does not speak e n g l i s h w e l l or a person
who
i s k n o w n t o be v e r y a n x i o u s m i g h t b e n e f i t f r o m t h i s
type
of
system.
b.
Loneliness
is a particular
problem for children,
long
term
patients,
and
the
terminally i l l .
While
Medical
Services
does meet the
costs
f o r one
f a m i l y member t o t r a v e l
to
Vancouver, hospital
social
workers are of the o p i n i o n
that
t h i s may
n o t be e n o u g h .
In s p e c i a l
cases,
s u c h as t h a t o f
c h i l d r e n and t h e t e r m i n a l l y i l l ,
more t h a n one
f a m i l y member
may
n e e d s t o be p r e s e n t w h i l e t h e s e p e o p l e a r e i n h o s p i t a l .
This need to e x t e n d t r a v e l
c o s t s t o more t h a n one
f a m i l y
member has
been presented
to Medical
S e r v i c e s .
However,
m o r e w o r k n e e d s t o be d o n e i f a n y
c h a n g e i s t o be made
with
t h i s policy.
In a d d i t i o n , UBCIC w i l l
continue to
support
e f f o r t s by a c i t y
agency which i s attempting
to obtain
funds
to
continue
with
their
program
which
provided
h o s p i t a l
visitation
and
support
services to
Indians.
3
Cultural
Misunderstandings.
A lack of understanding
on t h e p a r t o f h o s p i t a l
workers
may
at times
i n t e r f e r e w i t h b o t h c o m m u n i c a t i o n and
treatment
provided
to n a t i v e Indian p a t i e n t s .
This is recognized
as a
long standing problem which s o c i a l workers are
particularly
interested in doing
something
about.
As a f o l l o w up t o t h e s e m e e t i n g s ,
the Health
L i a i s o n worker
w i l l
be p r o v i d i n g a c u l t u r a l
education
c l i n i c at the
G.F.
Strong h o s p i t a l .
If considered
successful, this c l i n i c
will
be p r o v i d e d
at o t h e r
hospitals.
4.
Failure
to
carry
out
follow-up
medical
care
after
discharge.
Both doctors
and
s o c i a l
workers present
serious
concerns
a b o u t t h e f a c t t h a t I n d i a n p a t i e n t s o f t e n do n o t c a r r y
out
d i r e c t i o n s
for continued
care once they
have returned
to
t h e i r
home c o m m u n i t y .
Such
care
might
i n c l u d e
taking
medication
f o r a period of time, doing e x e r c i s e s , or
using
special
equipment.
A lack
of
t h i s
type
of care
either
intereferes with recovery
or, o f t e n i n the case of
children,
results
in re-admissions
to the
hospital.
In d e a l i n g w i t h
at the community
the
importance
home.
t h i s p r o b l e m f o l l o w up w o r k n e e d s t o be d o n e
level
t o r e m i n d i n d i v i d u a l s and
families
of
of c a r r y i n g out
t h e i r treatment
w h i l e
at
I n many i n s t a n c e s , h o s p i t a l
social
workers find themselves
having
t o a c t as g o - b e t w e e n f o r M e d i c a l
S e r v i c e s and
the p a t i e n t .
There
is a concern that n a t i v e Indian patients consider these
hospital
social
w o r k e r s t o be t h e s a m e a s p r o v i n c i a l
social workers.
This
i m m e d i a t e l y
s e t s
up
a
b a r r i e r
t h a t
i n t e r f e r e s
w i t h
any
a s s i s t a n c e s t h e y m i g h t be a b l e t o
provide.
4
-
H o s p i t a l s o c i a l workers have
also
s a i d t h a t one o f t h e m o r e
frequent causes f o r h o s p i t a l admissions
are r e l a t e d to motor
vehicle accidents.
They a l s o s u g g e s t e d t h a t c o m m u n i t y e d u c a t i o n
i s r e q u i r e d t o p r e v e n t t h e s e t y p e s o f a c c i d e n t s from o c c u r r i n g .
If
to
you h a v e any q u e s t i o n s , s u g g e s t i o n s , o r
h e a l t h l i a i s o n , p l e a s e b r i n g t h e m t o my
Carole
D a w s o n , UBCIC
Health
Liaison
*
DIRECTORY
ideas that are
attention.
related
Worker.
* *
SUBSTANCE ABUSE S E R V I C E S
IN B R I T I S H
COLUMBIA
1988
The
s e c o n d e d i t i o n o f t h e DIRECTORY
i s once a g a i n
jointly
s p o n s o r e d by B.C. M i n i s t r y o f H e a l t h a n d t h e K a i s e r S u b s t a n c e
Abuse
Foundation.
This
116
page b o o k l e t
contains
program
d e s c r i p t i o n s o f both I n d i a n and n o n - I n d i a n
Programs t h a t a r e
a v a i l a b l e throughout
B r i t i s h Columbia.
Information
content
i n c l u d e s c o s t s , i f any, l o c a t i o n , p r o g r a m l e n g t h , and p r o g r a m
t a r g e t groups.
Copies
of t h i s
booklet
c a n be o b t a i n e d
from the
Health
C o n s u l t a t i o n P r o g r a m a t t h e UBCIC h e a d o f f i c e i n V a n c o u v e r .
*
The UBCIC
For more
Palmer.
Resource Centre w i l l
information please
*
*
b e o p e n f o r b u s i n e s s May 1 6
call
the UBCIC L i b r a r i a n
:
1988.
Dave
Chiefs'
Mask,
I n d i a n A r t and B o o k s t o r e
w i l l
be o p e n i n g
sometime
i n May.
The s t o r e i s l o c a t e d i n t h e m a i n f l o o r o f o u r
b u i l d i n g
at
73 W a t e r S t r e e t .
Herman Thomas has been h i r e d t o c o o r d i n a t e
the book s t o r e opening.
Do n o t h e s i t a t e t o come a n d b r o w s e
and
s p e n d some o f y o u r m o n i e s i n o u r s t o r e .
* * *
INDIAN AFFAIRS
S P A L L U M C H E E N INDIAN BAND—CHILD W E L F A R E P R O G R A M
CANADA
M r . Nelson A . Riis (Kamloops — Shuswap): M r Speaker,
the chief, the council, and the Spallumcheen Indian Band
members reject the Minister of Indian Affairs' ( M r .
M c K n i g h t ) recent proposed child welfare program. T h e y
reject not only the policy but also the so-called consultation
process. They believe that by transferring jurisdiction over
native children's welfare to provincial Governments the federal
Government is actually breaching its trust responsibility for
Indian people and is playing politics with the lives of Indian
children.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 293
•
2nd SESSION
•
!3nl PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Seven years ago this band began its own child welfare
program based on a thoughtful and well developed band bylaw which gave the band members the right to administer their
own child welfare programs, which they have done exception-ally
provincial Governments.
Friday, April 22, 1988
If native self-government is to be a reality in Canada, those
bands which presently have complete jurisdiction and responsibility over their child welfare programs must be able to
continue to act in that fashion.
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C, Q C
INDIAN AFFAIRS
S A S K A T C H E W A N A N D MANITOBA L A N D CLAIMS
CANADA
M r . Rod Murphy (Churchill): M r . Speaker, my question is
for the Minister of Indian Affairs. During the state of severe
unemployment on Indian reserves in western Canada, and the
fact that native people need a secure land base in order to
develop their opportunities and gel away from the welfare
cycle that exists, why has the Minister reneged on the Saskatchewan formula as it applies to the provision of land and
entitlement lands to the bands in that province? W h y has he
reneged on the agreement with the Manitoba chiefs and the
Manitoba Government which was initialled by his officials
over a year ago which would have provided the land base
which those people so badly need
1
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 286
•
2nd SESSION
•
J3rd PARLIAMENT
Point of Order
H o n . B i l l M c K n i g h t ( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r Speaker, there are two parts to
that important question.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Wednesday, April 13, 1988
The Saskatchewan formula, which has been in effect since
1979, has only seen two transfers of land lake place. The
entitlement bands in Saskatchewan have changed their
decision from that originally of land to land and, in some
cases, cash, and to some land which is not rural but urban. To
calculate the quantum to those changes, it was necessary to
review the policy of the Government of Canada
The date of first survey is still in place. Without prejudice,
the Government of Canada will meet that dale of first survey
entitlement.
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C.. Q.C.
W i t h respect to M a n i t o b a , the Manitoba Government
initialled a memorandum among officials that allowed for the
Government of Canada to purchase in southern M a n i t o b a all
the land necessary for entitlement, completely excluding any
responsibility by the Government of Manitoba to provide much
needed land to Indian entitlement bands in that province.
M r . Speaker The H o n . member for Humber—Port au
Port—St. Barbe rises on a point of order.
w
INDIAN
AFFAIRS
LUBICON LAKE INDIAN BAND L A N D C L A I M - T R A N S F E R OF
LAND
Mr. Keith Penner (Cochrane—Superior): M r . Speaker, I
direct my question to the Deputy Prime Minister. T h e offer
made yesterday to the Lubicon Indian Band is based on the
band's population as of 1940. O f course, that population is
much larger today. In fact, the land offered is only one-third of
that claimed by the band
House of Commons Debates
Yesterday's offer was described by
the Minister as an interim offer, and Chief O m i n a y a K said
thai no interim reserve is acceptable unless a process is clearly
established to reach a final settlement.
VOLUME
129
•
NUMBER
265
• 2nd SESSION
.
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, March 4, 1988
What assurances did Canada seek and obtain from the
Province of A l b e r t a that when negotiations have been successfully completed and additional land is to be given to the
Lubicon Indian Band, that the province will in fact transfer
that land? W i l l they do that or will it still be necessary for
Canada to take the province to court in order to acquire that
additional land?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Slate (Small Businesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): M r Speaker, what has to be
realized is that this is an important step in the resolution of
this important issue concerning the Lubicon Indian Band land
claim. T h e setting up of this reserve and transfer of land by the
province is an indication of the willingness of both Canada a n d
Alberta to deal with the issue. W h a t is important is that this
transfer of land will be made without prejudice to the position
of the parties involved. It does not affect the right of the band
Speaker: ThehonourableJohn A. Fraser, P.C, Q.C.
to seek additional reserve lands through negotiations or court
action.
A l l we can say is that we are hopeful, this important step
having been taken, we will be able to resolve the whole issue
through negotiations.
Mr. Penner: I listened carefully to the answer a n d it lacked
clarity.
I gather
somewhere
in there is a yes. Alberta
is
prepared to give up additional land when a final negotiation
process has been completed
USE OF HON. E. DAVIE F U L T O N AS MEDIATOR
FISHERIES
M r . K e i t h Penner ( C o c h r a n e — S u p e r i o r ) : M y s u p p l e m e n t a r y q u e s t i o n d e a l s w i t h the n e g o t i a t i o n p r o c e s s . Is the
G o v e r n m e n t o f C a n a d a now p r e p a r e d t o use the H o n . E. D a v i e
F u l t o n a s a m e d i a t o r , as r e q u e s t e d b y the b a n d and as the
S t a n d i n g C o m m i t t e e o n A b o r i g i n a l A f f a i r s and N o r t h e r n
D e v e l o p m e n t r e c o m m e n d e d t o the H o u s e ?
INDUSTRY STOPPAGE IN B C —GATT RULING
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, work in the B . C .
F i s h i n g i n d u s t r y has been slopped t o d a y to protest the
i n c o m p e t e n c e o f the Minister of Fisheries a n d O c e a n s ( M r .
S i d d o n ) a n d t h e M i n i s t e r for I n t e r n a t i o n a ! T r a d e
(Miss
C a r n e y ) . T h e s e t w o M i n i s t e r s fail to p r o t e c t t h e B C
fishing
i n d u s t r y before the G A T T panel, w h i c h has m a d e a p r e l i m i n a r y r u l i n g w h i c h c o u l d cost B . C . 7 , 5 0 0 fishing i n d u s t r y j o b s .
H o n . Bernard V a l c o u r t ( M i n i s t e r of State ( S m a l l B u s i nesses and T o u r i s m ) and M i n i s t e r o f State (Indian Affairs
and N o r t h e r n D e v e l o p m e n t ) ) : M r . S p e a k e r , I i n d i c a t e d that
the w i l l i n g n e s s o f the P r o v i n c e o f A l b e r t a to t r a n s f e r t h i s
a m o u n t o f l a n d for the r e s e r v e is a n i n d i c a t i o n o f the p o s i t i o n
o f the p r o v i n c e w h i c h a l s o w a n t s t h i s r e s o l v e d T h e question o f
w h a t n u m b e r o f f u r t h e r a c r e s o r s q u a r e m i l e s c o u l d result w i l l
c o m e out o f the n e g o t i a t i n g p r o c e s s
T h e Progressive Conservatives combined with B . C ' s S o c i a l i
W i t h r e s p e c t t o the l a t t e r p a r t o f his q u e s t i o n c o n c e r n i n g the
C r e d i t a r e the l e t h a l c o m b i n a t i o n of gutlessness a n d sheer
m e d i a t o r , the M i n i s t e r o f I n d i a n A f f a i r s and N o r t h e r n
i n c o m p e t e n c e . F o l l o w i n g t h e feeble a n d f a i l i n g a t t e m p t s b e f o r e
D e v e l o p m e n t has o n m a n y o c c a s i o n s i n d i c a t e d the p o s i t i o n o f
the G A T T p a n e l , t h e T o r i e s b u m b l e d a g a i n b y s i g n i n g i n t o
C a n a d a i n that r e g a r d . W e h a v e i n d i c a t e d to the b a n d a n d all
t h eMulroney—
Reagan
deal a guarantee to a b i d e by G A T T
p a r t i e s i n v o l v e d m a n y t i m e s that w e were r e a d y t o use the
r u l i n g s , a n d then b u m b l e d again b y protecting a l l p r o v i n c i a l
c o n c l u s i o n s o f M r . F u l t o n ' s r e p o r t as a b a s i s for n e g o t i a t i o n s .
F i s h e r i e s r e g u l a t i o n s e x c e p t for B . C . , a n d t h e n b u m b l e d a g a i n
B e c a u s e M r . F u l t o n a l r e a d y m a d e c e r t a i n findings and h a s
b y f a i l i n g to negotiate forcefully with the U . S . to h e a d o f f a
i n d i c a t e d his p o s i t i o n , w e d o not feel that he c a n act as a
r u l i n g b y G A T T later this m o n t h .
m e d i a t o r . It w o u l d b e t a n t a m o u n t to h a v i n g one o f the p a r t i e s
c h o o s e not o n l y the j u r y but the j u d g e a n d the p a r t i e s at the
It i s c l e a r n o w t h a t t h e B . C . f i s h i n g i n d u s t r y d e s e r v e s t h e
s a m e t a b l e . W e w i l l not g o i n that d i r e c t i o n .
s u p p o r t o f w o r k i n g p e o p l e across the c o u n t r y t o c o u n t e r t h e
i n c o m p e t e n c e o f the M i n i s t e r o f Fisheries w h o has p l a c e d a
$ 7 5 0 m i l l i o n B . C . f i s h i n g i n d u s t r y at r i s k . It is t i m e f o r s o m e
p o l i t i c a l w i l l , a n attribute sadly l a c k i n g i n t h e M u l r o n e y V a n d e r Z a l m a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s . T h e y have been c a u g h t t r y i n g
t o g i v e a w a y C a n a d i a n j o b s . It is t i m e for a l l C a n a d i a n s t o s a y
DO.
House of Commons Debates
INDIAN AFFAIRS
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 266
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
REINSTATEMENT O F W O M E N O N R E S E R V E S — L A C K OF HOUSING
Mrs.
Therese
Killens ( S a i n t - M i c h e l — A h u n t s i c ) : M r
Speaker, the federal Government is preventing women who
recently regained Indian status from getting decent housing on
reserves The ambiguous position of the Conservative Government is forcing native women into unwholesome competition
with their own people for one of the basic necessities of life,
housing.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, March 7, 1988
About 95,000 people have applied to Ottawa for reinstatement to the reserves across the country and most of them arc
women. They have applied for housing on reserves because the
1985 legislation. B i l l C - 3 1 , now allows women and their
children to return to the reserves if they so wish.
You will recall. M r . Speaker, that these women lost their
Indian status because they married white men or someone
other than a status Indian. However, the problem is that
although the Government provided special funding for reserve
housing for reinstated women, it did not give band councils
clear criteria about how it was to be spent The result is that
money is being spent for general housing needs.
Speaker: The Honorable John A. Fraser, P C , Q.C.
Some H o n . Members: Time!
NATIVE L A N D CLAIMS—FISHING BY-LAWS
M
r
s
.
Mr.
Ted Schellenberg
(Nanaimo—Alberni): M a d a m
Killens: There is already not enough money for Indian
Speaker, it is my duty and honour to present petitions from housing on reserves—
611 British Columbians who are protesting the present process
of native land claim negotiations in our province.
Some
Hon.
Members: Time!
In particular, the petitioners request that the Government of
M r s . Killens: —so once again the women are paying the
Canada pass an Order in Council pursuant to Section 73 of the price.
Indian A c t placing all Indian Band fishing by-laws under the
authority of the Fisheries A c t of Canada, and instruct the
federal Nishga claim negotiator, and all other Indian claims
negotiators, that Indian land claims are not to be settled by
granting fish from the public Fisheries of Canada to the
exclusive use of the claimants.
FISHERIES
SITUATION IN GASPE—REQUEST T H A T Q U O T E BE S E C U R E D
WITHIN 200 MILE Z O N E
M r . Charles-Eugene M a r i n (Gaspe): M r . Speaker, the
Gaspe peninsula once more is faced with a plant shutdown.
The Purdel Inc. group decided not to reopen its ground fish
line in Riviere-au-Renard, putting some 300 seasonal
employees out of work. One of the reasons given by the
company is the impossibility to obtain raw materials. It feels a
fishing quota within the 200-mile zone would have been a
solution to the problem.
Y o u will remember, M r . Speaker, that in December 1987
fishing industry groups in Quebec were denied access to the
200-mile zone by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean ( M r .
Siddon).
In view of the increasingly sad situation of the fishing
industry in Quebec, it was agreed on my request that a
meeting would take place in Gaspe within two weeks, in order
to regroup the Quebec fishing industry and to resume discussions on the possible access of Quebec to the 200-mile zone.
U n t i l a longer-term solution is found I a m certain, M r .
Speaker, that this Government will help the people in Riviereau-Renard overcome that unhappy experience.
FISHERIES
SCALLOP FISHERY IN BAY O F F U N D Y - I S S U A N C E O F LICENCES
M r . George Henderson (Egmont): M r Speaker,
my
question is for whoever is responding today for the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans. In October. 1986, the inshore and
offshore sectors of the scallop fishery in the Bay of Fundy area
came up with a management plan for this very important
resource For instance, all sides agreed that the fishing zone
for New Brunswick fishermen would be extended to the middle
of the Bay of Fundy.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 262
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
Now we learn that the Minister has issued licences which
allow some of these same fishermen to fish over the entire B a y .
Why has the Minister taken this decision which violates the
1986 scallop agreement?
HOD. John C. Crosbie (Minister of Transport): M r
Speaker, as all Members know, life is never as simple as we
would like it to be The situation is that there were three
individuals who said they had certain historical rights with
regard to fishing for scallop stocks in the Bay of Fundy area.
They appealed to the Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board.
The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board heard their
cases, two in 1986, and one last year, and recommended that
they should receive a full Bay of Fundy scallop licence.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, March 1, 1988
The Minister gave this careful consideration. After all, this
is a ruling of the appeal board and these individual fishermen
could suffer if they did not get the licences. The Minister
decided that individual justice should be done and that they
should get the licences
Speaker:TheHonourableJohn A. Fraser. P C , Q C.
In one case there was a long-standing involvement in the
scallop fishery and in the other cases there was historical
connection with the scallop fishery. That is the explanation.
These three cases were heard and that was the recommendation of the appeal board.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
POLICE PROGRAM ON ONTARIO RESERVES
M r . John Parry (Kenora—Rainy River): Mr. Speaker, in
the absence of the Minister of Indian Affairs I would like to
ask the Solicitor General a question concerning the status of
Indian policing in the Province of Ontario.
The Solicitor Genera] may or may not know that the federal
Government has refused so far to increase its share of funding
of the present program and that the Indian chiefs of Ontario
do not want to see this program become dependent on the
provincial Government for its funding for obvious constitutional reasons. Since half the reserve communities in Ontario do
not have resident police protection, I wonder if I could ask the
Government what it is prepared to do to extend that police
protection to those communities that need it.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
N U M B E R 269
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, March 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P C , Q.C.
M r . Stan Schellenberger (Parliamentary Secretary to
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development): M r .
speaker, the Minuter of Indian Affairs is aware of the
difficulty and it in consultation with the Minuter of the
Ontario Government. We are looking very closely it what
alternatives are available, but I will take the Hon. Member's
question as notice and seek further advice for him from the
Minuter.
FUR TRAPPING I N D U S T R Y
BRITISH PLANS TO LABEL FUR PRODUCTS—EFFECT ON
LIVELIHOOD OF C A N A D I A N TRAPPERS
M r . Dave Nickerson (Western A r c t i c ) : M r . Speaker, my
question is addressed to the Secretary of Stale for External
Affairs. Bowing to the propaganda of the anti-trapping law,
the Government of Great Britain has announced plans to label
fur products as having been caught in steel-jawed leg-hold
traps
HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATES
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 253
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
What action has Canada taken to forestall this threat to the
livelihood of our trappers? W i l l Canada retaliate against this
restraint of trade?
Right H o n . Joe Clark (Secretary of State for External
Affairs): M r . Speaker, I was surprised by that announcement
by the British Minister. W e will oppose it, and we will Tight it.
It constitutes a very serious threat to the livelihood of Indian,
Metis, and Inuit Canadians who depend upon the fur industry
to live.
Wednesday, February 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C, Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
L U B I C O N BAND L A N D C L A I M — N O R T H E R N ALBERTA PULP MILL
PROJECT—TIMBER RIGHTS
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is
directed to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development. As the Minister will know, on Monday Premier
G e t t y announced plans for an untendered transfer of harvesting rights to the Daishowa pulp project, some 11,000 square
miles of northern Alberta, which is an area over 100 times the
size of the area sought by the Lubicon Band for settlement.
Since parts of these lands that were announced on M o n d a y
are those sought by the Lubicon Band and, we must assume,
by C r o w n Canada, as the basis for the settlement o f the
outstanding Lubicon claim, has the Minister expressed concern
to the Government of Alberta about the proposed transfer of
these lands and the fact that it will be harmful to a peaceful
and just settlement of the Lubicon claim?
Hon.
Bill M c K n i g h t ( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, the way the announcement was made yesterday in Alberta on the transfer of forestry
management to assist in the development of a large scale pulp
plant in northern Alberta was indeed unnecessary and
unhelpful. Some of the lands that were prescribed are indeed
lands which may be transferred to Lubicon when we have
reached a settlement.
I can assure the Hon. M e m b e r that the 25 square miles
originally put forward by Alberta in 1940 have been excluded
from that forestry management, and any lands that will be
transferred to Canada to settle that outstanding claim, as is
Alberta's obligation, will be transferred and exempted from
the forestry management agreement between Daishowa and
the Province of Alberta.
•
(1430)
A g a i n , as Minister of Indian Affairs or as Minister responsible for western diversification, I was not consulted on what is
solely a provincial prerogative.
G R A N T MADE FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFICATION F U N D
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, perhaps the
M i n i s t e r could rise, wearing his hat in terms of western
diversification at the same time as aboriginal affairs, and
explain to the people of Canada and, in particular, the Lubicon
people and the people of Alberta, why the Minister participated i n the announcement by announcing an economic participation in terms of $9.5 million, in the project?
1 must say that I particularly regret that there was virtually
no advance warning to this Government by the Government of
Great Britain in bringing in this matter. I will be pursuing it
personally with the British Foreign Secretary, and with others.
Hon. Bill M c K n i g h t (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, I am pleased the Hon
Member has drawn a distinction between an economic
initiative taken by the Province of Alberta, the Government of
Canada, and Daishowa, and the land claims which we both
wish to see proceed to settlement. Hopefully, there will be a
negotiated settlement.
The reason the Government of Canada through the Western
Diversification Fund was pleased to participate with the
Daishowa and the Province of Alberta was that over 600 direct
jobs will be created in northern Alberta, some 2,000 years of
person employment in construction, indirect benefits to a part
of western Canada and a part of northern Alberta which has
suffered economic decline, particularly in the oil and gas
industry under the National Energy Program which was
available to those people in the past. This initiative was
undertaken with major, major foreign investment to benefit
people in western Canada, particularly in the Peace River
region
LAND CLAIM—REQUEST THAT MEDIATOR BE APPOINTED
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. Yesterday John
Diefenbaker's former Minister of Justice, the H o n . E. Davie
Fulton, staled that in his judgment, as a former Minister of
Justice, as a politician, and as a well-respected Canadian, he
rated the Lubicon crisis, on a scale of one to 10, as a 10 in
terms of tragedy. The Prime Minister has now heard from the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. What the Government of Alberta has done is unhelpful in resolving the situation.
M r . E . Davie Fulton has publicly offered his services, which
are requested by the Lubicon band. That has been blocked so
far by the Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. W i l l the
Prime Minister show the leadership he has shown in the past,
for example, on South Moresby—
Some H o n . Members: Hear, hear!
M r . Fulton: —and satisfy himself in discussions with the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs that the appointment of E . Davie Fulton at this point in time would be helpful,
because the eyes of the world are on the Calgary Olympics and
on how Canada has mishandled (he Lubicon case to date.
H o n . B i l l M c K n i g h t (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r Speaker, every Member in this
House hopes that the settlement of the Lubicon claim can be
proceeded through negotiation. The Lubicon band walked
away in July from bilateral negotiations under the leadership
of M r . Tasse on behalf of Canada. It refused to, negotiate
bilaterally in November with M r . Malone, whom I appointed
negotiator. It had up until January 29 last to enter into
negotiations. That time of negotiation, unfortunately, has
passed. Canada has sent a letter of request to the Government
of Alberta outlining the needs of Canada and the needs of
U N I T E D N A T I O N S H U M A N RIGHTS C O M M I S S I O N
RESOLUTIONS AFFECTING ABORIGINAL
PEOPLES
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is for
the Deputy Prime Minister. As he knows, the United Nations
H u m a n Rights Commission is today considering three matters
of substantial importance to the aboriginal peoples of Canada:
the designation of 1992 as the International Year o f Indigenous Rights; the drafting of international standards on the
treatment of indigenous peoples, and the appointment of a
United Nations official to examine and report on treaties.
CANADA
House of Commons Debates
W i l l the Deputy Prime Minister rise today in the House and
stale unequivocally that Canada endorses those three principles?
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 259
•
2nd SESSION
•
33rd
PARLIAMENT
H o n . Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Small B u s i nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): M r . Speaker, C a n a d a is
supportive of the important work of the Working G r o u p on
Indigenous Populations in developing global standards on
indigenous rights. Canada considers that the proposed treaty
study, as currently drafted, will divert both attention and
resources from the universal scope of W G I P s work. The
proposed treaty study would focus on only a small number of
countries—
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, February 25, 1988
Some H o n . Members: Oh, oh!
M r . Valcourt: Maybe the Liberals are not interested in the
fate of our native people but they should at least be courteous
enough to listen to the answer.
Speaker:TheHonourable John A. Fraser, P.O. Q.C.
Canada's position is that we would prefer to have the
proposal referred back to the W G I P for further consideration
or for it to be broadened.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. I am sure he is
aware, having listened to the Minister who has just responded,
that these three principles will be set off for at least four years
and that, combined with what we find in this week's Estimates
with cuts to comprehensive claims, lands reserves and trust,
economic development and self-government for aboriginal
people in Canada, it is now abundantly clear that the assimilalionist policies of this Conservative Government arc the same
ones that are found in the Nielsen Task Force report, the
Buffalo j u m p of (he 1950s.
H o n . D o n Mazankowski (Deputy Prime M i n i s t e r , President of the Privy Council and President of the Treasury
Board): M r . Speaker, when the Hon M e m b e r talks about the
Estimates, perhaps he may want to explain to the natives and
the people of Canada why he and his Party voted against some
J29 million for additional expenditures relating to native
people for economic and social development and Indian selfgovernment.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 251
•
2nd SESSION
•
)3rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, February 8, 1988
Spelter: The Honourable John A . Irn^er, P . C . . Q . C .
INDIAN AFFAIRS
CONDITION OF SCHOOL IN FORT A L B A N Y O N J A M E S BAY
M r . K e i t h Penner (Cochrane—Superior): M r . Speaker,
Fort A l b a n y is a small Indian community on the western shore
of James Bay. There are 130 children, from kindergarten to
grade eight, who attend the local school. Their school is a fire
trap.
The school's fire hazards were brought to the attention of
the Department of Indian Affairs in 1986, and again in 1987,
with little response. A recent evaluation by an architectural
firm from Winnipeg slates that the fire detection, fire alarm
and fire-fighting systems are completely inadequate. The firm
recommends closing the school immediately. The firm states:
" W i t h o u t over-emphasizing the situation, we suggest that the
lives of the children are hanging in the balance".
The Minister must move quickly to make this school safe
from the threat of fire. Plans for the construction of a new
school, scheduled for completion in four years, must be
accelerated Prompt action now can prevent a disaster.
ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA—NISHGA COUNCIL'S CLAIM
CANADA
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME
129
•
NUMBER
257
•
2nd SESSION
•
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, February 23, 1988
Speaker The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C., Q.C.
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is for
the Right H o n . Prime Minister. Since September 4, 1984, the
Prime Minister has never once spoken out in support of what is
apparently his own government policy to settle comprehensive
aboriginal claims in British Columbia.
Since the only active negotiation is with the Nishga T r i b a l
Council in the Nass Valley, and since there has been no
progress on this claim since 1984, will the Prime Minister take
this opportunity to endorse the policy of negotiated settlement
and assure Canadians that the steps necessary to achieve
settlement will in fact be taken now?
Hon. Bill
Mcknight
( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, under the leadership of
the Prime Minister, my colleague, the H o n . Minister of State,
implemented a new comprehensive claims policy after
consulting with Indian leadership in Canada. W e went forward
after the implementation of that was announced in December
1986
Presently six claims are under active negotiation in Canada.
1 hope they can be settled. If we cannot come to a settlement
on the six active negotiations, we will proceed down the list
and attempt to conclude negotiations with those outstanding
claimants.
The necessity of settlement really implies co-operation,
which we have had from the claimant groups and hope will
continue.
REQUEST T H A T MINISTER MEET INDIAN CHIEFS
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister The Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development talks about cooperation. The Lytton and M o u n t Currie bands have been
attempting to meet with the Minister of Indian Affairs
regarding the Stein Valley since 1985, and have been refused.
The Minister has refused to meet with them, including even
today.
W i l l the Prime Minister lake the opportunity to meet with
Chief Ruby Dunstan and Chief Leonard Andrew who are here
in Ottawa today seeking the Prime Minister's assistance and, if
not, will he appoint a Minister of Indian Affairs who will meet
with aboriginal people?
Right H o n . Brian Mulroney (Prime M i n i s t e r ) : M r .
Speaker, I am somewhat surprised by the prefatory nature of
the comments of my hon. friend with regard to our commitment to aboriginal rights.
I had the privilege of chairing two First Ministers, conferences in Canada, seeking justice for our aboriginal people and
seeking the appropriate constitutional amendment that would
deliver that justice. W e came extremely close to securing an
historic agreement. We have to try again.
If I may say so, I, along with many others, was instrumental
in working out an agreement that I believe was satisfactory to
the native people and all the environmental groups with regard
to South Moresby in British Columbia. That was a landmark
settlement;* which very much favoured the aboriginal presence
and economic development in British Columbia. W e have
introduced a number of comprehensive initiatives.
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I regularly meet with
aboriginal leaders here and across the country. I have done so
from the day I was sworn in and will continue to do so on a
regular, ongoing basis. A n y time that it is in any way productive, I will be happy to do so.
WILDLIFE
GREAT BLUE H E R O N S — E F F E C T OF DIOXIN C O N T A M I N A T I O N
M r . J i m Manly ( C o w i c h a n — M a l a h a t — T h e Islands): M r
Speaker, last year not a single egg hatched from a 52 nest
colony of great blue herons at Crofton, British Columbia
Fragments of the eggs were found to have traces of dioxin. O n
Monday the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans ( M r . Siddon)
provided information on testing of shellfish from waters
around pulp mills at Crofton and Nanaimo. The lab confirmed
an earlier study released by Greenpeace showing traces of
dioxin in shellfish at the Harmac pulp mill.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 244
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, January 28, 1988
Speaker:TheHonourableJohn A. Fraser, P.C, Q C
The Department of National Health and Welfare has
assured Canadians that the level of contamination is well
below the level of risk. We await the findings of the Department of the Environment as to the affects on wildlife.
The issue of dioxin contamination is not new, but not until
late last fall did the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
the Department of the Environment initiate a national
program to determine dioxin levels around Canadian pulp
mills. It was only because of the publicity for the Greenpeace
study that the single testing lab of the Department o f Fisheries
and Oceans pushed the B.C. samples to the head of the line.
Since the Greenpeace report was released, M a c M i l l a n
Bloedel announced it would stop dioxin contamination near
company mills by M a r c h 31, by using a different process I
applaud the action M a c M i l l a n Bloedel has taken. However. 1
wonder if it would have found the substitute sooner if the
federal Government had given this issue a higher priority and
had begun testing sooner.
PENDING DECISION ON EXPORTS OF UN PROCESSED S A L M O N
M r . J i m M a n l y ( C o w i c h a n — M a l a h a t — T l x Islands): M r
Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans. A t the G A T T meeting in Geneva next week,
Canada will try to get a postponement of the final G A T T
decision on restrictions on Canadian exports of unprocessed
pink or sockeye salmon or herring. I understand that the
United States is being very obstructionist in this attempt.
The following week in Washington there will be an attempt
to have bilateral talks to reach a mutually satisfactory solution
to this problem. W i l l the Minister assure representatives of the
West Coast fisheries industry that they will be able to
33rd PARLIAMENT
participate in the negotiating team, either as full members of
the team or at least to be present in the room as official
observers?
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER
245
•
2nd SESSION
•
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, January 29, 1988
Speaker:The*HonourableJohn A.Fraser.P.C,Q.C.
Hon. Thomas Siddon (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans):
M r . Speaker, this is a most important question. I can assure
the H o n . Member, as I and my colleague, the Minister for
International Trade, assured industry representatives in the
month of December, that they will be fully involved in the
development of Canada's response ;and our course o f action as
a result of the G A T T panel recommendation.
There is no imminent timetable. Canada will not agree to a
decision being taken at the meeting in Geneva next week and
we are seeking, through multinational approaches to other
members of the G A T T council who have similar concerns, a
remedy of this issue which would prevent the council taking a
decision that is detrimental to Canada's interest. W e continue
to work with the American industry and Government. We are
somewhat optimistic that a bilateral solution to the problem
might well be found through the meetings to which the H o n .
Member referred.
UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
FROM THE RESOURCE CENTRE
April 1988
NEWS ITEM FROM MUSGAMAGW-TSAWATAINEUK OF KINGCOME INLET, B.C.
The Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk will be celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the construction of their St. George's Anglican
Church and King George V Totem Pole. More importantly the
celebration will focus on the committment, energy and dedication
reminiscent of their ancestors whose memory is very much
cherished by their descendants.
The festivities will begin on 18 May 1988 and conclude on 22 May
1988. The totem pole is illustratiye of the four bands of the
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk. The top figure represents the
Thunderbird, crest of the Gwa-Wa-aineuk of Hope Town, the second
figure the Wolf represents the crest of the Ah-Kwamish of Wakeman
Sound, the third figure the Raven represents the Tsawataineuk of
Kingcome Inlet and the last figure on the pole the Cedar Man
represents the Kwicksutaineuk of Gilford Island.
These four tribes will each play host on alternating days that
will include sports, spiritual, political and entertainment
events with participants from throughout the Kwakiutl Nation and
including members of the Sliammon Band as wel! as some guests
from other bands.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS TO HEAR UBCIC PRESIDENT
AND MEMBERS OF UBCIC CHIEFS COUNCIL ON APRIL 27, 1988.
Chief Saul Terry, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
and a member of the UBCIC Chiefs Council, Tom Dennis wil] appear
to make presentation before the STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL
AFFAIRS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF BILL C-31 on April 27 1988.
This presentation represents and encompasses the concerns brought
to the UBCIC by various bands, tribal councils and Indian
organizations.
The final draft will be available upon request from our office.
SUBMISSION FROM HEALTH CONSULTATION WORKER
DENTAL SERVICES - PRIVATIZED PAYMENT OF BILLS
In July, 1987, the contract for payment of dental services to
Indian people was awarded to a National group called BLUE CROSS.
(Blue Cross in British Columbia is called Medical Services
Association.) This privatization of dental payments was intended
to improve the handling of accounts submitted by dentists. The
process for payment was to be speeded up through contract
requirement that Dentists be paid on a monthly basis.
It appears that this intended improvement in dental payments may
not be occurring. A few reports indicate that some dentists are
still having to wait several months to obtain payment for
services they had provided to Indian clients.
The contract between Medica! Services and Blue Cross is open to
change in June of each year and is renewable on a three year
basis. This being the case, it would be worthwhile for bands to
write to Medical Services informing them of problems that are
encountered by dentists or band members. This type of
information will ensure that both policy and ongoing plans for
Dental Services reflect the needs of the community people.
It is especially important that problems encountered through
privatization of dental payments be dealt with as they occur.
The first attempt at privatizing of a part of health services is
considered a model for privatizing other non-insured services.
SUMMARY: HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKERS VIEW OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS
EXPERIENCED BY HOSPITALIZED NATIVE INDIANS.
In the past several months, the Health Liaison worker held
meetings with the Social Work Directors of the major hospitals in
Vancouver. The intent of these meetings were:
a. to obtain information on hospital services for summary
in an INFORMATION DIRECTORY to bands (mailed out April,
1988).
b. to identify the types of problems encountered by native
Indians who have been hospitalized.
Generally, the same types of problems were identified at most of
the hospitals. The main problems are listed, including some
Suggestions on how bands might assist their members in preventing
them.
1. Travel and Accomodatican.
Often people who travel to Vancouver to obtain medical care
are discharged from hospital and do not have travel and
accommodation plans in place. These people may be
discharged sooner than planned or are discharged late
friday when most offices (including band offices) have
closed for the weekend. Often part of the discharge plans
include rental or purchase of special equipment (eg.
wheelchair, walker, etc.).
The problems created by unplanned or unexpected discharges
can be kept to a minimum or avoided by:
a. making discharge arrangements for travel,
accommodation, and equipment at the time of hospital
admission, or
b. Informing hospital Social Workers about emergency
transfers to a tower mainland hospital, especially if
special arrangements are required on discharge. This
advance notice to the hospital will allow the social
workers enough time to begin to set up plans for
discharge.
In most cases, timely planning will reduce the stress and
anxiety an individual might experience while in a hospital
away from home.
2. Lonliness and Fear
For some people, both a large hospital and the city itself
are new experiences that could cause considerable fear.
This level of fear can interfere with medical care,
especially if a person signs themselves out of the hospital
before treatment is complete.
One possible means for dealing with this problem would be
for bands to identify at least one in-city family or
community member who would be able to provide support to the
person admitted to the hospital. This support person's name
could be made available to either the hospital social worker
or be given to the individual who is leaving the community.
Often an elder who does not speak english well or a person
who is known to be very anxious might benefit from this type
of system.
b. Loneliness is a particular problem for children, long term
patients, and the terminally il 1. While Medical Services
does meet the costs for one family member to travel to
Vancouver, hospital social workers are of the opinion that
this may not be enough. In special cases, such as that of
children and the terminally i111, more than one family member
may needs to be present while these people are in hospital.
This need to extend travel costs to more than one family
member has been presented to Medica! Services. However,
more work needs to be done if any change is to be made with
this policy. In addition, UBCIC will continue to support
efforts by a city agency which is attempting to obtain funds
to continue with their program which provided hospital
visitation and support services to Indians.
3 Cultural Misunderstandings.
A lack of understanding on the part of hospital workers may
at times interfere with both communication and treatment
provided to native Indian patients. This is recognized as a
long standing problem which social workers are particularly
interested in doing something about.
As a follow up to these meetings, the Health Liaison worker
will be providing a cultura! education clinic at the G.F.
Strong hospital. If considered successful, this clinic wil!
be provided at other hospitals.
4. Failure to carry out follow-up medical care after discharge.
Both doctors and social! workers present serious concerns
about the fact that Indian patients often do not carry out
directions for continued care once they have returned to
their home community. Such care might include taking
medication for a period of time, doing exercises, or using
special equipment. A lack of this type of care either
intereferes with recovery or, often in the case of children,
results in re-admissions to the hospital.
In dealing with this problem fol low up work needs to be done
at the community level to remind individuals and families of
the importance of carrying out their treatment while at
home.
In many instances, hospital social workers find themselves having
to act as go-between for Medical Services and the patient. There
is a concern that native Indian patients consider these hospital
social workers to be the same as provincial social workers. This
immediately sets up a barrier that interferes with any
assistances they might be able to provide.
Hospital social workers have also said that one of the more
frequent causes for hospital admissions are related to motor
vehicle accidents. They also suggested that community education
is required to prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas that are related
to health liaison, please bring them to my attention.
Carole Dawson, UBCIC Health Liaison Worker.
DIRECTORY SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 1988
The second edition of the DIRECTORY is once again jointly
sponsored by B.C. Ministry of Health and the Kaiser Substance
Abuse Foundation, This 4116 page booklet contains program
descriptions of both Indian and non-Indian Programs that are
available throughout British Columbia. Information content
includes costs, if any, location, program length, and program
target groups.
Copies of this booklet can be obtained from the Health
Consultation Program at the UBCIC head office in Vancouver.
x*« * *
The UBCIC Resource Centre will be onen for business May 16, 1988.
For more information please call the UBCIC Librarian - Dave
Palmer.
Chiefs' Mask, Indian Art and Bookstore will be opening sometime
in May. The store is located in the main floor of our building
at 73 Water Street. Herman Thomas has been hired to coordinate
the book store opening. Do not hesitate to come and browse and
spend some of your monies in our Store.
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME i729 * NUMBER 293 * Ind SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, April 22, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Joan A. Fraser, PC, Q.C
/ * a
APR 191988
UNION OF BC,
INDIAN CHEERS
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 5 NUMBER 286 * and SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Wednesday, April 13, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Jobn A. Fraser, PC. Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
SPALLUMCHEEN INDIAN BAND—CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM
Mr. Nelson A. Riis (Kamloops—Shuswap):
the chief, the council, and the Suallurantca Teach
members reject the Minister of Indian Affairs’ (Mr
McKnight) recent proposed child welfare Program. They
reject not only the policy but also the so-called consultation
Process. They ‘believe that by transferring jurisdiction over
native children’s welfare to provincial Governments the federal!
Government is actually breaching its trust responsibility for
py people and is playing politics with the lives of Indian
ren.
Seven years ago this band began its own child welfare
program based on a thoughtful and well developed band by-
law which gave the band members the right to administer their
own child welfare programs, which they have done-exception-
aly well. They do not wish now to surrender this jurisdiction to
provincial Governments.
if native self-government is to be a reality in Canada, those
bands which presently have complete jurisdiction and responsi-
bility over their child welfare programs must be able to
continue to act in that fashion.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA LAND CLAIMS
Mr. Rod Murphy (Churchill): Mr. Speaker, my question is
for the Minister of Indian Affairs. During the state of severe
unemployment on Indian reserves in western Canada, and the
fact that native people need a secure land base in order to
develop their opportunities and get away from the welfare
cycle that exists, why has the Minister reneged on the Sas-
katchewan formula as it applies to the provision of land and
entitlement lands to the bands in that province? Why has he
reneged on the agreement with the Manitoba chiefs and the
Manitoba Government which was initialled by his officials
over a year ago which would have provided the land base
which those people so badly need?
Point of Order
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, there are two parts to
that important question.
The Saskatchewan formula, which has been in effect since
1979, has only seen two transfers of land take place. The
entitlement bands in Saskatchewan have changed their
decision from that originally of !and to land and, in some
cases, cash, and to some land which is not rural but urban. To
calculate the quantum to those changes, it was necessary to
review the policy of the Government of Canada
The date of first survey is still in place. Without prejudice.
the Government of Canada will meet that date of first survey
entitlement.
With respect to Manitoba, the Manitoba Government
initialled a memorandum among officials that allowed for the
Government of Canada to purchase in southern Manitoba all
the land necessary for entitlement, completely excluding any
responsibility by the Government of Manitoba to provide much
needed Jand to Indian entitlement bands in that province.
Mr. Speaker: The Hon. member for Humber—Port au
Port—S1. Barbe rises on a point of order.
VOLUME Ee oe
House of Commons Debates
NUMBER 265 © 2nd SESSION s J3rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, March 4, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C_, Qc.
FISHERIES
INDUSTRY STOPPAGE IN B.C.—GATT RULING
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, work in the B.C.
fishing industry has been stopped today to protest the
incompetence of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (Mr.
Siddon) and the Minister for Fnternational Trade (Miss
Carney). These two Ministers fail to protect the B.C. fishing
industry before the GATT panel, which has made a prelim-
inary ruling which could cost B.C. 7,500 fishing industry jabs.
The Progressive Conservatives combined with B.C 's Social |
Credit are the lethal combination of gutlessness and sheer
incompetence. Following the feeble and failing attempts before
the GATT panel, the Tories bumbied again by signing in to
the Mulroney-Reagan deal a guarantee to abide by GATT
rulings, and then bumbled again by protecting all provincial
fisheries regulations except for B.C., and then bumbled again
by failing to negotiate forcefully with the U.S. to head off a
ruling by GATT later this month.
Nt is clear now that the B.C. fishing industry deserves the
support of working people across the country to counter the
meompetence of the Minister of Fisheries who has placed s
$750 million B.C. fishing industry at risk. It is time for some
political will, an attribute sadly lacking in the Mulroney-
Vander Zalm administrations. They have been caught trying
to give away Canadian jobs. It is time for all Canadians to say
no.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
LUBICON LAKE INDIAN BAND LAND CLAIM—TRAWSFER OF
Mr. Keith Penner (Cocbrane—Superior): Mr. Speaker, |
direct my question to the Deputy Prime Minister. The offer
made yesterday to the Lubicon Indian Band is based on the
band’s population as of 1940. Of course, that population is
much larger today. In fact, the land offered is only one-third of
that claimed by the band. Yesterday's offer was described by
the Minister as an interim offer, and Chief Ominayak said
that no interim reserve is acceptable unless a process is clearly
established to reach a final settlement.
What assurances did Canada seek and obtain from the
Province of Alberta that when negotiations bave been success-
fully completed and additional land is to be given to the
Lubicon Indian Band, that the province will in fact transfer
that land? Will they do that or will it still be necessary for
Canada to take the province to court in order to acquire that
additional land?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Smal! Busi-
nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
avd Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, what has to be
realized is that this is an important step in the resolution of
this important issue concerning the Lubicon Indian Band land
claim. The setting up of this reserve and transfer of land by the
province is an indication of the willingness of both Canada and
Alberta to deal with the issue. What is important is that this
transfer of land will be made without prejudice to the position
of the parties involved. It does not affect the right of the band
to seek additional reserve lands through negotiations or court
action.
All we can say is that we are hopeful, this important step
having been taken, we will be able to resolve the whole issue
through negotiations.
Mr. Penser: I listened carefully to the answer and it lacked
clarity. | gather somewhere in there is a yes, Alberta is
prepared to give up additional land when a final negotiation
process has been completed
USE OF HON. £. DAVIE FULTON AS MEDIATOR
Mr. Keith Penner (Cochrane—Superior): My supplemen-
lary question deals with the negotiation process. Is the
Government of Canada now prepared to use the Hon. E. Davie
Fulton as a mediator, as requested by the band and as the
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development recommended to the House?
Hon. Bernard Vatcourt (Minister of State (Small Busi-
pesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, [ indicated that
the willingness of the Province of Alberta 10 transfer this
amount of land for the reserve is an indicalion of the position
of the province which also wants this resolved. The question of
what number of further acres or square miles could result will
come out of the negotiating process
With respect to the latter part of his question concerning the
mediator, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development has on many occasions indicated the position of
Canada in that regard. We have indicated to the band and all
parties involved many times thal we were ready to use the
conclusions of Mr. Fulton’s report as a basis for negotiations.
Because Mr. Fulton already made certain findings and has
indicated his position, we do not feel that he can act as a
mediator. It would be tantamount to having one of ihe parties
choose not only the jury but the judge and the parties at the
same table. We will not go in that direction.
CANADA
Mouse of Commons Debates
INDIAN AFFAIRS
2nd SESSION 3rd -PARLLAMENT
VOLUME 129 NUMBER 266 " REINSTATEMENT OF WOMEN ON RESERVES—LACK OF HOUSING
Mrs. Therese Killens (Saint-Miche—Ahuntsic): Mr
Speaker, the federal Government is preventing women who
GFA REPORT recently regained Indian status from getting decent housing on
(HANSARD) reserves. The ambiguous position of the Conservative Govern-
ment is forcing native women into unwholesome competition
with their own people for one of the basic necessities of life,
housing.
Monday, March 7, 1988 About 95,000 people have applied to Ottawa for reinstate-
ment to the reserves across the country and most of them are
women. They have applied for housing on reserves because the
1985 legislation, Bill C-31, now allows women and their
children to return to the reserves if they so wish.
You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that these women lost their
Indian status because they married white men or someone
other than a status Indian. However, the problem is that
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C. although the Government provided special funding for reserve
housing for reinstated women, it did not give band councils
clear criteria about how it was to be spent. The result is that
money is being spent for general housing needs.
. 1 1
NATIVE LAND CLAIMS—FISHING BY-LAWS Some Hon. Members: Time!
Mr. Ted Schellenberg (Nanaimo—Alberni): Madam Mrs. Killens: There is already not enough money for Indian
Speaker, it is my duty and honour to present petitions from housing on reserves—
611 British Columbians who are protesting the present process Some Hon. Members: Time!
of native land claim negotiations in our province. : : :
In particular, the petitioners request that the Government of Mrs. Killeas: --so once again the women are paying the
Canada pass an Order in Council pursuant to Section 73 of the price.
Indian Act placing all Indian Band fishing by-laws under the
authority of the Fisheries Act of Canada, and instruct the
federal Nishga claim negotiator, and all other Indian claims
negotiators, that Indian land claims are not to be seitled by
granting fish from the public Fisheries of Canada to the
exclusive use of the claimants.
FISHERIES
SITUATION IN GASPE—REQUEST THAT QUOTE BE SECURED
WITHIN 200-MILE ZONE
Mr. Chartes-Eugene Marin (Gaspe): Mr. Speaker, the
Gaspe peninsula once more is faced with a plant shutdown.
The Purdel Inc. group decided not to reopen its ground fish
line in Riviere-au-Renard, putting some 300 seasonal
employees out of work. One of the reasons given by the
company is the impossibility to obtain raw materials. It feels a
fishing quota within the 200-mile zone would have been a
solution to the problem.
You will remember, Mr. Speaker, that in December 1987
fishing industry groups in Quebec were denied access to the
200-mile zone by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean (Mr.
Siddon).
In view of the increasingly sad situation of tiie fishing
industry in Quebec, it was agreed on my request that a
meeting would take place in Gaspe within two weeks, in order
to regroup the Quebec fishing industry and to resume discus-
sions on the possible access of Quebec to the 200-mile zone.
Until a longer-term solution is found I am certain, Mr.
Speaker, that this Government will help the people in Riviere-
au-Renard overcome thal unhappy experience.
FISHERIES
SCALLOP FISHERY IN BAY GF FUNDY —ISSUANCE OF LICENCES
Mr. George Henderson (Egmont): Mr. Speaker, my
question 1s for whoever is responding today for the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans. In October, 1986, the inshore and
offshore sectors of the scallop fishery in the Bay of Fundy area
came up with a management plan for this very important
resource. For instance, all sides agreed that the fishing zone
for New Brunswick fishermen would be extended to the middle
Bouse of Commons Debates — he Bay of Fundy.
Now we learn that the Minister has issued licences which
allow some of these same fishermen to fish over the entire Bay.
YORUME: 143 EMBER 26t 2nd SESSION Jind PARLIAMENT Why has the Minister taken this decision which violates the
1986 scallop agreement?
Hon. Joha C. Crosbie (Minister of Transport): Mr
Speaker, as all Members know, life is never as simple as we
OFFICIAL REPORT would like it 10 be. The situation is that there were three
GHARSARD) individuals who said they had certain historical rights with
regard to fishing for scallop stocks in the Bay of Fundy area.
They appealed to the Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board.
The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board heard their
Tuesday, March 1, 1988 cases, two in 1986, and one last year, and recommended that
they should receive a full Bay of Fundy scallop licence.
The Minister gave this careful consideration. Affer all, this
is a ruling of the appeal board and these individual fishermen
could suffer if they did not get the licences. The Minister
decided that individual justice should be done and thai they
should get the licences
In one case there was a long-standing involvement in the
mipenkicti: Ke Wibnodieslkee Latin oA rater, RAs Ges scallop fishery and in the other cases there was historical
connection with the scallop fishery. That is the explanation.
These three cases were heard and that was the recommenda-
tion of the appeal board.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
POLICE PROGRAM ON ONTARIO RESERVES
Mr. Jobs Parry (Keoora—Rainy River): Mr. Speaker, in
the absence of the Minister of Indian Affairs I would like to
ask the Solicitor General a question concerning the status of
Indian policing in the Province of Ontario.
The Solicitor General may or may not know that the federal
Government has refused so far to increase its share of funding
of the present program and that the Indian chiefs of Ontario
do not want to see this program become dependent on the
provincia! Governmeat for its funding for obvious constitution-
al reasons. Since half the reserve communities in Ontario do
not have resident police protection, I wonder if I could ask the
Bouse of Commons Debates — Feierraens Hs & prepared to do to extend that police
Mr. Stan Scheileaberger (Parilamen Sec to
VOLUME 129 NUMBER 269 and SESSION 33rd PARLIAMEN /inister of Indian Affairs and Northera Derlopeaty: Mr.
Speaker, the Minister of Indian Affairs is aware of the
me difficulty and is in consultation with the Minister of the
Ontario Governmcat. We are looking very closely at what
alternatives are available, but f will take the Hon. Member's
vee as notice and seek further advice for him from the
OFFICIAL REPORT
{HANSARD)
Thursday, March 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Joba A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
pFCE\G
FEB 1 G!938
UNICY OF ac,
INDian CHIETS
FUR TRAPPING INDUSTRY
BRITISH PLANS TO LABEL FUR PRODUCTS—EFFECT ON
LIVELIHOOD OF CANADIAN TRAPPERS
Mr. Dave Nickerson (Western Arctic): Mr. Speaker, my
question is addressed to the Secretary of State for External
Affairs. Bowing to the propaganda of the anti-trapping law,
the Government of Great Britain has announced plans to label
fur products as having been caught in steel-jawed leg-hold
traps.
What action has Canada taken to forestall this threat to the
livelihood of our trappers? Will Canada retaliate against this
restraint of trade?
DS tae
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 . NUMBER 253 . 2nd SESSION . Jird PARLIAMENT
Right Hon. Joe Clark (Secretary of State for External
Affairs); Mr. Speaker, | was surprised by that announcement
by the British Minister. We will oppose it, and we will fight it.
It constitutes a very serious threat to the livelihood of Indian,
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Métis, and Inuit Canadians who depend upon the fur industry
to live.
Wednesday, February 10, 1988 1] must say that I particularly regret that there was virtually
no advance warning to this Government by the Government of
Great Britain in bringing in this matter. | will be pursuing it
personally with the British Foreign Secretary, and with others.
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
LUBICON BAND LAND CLAIM—NORTHERN ALBERTA PULP MILL
PROJECT—TIMBER RIGHTS
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my question is
directed to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development. As the Minister will know, on Monday Premier
Getty announced plans for an untendered transfer of harvest-
ing rights to the Daishowa pulp project, some 11,000 square
miles of northern Alberta, which is an area over 100 times the
size of the area sought by the Lubicon Band for settlement.
Since parts of these lands that were announced on Monday
are those sought by the Lubicon Band and, we must assume,
by Crown Canada, as the basis for the settlement of the
outstanding Lubicon claim, has the Minister expressed concern
to the Government of Alberta about the proposed transfer of
these lands and the fact that it will be harmful to a peaceful
and just settlement of the Lubicon claim?
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, the way the announce-
ment was made yesterday in Alberta on the transfer of forestry
management to assist in the development of a large scale pulp
plant in northern Alberta was indeed unnecessary and
unhelpful. Some of the lands that were prescribed are indeed
lands which may be transferred to Lubicon when we have
reached a settlement.
] can assure the Hon. Member that the 25 square miles
originally put forward by Alberta in 1940 have been excluded
from that forestry management, and any lands that will be
transferred to Canada to settle that outstanding claim, as is
Alberta's obligation, will be transferred and exempted from
the forestry management agreement between Daishowa and
the Province of Alberta.
@ (1430)
Again, as Minister of Indian Affairs or as Minister respon-
sible for western diversification, I was not consulted on what is
solely a provincial prerogative.
GRANT MADE FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFICATION FUND
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, perhaps the
Minister could rise, wearing his hat in terms of western
diversification at the same time as aboriginal affairs, and
explain to the people of Canada and, in particular, the Lubicon
people and the people of Alberta, why the Minister participat-
ed in the announcement by announcing an economic participa-
tion in terms of $9.5 million, in the project?
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northero Development): Mr. Speaker, | am pleased the Hon.
Member has drawn a distinction between an economic
initiative taken by the Province of Alberta, the Government of
Canada, and Daishowa, and the land claims which we both
wish to see proceed to settlement. Hopefully, there will be a
negotiated settlethent.
The reason the Government of Canada through the Western
Diversification Fund was pleased to participate with the
Daishowa and the Province of Alberta was that over 600 direct
jobs will be created in northern Alberta, some 2,000 years of
person employment in construction, indirect benefits to a part
of western Canada and a part of northern Alberta which has
suffered economic decline, particularly in the oi! and gas
industry under the National Energy Program which was
available to those people in the past. This initiative was
undertaken with major, major foreign investment to benefit
people in western Canada, particularly in the Peace River
region.
LAND CLAIM—REQUEST THAT MEDIATOR BE APPOINTED
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. Yesterday John
Diefenbaker’s former Minister of Justice, the Hon. E. Davie
Fulton, stated that in his judgment, as a former Minister of
Justice, as a politician, and as a well-respected Canadian, he
rated the Lubicon crisis, on a scale of one to 10, as a 10 in
terms of tragedy. The Prime Minister has now heard from the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. What the Govern-
ment of Alberta has done is unhelpful in resolving the situa-
tion.
Mr. E. Davie Fulton has publicly offered his services, which
are requested by the Lubicon band. That has been blocked so
far by the Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. Will the
Prime Minister show the leadership he has shown in the past,
for example, on South Moresby—
Some Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr. Fulton: —and satisfy himself in discussions with the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs that the appoint-
ment of E. Davie Fulton at this point in time would be helpful,
because the eyes of the world are on the Calgary Olympics and
on how Canada has mishandled the Lubicon case to date.
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, every Member in this
House hopes that the settlement of the Lubicon claim can be
proceeded through negotiation. The Lubicon band walked
away in July from bilateral negotiations under the leadership
of Mr. Tassé on behalf of Canada. It refused to, negotiate
bilaterally in November with Mr. Malone, whom I appointed
negotiator. It had up until January 29 last to enter into
negoliations. That time of negotiation, unfortunately, has
passed. Canada has sent a letter of request to the Government
of Alberta outlining the needs of Canada and the needs of
/ RLEIVED
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 s NUMBER 259 * Ind SESSION * J3r¢d PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, February 25, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., @.C.
/eetehy
FEB 1 21982
UNION OF Be
INDIAN CHICRg
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 ‘
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, February 8, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
NUMBER 251 . 2nd SESSION . Jind PARLIAMENT
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
RESOLUTIONS AFFECTING ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Mr. Jim Fultoa (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my question is for
the Deputy Prime Minister. As he knows, the United Nations
Human Rights Commission is today considering three matters
of substantia! importance to the aboriginal peoples of Canada:
the designation of 1992 as the International Year of Indige-
nous Rights: the drafting of international standards on the
trealment of indigenous peoples, and the appointment of a
United Nations official to examine and report on treaties.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister rise today in the House and
state unequivocally that Canada cadorses those three princi-
ples?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Smal! Busi-
nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, Canada is
supportive of the important work of the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations in developing global! standards on
indigenous rights. Canada considers that the proposed treaty
study, as currently drafted, will divert both attention and
resources from the universal scope of WGIPs work. The
proposed treaty study would focus on only a small number of
countries—
Some Hon. Members: Oh, oh!
Mr. Valcourt: Maybe the Liberals are not interested in the
fate of our native people but they should at least be courteous
enough to listen to the answer.
Canada's position is that we would prefer to have the
proposal referred back to the WGIP for further consideration
or for it to be broadened.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. | am sure he is
aware, having listened to the Minister who has just responded,
that these three principles will be set off for at least four years
and that, combined with what we find in this week’s Estimates
with cuts to comprehensive claims, lands reserves and trust,
economic development and self-government for aborigina!
people in Canada, it is now abundantly clear that the assimila-
tionist policies of this Conservative Government are the same
ones that are found in the Nielsen Task Force report, the
Buliato Jump of che 138Gs.
Hon. Don Mazaokowski (Deputy Prime Minister, Presi-
dent of the Privy Council and President of the Treasury
Board): Mr. Speaker, when the Hon. Member tatks about the
Estimates, perhaps he may want to explain to the natives and
the people of Canada why he and his Party voted agains1 some
$29 mitlion for additional expenditures relating to native
people for economic and social development and Indian self-
government.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
CONDITION OF SCHOOL IN FORT ALBANY ON JAMES BAY
Mr. Keith Peaner (Cochrane—Superior): Mr. Speaker,
Fort Albany is a smal] Indian community on the western shore
of James Bay. There are 130 children, from kindergarten to
grade eight, who attend the local school. Their school is a fire
trap,
Tie school’s fire hazards were brought to the attention of
the Department of Indian Affairs in 1986, and again in 1987,
with little response. A recent evaluation by an architectural
firm from Winnipeg states that the fire detection, fire alarm
and fire-fighting systems are completely inadequate. The firm
recommends closing the school immediately. The firm states:
“Without over-emphasizing the situation, we suggest that the
lives of the children are hanging in the balance”,
The Minister must move quickly to make this school safe
from the threat of fire. Plans for the construction of a new
school, scheduled for completion in four years, must be
accelerated. Prompt action now can prevent a disaster.
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 257 —® tad SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, February 23, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C.. QC.
ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA—NISHGA COUNCIL'S CLAIM
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeema): Mr. Speaker, my question is for
the Right Hon. Prime Minister. Since September 4, 1984, the
Prime Minister has never once spoken out in support of what is
apparently his own government policy to settle comprehensive
aboriginal claims in British Columbia.
Since the only active negotiation is with the Nishga Tribal!
Council in the Nass Valley, and since there has been no
progress on this claim since 1984, will the Prime Minister take
this opportunity to endorse the policy of negotiated settlement
and assure Canadians that the steps necessary to achieve
settlement will in fact be taken now?
Hon. Bill McKeight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northera Development): Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of
the Prime Minister, my colleague, the Hon. Minister of State,
implemented a new comprehensive claims policy after
consulting with Indian leadership in Canada. We went forward
after the implementation of that was announced in December
1986
Presently six claims are under active negotiation in Canada,
t hope they can be settled. If we cannat come to a settlement
on the six active negotiations, we will proceed down the list
and attempt to conclude negotiations with those outstanding
claimants.
The necessity of settlement realy implies co-operation,
which we have had from the claimant groups and hope will
continue.
REQUEST THAT MINISTER MEET INDIAN CHIEFS
Mr. Jim Fultoo (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. The Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development talks about co-
operation. The Lytton and Mount Currie bands have been
attempting to meet with the Minister of Indian Affairs
regarding the Stein Walley since 1985, and have been refused.
The Minister has refused to meet with them, including even
today.
Will the Prime Minister take the opportunity to meet with
Chief Ruby Dunstan and Chief Leonard Andrew who are here
in Ottawa today seeking the Prime Minister's assistance and, if
not, will he appoint a Minister of Indian Affairs who will meet
with aboriginal people?
Right Hoo. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister): Mr.
Speaker, | am somewhat surprised by the prefatory nature of
the comments of my hon. [friend with regard to our commit-
ment to aboriginal! rights.
I had the privilege of chairing two First Ministers, confer-
ences in Canada, seeking justice for our aboriginal people and
seeking the appropriate constitutional amendment that would
deliver that justice. We came extremely close to securing an
historic agreement. We have to try again.
If | may say so, J, along with many others, was instrumental
in working out an agreement that ] believe was satisfactory to
the nalive people and all the environmental groups with regard
to South Moresby in British Columbia. That was a landmark
settlement which very much favoured the aboriginal presence
and economic development in British Columbia. We have
introduced a aumber of comprehensive initiatives.
Lis with a great deal of pleasure that [ regularly meet with
aboriginal leaders here and across the country. I have done so
from the day ] was sworn in and will continue to do so on a
regular, ongoing basis. Any time that it is in any way produc-
tive, I will be happy to do so.
Re
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 244 2ad SESSION
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, January 28, 1988
Speaker: The Hopourable John A. Fraser, P.C, Q.C
reff ry \
FEBO3 82g
UNION oe ,
NOIAN Cri rs
y
5
CANADA
Wouse of Commons Debates
33rd PARLIAMENT
VOLUME 129 . NUMBER 245 .
OFFICIAL REPORT
(CHANSARD)
Friday, January 29, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, PC. Q.C.
ind SESSION ® 33rd PARLLAMENT
WILDLIFE
GREAT BLUE HERONS—EFFECT OF DIOXIN CONTAMINATION
Mr. Jim Maaly (Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands): Mr
Speaker, last year not a single egg hatched from a $2 nest
colony of great blue herons at Crofton, British Columbia
Fragments of the eggs were found to have traces of dioxin. On
Monday the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (Mr. Siddon)
provided information on testing of shellfish from waters
around pulp mills at Crofton and Nanaimo. The lab confirmed
an earlier study released by Greenpeace showing traces of
dioxin in shellfish at the Harmac pulp mill.
The Department of National Health and Welfare has
assured Canadians that the level of contamination is well
below the level of risk. We await the findings of the Depart-
ment of the Environment as to the affects on wildlife.
The issue of dioxin contamination is not new, but not until
late tast fall did the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
the Department of the Environment initiate a national
Program to determine dioxin levels around Canadian puip
mills. It was only because of the publicity for the Greenpeace
study that the single testing lab of the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans pushed the B.C. samples to the head of the line.
Since the Greenpeace report was released, MacMillan
Bloedel announced it would stop dioxin contamination near
company mills by March 31, by using a different process. |
applaud the action MacMillan Bloedel has taken. However, I
wonder if it would have found the substitute sooner if the
federal Government had given this issue a higher Priority and
had begun testing sooner.
PENDING DECISION ON EXPORTS OF UNPROCESSED SALMON
Mr. Jim Manly (Cowichao—Malahat--The Islands): Mr
Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans. At the GATT mecting in Geneva next week,
Canada will try to get a postponement of the fina} GATT
decision on restrictions on Canadian exports of unprocessed
pink or sockeye salmon or herring. 1 understand that the
United States is being very obstructionist in this attempt.
The following week in Washington there will be an atlempt
to have bilateral talks to reach a mutually satisfactory solution
to this problem. Will the Minister assure representatives of the
West Coast fisheries industry that they will be able to
participate in the negotiating team, cither as full members of
the team or at least to be present in the room as official
observers?
Hon. Thomas Siddoa (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans):
Mr. Speaker, this is a most important question. I can assure
the Hon. Member, as I and my colleague, the Minister for
International Trade, assured industry representatives in the
month of December, that they will be fully involved in the
development of Canada’s response 2nd our course of action as
a result of the GATT panel recommendation.
There is no imminent timetable. Canada will not agree to a
decision being taken al the meeting in Geneva next week and
we are seeking, through multinational approaches to other
members of the GATT council who have similar concerns, a
remedy of this issue which would prevent the council taking a
decision that is detrimental to Canada’s interest. We continue
to work with the American industry and Government. We are
somewhat optimistic that a bilateral solution to the problem
might well be found through the meetings to which the Hon.
Member referred.
-
U N I O N O F B.C. I N D I A N
CHIEFS
A p r i l 1988
NEWS ITEM
FROM MUSGAMAGW-TSAWATAINEUK OF KINGCOME I N L E T , B.C.
The
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk
will
be c e l e b r a t i n g t h e 50th
Anniversary
o f t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e i r St. George's
Anglican
Church
and King
George
V Totem
Pole.
More
importantly t h e
celebration w i l l
f o c u s on t h e c o m m i t t m e n t , energy and d e d i c a t i o n
r e m i n i s c e n t
o f t h e i r
a n c e s t o r s
whose memory
i s very
much
c h e r i s h e d by t h e i r
descendants.
The
f e s t i v i t i e s w i l l b e g i n on 18 M a y 1 9 8 8 a n d c o n c l u d e
on 22 May
1988.
The t o t e m p o l e i s i l l u s t r a t i v e
o f t h e four bands oft h e
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk .
The t o p f i g u r e
r e p r e s e n t s
t h e
Thunderbird,
c r e s t o f t h e G w a - W a - a i n e u k o f Hope Town, t h e s e c o n d
f i g u r e t h e W o l f r e p r e s e n t s t h e c r e s t o f t h e A h - K w a m i s h o f Wakeman
Sound, t h e t h i r d f i g u r e t h e Raven r e p r e s e n t s t h e Tsawataineuk o f
Kingcome
I n l e t
and t h e l a s t
f i g u r e on t h e p o l e t h e C e d a r Man
represents
t h e Kwicksutaineuk
o f Gilford
Island.
These four t r i b e s w i l l
each p l a y h o s t on a l t e r n a t i n g d a y s
that
w i l l
i n c l u d e sports, s p i r i t u a l ,
p o l i t i c a l
and
entertainment
events
w i t h p a r t i c i p a n t s from t h r o u g h o u t t h e Kwakiutl
Nation and
i n c l u d i n g
members o f t h e S l i a m m o n Band as w e l l
as some
guests
from other
bands.
*
* *
STANDING C O M M I T T E E ON A B O R I G I N A L A F F A I R S TO HEAR U B C I C P R E S I D E N T
AND MEMBERS OF UBCIC CHIEFS COUNCIL ON A P R I L 2 7 , 1 9 8 8 .
Chief Saul
Terry,
P r e s i d e n t o f t h e U n i o n o f B.C. I n d i a n
Chiefs
and
a m e m b e r o f t h e U B C I C C h i e f s C o u n c i l , Tom D e n n i s w i l l
appear
t o m a k e p r e s e n t a t i o n b e f o r e t h e S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E ON A B O R I G I N A L
A F F A I R S R E G A R D I N G THE I M P A C T OF B I L L C - 3 1 o n A p r i l
27 1988.
This p r e s e n t a t i o n represents
and encompasses t h e c o n c e r n s
brought
to
t h e UBCIC
by v a r i o u s
bands,
t r i b a l
c o u n c i l s and
Indian
organizations.
The
final
draft
will
be a v a i l a b l e
upon
request
from
our office.
+ * *
SUBMISSION
DENTAL
FROM HEALTH CONSULTATION WORKER
SERVICES
- PRIVATIZED
PAYMENT OF B I L L S
In J u l y ,
1 9 8 7 , t h e c o n t r a c t f o rpayment o f d e n t a l s e r v i c e s t o
I n d i a n p e o p l e w a s a w a r d e d t o a N a t i o n a l g r o u p c a l l e d B L U E CROSS.
(Blue
Cross
i n B r i t i s h
Columbia
i s c a l l e d
Medical
Services
Association.)
This p r i v a t i z a t i o n
o f d e n t a l p a y m e n t s was i n t e n d e d
to
improve t h e handling o f accounts submitted
by d e n t i s t s .
The
process
f o r payment
was t o b e s p e e d e d
up through
contract
r e q u i r e m e n t t h a t D e n t i s t s be p a i d o n a m o n t h l y b a s i s .
It appears that this intended
improvement i n dental
not be o c c u r r i n g .
A f e w r e p o r t s i n d i c a t e t h a t some
s t i l l
having
t o wait
s e v e r a l
months
t o obtain
services they
had provided t o Indian
clients.
p a y m e n t s may
dentists are
payment f o r
- 2
-
The
c o n t r a c t between Medical
S e r v i c e s and
Blue
Cross
i s open
to
change in June of each year
and
i s r e n e w a b l e on
a three
year
basis.
T h i s b e i n g t h e c a s e , i t w o u l d be w o r t h w h i l e
f o r bands
to
w r i t e to M e d i c a l
S e r v i c e s i n f o r m i n g them of problems t h a t a r e
e n c o u n t e r e d
by
d e n t i s t s
or
band
members.
This
type
of
information w i l l
e n s u r e t h a t b o t h p o l i c y and o n g o i n g p l a n s
f o r
Dental S e r v i c e s r e f l e c t the needs of the community
people.
It
is e s p e c i a l l y
important
that problems encountered
through
p r i v a t i z a t i o n
o f d e n t a l p a y m e n t s be d e a l t w i t h a s t h e y
occur.
The
f i r s t a t t e m p t a t p r i v a t i z i n g o f a p a r t of h e a l t h s e r v i c e s i s
c o n s i d e r e d a model f o r p r i v a t i z i n g o t h e r n o n - i n s u r e d
services.
*
SUMMARY:
*
*
H O S P I T A L S O C I A L W O R K E R S V I E W OF
THE
MAJOR
E X P E R I E N C E D BY H O S P I T A L I Z E D N A T I V E
INDIANS.
In t h e
past
s e v e r a l months,
the
Health
m e e t i n g s with the S o c i a l
Work D i r e c t o r s of
Vancouver. The intent of these meetings were:
a. to obtain information on hospital services for summary
i n an I N F O R M A T I O N
1 988) .
b.
to identify
I n d i a n s who
DIRECTORY
the types
have been
to
PROBLEMS
Liaison
worker
h e l d
the major h o s p i t a l s
in
bands
(mailed
out
April,
by
native
of problems encountered
hospitalized.
Generally,
t h e same t y p e s of p r o b l e m s were i d e n t i f i e d a t most o f
the h o s p i t a l s .
The
main problems are
l i s t e d ,
including
some
suggestions
on how
bands might a s s i s t t h e i r members i n p r e v e n t i n g
them.
1.
Travel
and
Accomodation.
Often people
who
t r a v e l t o V a n c o u v e r to o b t a i n medical
are discharged
from h o s p i t a l
and
do n o t
have t r a v e l
accommodation
p l a n s
in p l a c e .
These
people
may
discharged
sooner than p l a n n e d or are d i s c h a r g e d
friday
when most
offices
( i n c l u d i n g
band o f f i c e s )
c l o s e d for the weekend.
O f t e n p a r t of the d i s c h a r g e
p
i n c l u d e
r e n t a l
or purchase
of
s p e c i a l
equipment
wheelchair,
walker,
etc.).
The
can
p r o b l e m s c r e a t e d by
be k e p t t o a m i n i m u m
unplanned
or a v o i d e d
or unexpected
by:
care
and
be
l a t e
have
lans
(eg.
discharges
a.
m a k i n g
d i s c h a r g e
a r r a n g e m e n t s
f o r
accommodation,
and e q u i p m e n t a t t h e t i m e o f
admission,
or
b.
Informing
hospital
S o c i a l
Workers
about
emergency
t r a n s f e r s to a lower mainland h o s p i t a l ,
especially i f
special
arrangements
are
r e q u i r e d on d i s c h a r g e .
This
a d v a n c e n o t i c e to the h o s p i t a l
w i l l
a l l o w the
s o c i a l
workers
enough
time
to
begin
to
set
up
plans
for
discharge.
In most c a s e s , t i m e l y
a n x i e t y an
individual
away f r o m home.
planning w i l l
reduce the
might experience w h i l e in
t r a v e l ,
hospital
stress
and
a
hospital
2.
Lonliness
and
3 -
Fear
F o r some p e o p l e , b o t h a l a r g e h o s p i t a l and t h e c i t y
i t s e l f
are
new
experiences
that c o u l d
cause c o n s i d e r a b l e
fear.
This
l e v e l
of
fear
can
i n t e r f e r e
with
medical
care,
especially
i f a person s i g n s t h e m s e l v e s out of t h e
hospital
before treatment
is complete.
One
p o s s i b l e means f o r d e a l i n g w i t h t h i s p r o b l e m w o u l d
be
for
bands
to
i d e n t i f y
at
l e a s t
one
i n - c i t y
f a m i l y
or
c o m m u n i t y m e m b e r who
w o u l d be a b l e t o p r o v i d e s u p p o r t t o t h e
person admitted
to the h o s p i t a l .
This support
p e r s o n ' s name
c o u l d be made a v a i l a b l e t o e i t h e r t h e h o s p i t a l
social
worker
o r be g i v e n t o t h e i n d i v i d u a l
who
i s l e a v i n g the
community.
Often
an e l d e r who
does not speak e n g l i s h w e l l or a person
who
i s k n o w n t o be v e r y a n x i o u s m i g h t b e n e f i t f r o m t h i s
type
of
system.
b.
Loneliness
is a particular
problem for children,
long
term
patients,
and
the
terminally i l l .
While
Medical
Services
does meet the
costs
f o r one
f a m i l y member t o t r a v e l
to
Vancouver, hospital
social
workers are of the o p i n i o n
that
t h i s may
n o t be e n o u g h .
In s p e c i a l
cases,
s u c h as t h a t o f
c h i l d r e n and t h e t e r m i n a l l y i l l ,
more t h a n one
f a m i l y member
may
n e e d s t o be p r e s e n t w h i l e t h e s e p e o p l e a r e i n h o s p i t a l .
This need to e x t e n d t r a v e l
c o s t s t o more t h a n one
f a m i l y
member has
been presented
to Medical
S e r v i c e s .
However,
m o r e w o r k n e e d s t o be d o n e i f a n y
c h a n g e i s t o be made
with
t h i s policy.
In a d d i t i o n , UBCIC w i l l
continue to
support
e f f o r t s by a c i t y
agency which i s attempting
to obtain
funds
to
continue
with
their
program
which
provided
h o s p i t a l
visitation
and
support
services to
Indians.
3
Cultural
Misunderstandings.
A lack of understanding
on t h e p a r t o f h o s p i t a l
workers
may
at times
i n t e r f e r e w i t h b o t h c o m m u n i c a t i o n and
treatment
provided
to n a t i v e Indian p a t i e n t s .
This is recognized
as a
long standing problem which s o c i a l workers are
particularly
interested in doing
something
about.
As a f o l l o w up t o t h e s e m e e t i n g s ,
the Health
L i a i s o n worker
w i l l
be p r o v i d i n g a c u l t u r a l
education
c l i n i c at the
G.F.
Strong h o s p i t a l .
If considered
successful, this c l i n i c
will
be p r o v i d e d
at o t h e r
hospitals.
4.
Failure
to
carry
out
follow-up
medical
care
after
discharge.
Both doctors
and
s o c i a l
workers present
serious
concerns
a b o u t t h e f a c t t h a t I n d i a n p a t i e n t s o f t e n do n o t c a r r y
out
d i r e c t i o n s
for continued
care once they
have returned
to
t h e i r
home c o m m u n i t y .
Such
care
might
i n c l u d e
taking
medication
f o r a period of time, doing e x e r c i s e s , or
using
special
equipment.
A lack
of
t h i s
type
of care
either
intereferes with recovery
or, o f t e n i n the case of
children,
results
in re-admissions
to the
hospital.
In d e a l i n g w i t h
at the community
the
importance
home.
t h i s p r o b l e m f o l l o w up w o r k n e e d s t o be d o n e
level
t o r e m i n d i n d i v i d u a l s and
families
of
of c a r r y i n g out
t h e i r treatment
w h i l e
at
I n many i n s t a n c e s , h o s p i t a l
social
workers find themselves
having
t o a c t as g o - b e t w e e n f o r M e d i c a l
S e r v i c e s and
the p a t i e n t .
There
is a concern that n a t i v e Indian patients consider these
hospital
social
w o r k e r s t o be t h e s a m e a s p r o v i n c i a l
social workers.
This
i m m e d i a t e l y
s e t s
up
a
b a r r i e r
t h a t
i n t e r f e r e s
w i t h
any
a s s i s t a n c e s t h e y m i g h t be a b l e t o
provide.
4
-
H o s p i t a l s o c i a l workers have
also
s a i d t h a t one o f t h e m o r e
frequent causes f o r h o s p i t a l admissions
are r e l a t e d to motor
vehicle accidents.
They a l s o s u g g e s t e d t h a t c o m m u n i t y e d u c a t i o n
i s r e q u i r e d t o p r e v e n t t h e s e t y p e s o f a c c i d e n t s from o c c u r r i n g .
If
to
you h a v e any q u e s t i o n s , s u g g e s t i o n s , o r
h e a l t h l i a i s o n , p l e a s e b r i n g t h e m t o my
Carole
D a w s o n , UBCIC
Health
Liaison
*
DIRECTORY
ideas that are
attention.
related
Worker.
* *
SUBSTANCE ABUSE S E R V I C E S
IN B R I T I S H
COLUMBIA
1988
The
s e c o n d e d i t i o n o f t h e DIRECTORY
i s once a g a i n
jointly
s p o n s o r e d by B.C. M i n i s t r y o f H e a l t h a n d t h e K a i s e r S u b s t a n c e
Abuse
Foundation.
This
116
page b o o k l e t
contains
program
d e s c r i p t i o n s o f both I n d i a n and n o n - I n d i a n
Programs t h a t a r e
a v a i l a b l e throughout
B r i t i s h Columbia.
Information
content
i n c l u d e s c o s t s , i f any, l o c a t i o n , p r o g r a m l e n g t h , and p r o g r a m
t a r g e t groups.
Copies
of t h i s
booklet
c a n be o b t a i n e d
from the
Health
C o n s u l t a t i o n P r o g r a m a t t h e UBCIC h e a d o f f i c e i n V a n c o u v e r .
*
The UBCIC
For more
Palmer.
Resource Centre w i l l
information please
*
*
b e o p e n f o r b u s i n e s s May 1 6
call
the UBCIC L i b r a r i a n
:
1988.
Dave
Chiefs'
Mask,
I n d i a n A r t and B o o k s t o r e
w i l l
be o p e n i n g
sometime
i n May.
The s t o r e i s l o c a t e d i n t h e m a i n f l o o r o f o u r
b u i l d i n g
at
73 W a t e r S t r e e t .
Herman Thomas has been h i r e d t o c o o r d i n a t e
the book s t o r e opening.
Do n o t h e s i t a t e t o come a n d b r o w s e
and
s p e n d some o f y o u r m o n i e s i n o u r s t o r e .
* * *
INDIAN AFFAIRS
S P A L L U M C H E E N INDIAN BAND—CHILD W E L F A R E P R O G R A M
CANADA
M r . Nelson A . Riis (Kamloops — Shuswap): M r Speaker,
the chief, the council, and the Spallumcheen Indian Band
members reject the Minister of Indian Affairs' ( M r .
M c K n i g h t ) recent proposed child welfare program. T h e y
reject not only the policy but also the so-called consultation
process. They believe that by transferring jurisdiction over
native children's welfare to provincial Governments the federal
Government is actually breaching its trust responsibility for
Indian people and is playing politics with the lives of Indian
children.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 293
•
2nd SESSION
•
!3nl PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Seven years ago this band began its own child welfare
program based on a thoughtful and well developed band bylaw which gave the band members the right to administer their
own child welfare programs, which they have done exception-ally
provincial Governments.
Friday, April 22, 1988
If native self-government is to be a reality in Canada, those
bands which presently have complete jurisdiction and responsibility over their child welfare programs must be able to
continue to act in that fashion.
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C, Q C
INDIAN AFFAIRS
S A S K A T C H E W A N A N D MANITOBA L A N D CLAIMS
CANADA
M r . Rod Murphy (Churchill): M r . Speaker, my question is
for the Minister of Indian Affairs. During the state of severe
unemployment on Indian reserves in western Canada, and the
fact that native people need a secure land base in order to
develop their opportunities and gel away from the welfare
cycle that exists, why has the Minister reneged on the Saskatchewan formula as it applies to the provision of land and
entitlement lands to the bands in that province? W h y has he
reneged on the agreement with the Manitoba chiefs and the
Manitoba Government which was initialled by his officials
over a year ago which would have provided the land base
which those people so badly need
1
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 286
•
2nd SESSION
•
J3rd PARLIAMENT
Point of Order
H o n . B i l l M c K n i g h t ( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r Speaker, there are two parts to
that important question.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Wednesday, April 13, 1988
The Saskatchewan formula, which has been in effect since
1979, has only seen two transfers of land lake place. The
entitlement bands in Saskatchewan have changed their
decision from that originally of land to land and, in some
cases, cash, and to some land which is not rural but urban. To
calculate the quantum to those changes, it was necessary to
review the policy of the Government of Canada
The date of first survey is still in place. Without prejudice,
the Government of Canada will meet that dale of first survey
entitlement.
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C.. Q.C.
W i t h respect to M a n i t o b a , the Manitoba Government
initialled a memorandum among officials that allowed for the
Government of Canada to purchase in southern M a n i t o b a all
the land necessary for entitlement, completely excluding any
responsibility by the Government of Manitoba to provide much
needed land to Indian entitlement bands in that province.
M r . Speaker The H o n . member for Humber—Port au
Port—St. Barbe rises on a point of order.
w
INDIAN
AFFAIRS
LUBICON LAKE INDIAN BAND L A N D C L A I M - T R A N S F E R OF
LAND
Mr. Keith Penner (Cochrane—Superior): M r . Speaker, I
direct my question to the Deputy Prime Minister. T h e offer
made yesterday to the Lubicon Indian Band is based on the
band's population as of 1940. O f course, that population is
much larger today. In fact, the land offered is only one-third of
that claimed by the band
House of Commons Debates
Yesterday's offer was described by
the Minister as an interim offer, and Chief O m i n a y a K said
thai no interim reserve is acceptable unless a process is clearly
established to reach a final settlement.
VOLUME
129
•
NUMBER
265
• 2nd SESSION
.
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, March 4, 1988
What assurances did Canada seek and obtain from the
Province of A l b e r t a that when negotiations have been successfully completed and additional land is to be given to the
Lubicon Indian Band, that the province will in fact transfer
that land? W i l l they do that or will it still be necessary for
Canada to take the province to court in order to acquire that
additional land?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of Slate (Small Businesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): M r Speaker, what has to be
realized is that this is an important step in the resolution of
this important issue concerning the Lubicon Indian Band land
claim. T h e setting up of this reserve and transfer of land by the
province is an indication of the willingness of both Canada a n d
Alberta to deal with the issue. W h a t is important is that this
transfer of land will be made without prejudice to the position
of the parties involved. It does not affect the right of the band
Speaker: ThehonourableJohn A. Fraser, P.C, Q.C.
to seek additional reserve lands through negotiations or court
action.
A l l we can say is that we are hopeful, this important step
having been taken, we will be able to resolve the whole issue
through negotiations.
Mr. Penner: I listened carefully to the answer a n d it lacked
clarity.
I gather
somewhere
in there is a yes. Alberta
is
prepared to give up additional land when a final negotiation
process has been completed
USE OF HON. E. DAVIE F U L T O N AS MEDIATOR
FISHERIES
M r . K e i t h Penner ( C o c h r a n e — S u p e r i o r ) : M y s u p p l e m e n t a r y q u e s t i o n d e a l s w i t h the n e g o t i a t i o n p r o c e s s . Is the
G o v e r n m e n t o f C a n a d a now p r e p a r e d t o use the H o n . E. D a v i e
F u l t o n a s a m e d i a t o r , as r e q u e s t e d b y the b a n d and as the
S t a n d i n g C o m m i t t e e o n A b o r i g i n a l A f f a i r s and N o r t h e r n
D e v e l o p m e n t r e c o m m e n d e d t o the H o u s e ?
INDUSTRY STOPPAGE IN B C —GATT RULING
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, work in the B . C .
F i s h i n g i n d u s t r y has been slopped t o d a y to protest the
i n c o m p e t e n c e o f the Minister of Fisheries a n d O c e a n s ( M r .
S i d d o n ) a n d t h e M i n i s t e r for I n t e r n a t i o n a ! T r a d e
(Miss
C a r n e y ) . T h e s e t w o M i n i s t e r s fail to p r o t e c t t h e B C
fishing
i n d u s t r y before the G A T T panel, w h i c h has m a d e a p r e l i m i n a r y r u l i n g w h i c h c o u l d cost B . C . 7 , 5 0 0 fishing i n d u s t r y j o b s .
H o n . Bernard V a l c o u r t ( M i n i s t e r of State ( S m a l l B u s i nesses and T o u r i s m ) and M i n i s t e r o f State (Indian Affairs
and N o r t h e r n D e v e l o p m e n t ) ) : M r . S p e a k e r , I i n d i c a t e d that
the w i l l i n g n e s s o f the P r o v i n c e o f A l b e r t a to t r a n s f e r t h i s
a m o u n t o f l a n d for the r e s e r v e is a n i n d i c a t i o n o f the p o s i t i o n
o f the p r o v i n c e w h i c h a l s o w a n t s t h i s r e s o l v e d T h e question o f
w h a t n u m b e r o f f u r t h e r a c r e s o r s q u a r e m i l e s c o u l d result w i l l
c o m e out o f the n e g o t i a t i n g p r o c e s s
T h e Progressive Conservatives combined with B . C ' s S o c i a l i
W i t h r e s p e c t t o the l a t t e r p a r t o f his q u e s t i o n c o n c e r n i n g the
C r e d i t a r e the l e t h a l c o m b i n a t i o n of gutlessness a n d sheer
m e d i a t o r , the M i n i s t e r o f I n d i a n A f f a i r s and N o r t h e r n
i n c o m p e t e n c e . F o l l o w i n g t h e feeble a n d f a i l i n g a t t e m p t s b e f o r e
D e v e l o p m e n t has o n m a n y o c c a s i o n s i n d i c a t e d the p o s i t i o n o f
the G A T T p a n e l , t h e T o r i e s b u m b l e d a g a i n b y s i g n i n g i n t o
C a n a d a i n that r e g a r d . W e h a v e i n d i c a t e d to the b a n d a n d all
t h eMulroney—
Reagan
deal a guarantee to a b i d e by G A T T
p a r t i e s i n v o l v e d m a n y t i m e s that w e were r e a d y t o use the
r u l i n g s , a n d then b u m b l e d again b y protecting a l l p r o v i n c i a l
c o n c l u s i o n s o f M r . F u l t o n ' s r e p o r t as a b a s i s for n e g o t i a t i o n s .
F i s h e r i e s r e g u l a t i o n s e x c e p t for B . C . , a n d t h e n b u m b l e d a g a i n
B e c a u s e M r . F u l t o n a l r e a d y m a d e c e r t a i n findings and h a s
b y f a i l i n g to negotiate forcefully with the U . S . to h e a d o f f a
i n d i c a t e d his p o s i t i o n , w e d o not feel that he c a n act as a
r u l i n g b y G A T T later this m o n t h .
m e d i a t o r . It w o u l d b e t a n t a m o u n t to h a v i n g one o f the p a r t i e s
c h o o s e not o n l y the j u r y but the j u d g e a n d the p a r t i e s at the
It i s c l e a r n o w t h a t t h e B . C . f i s h i n g i n d u s t r y d e s e r v e s t h e
s a m e t a b l e . W e w i l l not g o i n that d i r e c t i o n .
s u p p o r t o f w o r k i n g p e o p l e across the c o u n t r y t o c o u n t e r t h e
i n c o m p e t e n c e o f the M i n i s t e r o f Fisheries w h o has p l a c e d a
$ 7 5 0 m i l l i o n B . C . f i s h i n g i n d u s t r y at r i s k . It is t i m e f o r s o m e
p o l i t i c a l w i l l , a n attribute sadly l a c k i n g i n t h e M u l r o n e y V a n d e r Z a l m a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s . T h e y have been c a u g h t t r y i n g
t o g i v e a w a y C a n a d i a n j o b s . It is t i m e for a l l C a n a d i a n s t o s a y
DO.
House of Commons Debates
INDIAN AFFAIRS
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 266
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
REINSTATEMENT O F W O M E N O N R E S E R V E S — L A C K OF HOUSING
Mrs.
Therese
Killens ( S a i n t - M i c h e l — A h u n t s i c ) : M r
Speaker, the federal Government is preventing women who
recently regained Indian status from getting decent housing on
reserves The ambiguous position of the Conservative Government is forcing native women into unwholesome competition
with their own people for one of the basic necessities of life,
housing.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, March 7, 1988
About 95,000 people have applied to Ottawa for reinstatement to the reserves across the country and most of them arc
women. They have applied for housing on reserves because the
1985 legislation. B i l l C - 3 1 , now allows women and their
children to return to the reserves if they so wish.
You will recall. M r . Speaker, that these women lost their
Indian status because they married white men or someone
other than a status Indian. However, the problem is that
although the Government provided special funding for reserve
housing for reinstated women, it did not give band councils
clear criteria about how it was to be spent The result is that
money is being spent for general housing needs.
Speaker: The Honorable John A. Fraser, P C , Q.C.
Some H o n . Members: Time!
NATIVE L A N D CLAIMS—FISHING BY-LAWS
M
r
s
.
Mr.
Ted Schellenberg
(Nanaimo—Alberni): M a d a m
Killens: There is already not enough money for Indian
Speaker, it is my duty and honour to present petitions from housing on reserves—
611 British Columbians who are protesting the present process
of native land claim negotiations in our province.
Some
Hon.
Members: Time!
In particular, the petitioners request that the Government of
M r s . Killens: —so once again the women are paying the
Canada pass an Order in Council pursuant to Section 73 of the price.
Indian A c t placing all Indian Band fishing by-laws under the
authority of the Fisheries A c t of Canada, and instruct the
federal Nishga claim negotiator, and all other Indian claims
negotiators, that Indian land claims are not to be settled by
granting fish from the public Fisheries of Canada to the
exclusive use of the claimants.
FISHERIES
SITUATION IN GASPE—REQUEST T H A T Q U O T E BE S E C U R E D
WITHIN 200 MILE Z O N E
M r . Charles-Eugene M a r i n (Gaspe): M r . Speaker, the
Gaspe peninsula once more is faced with a plant shutdown.
The Purdel Inc. group decided not to reopen its ground fish
line in Riviere-au-Renard, putting some 300 seasonal
employees out of work. One of the reasons given by the
company is the impossibility to obtain raw materials. It feels a
fishing quota within the 200-mile zone would have been a
solution to the problem.
Y o u will remember, M r . Speaker, that in December 1987
fishing industry groups in Quebec were denied access to the
200-mile zone by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean ( M r .
Siddon).
In view of the increasingly sad situation of the fishing
industry in Quebec, it was agreed on my request that a
meeting would take place in Gaspe within two weeks, in order
to regroup the Quebec fishing industry and to resume discussions on the possible access of Quebec to the 200-mile zone.
U n t i l a longer-term solution is found I a m certain, M r .
Speaker, that this Government will help the people in Riviereau-Renard overcome that unhappy experience.
FISHERIES
SCALLOP FISHERY IN BAY O F F U N D Y - I S S U A N C E O F LICENCES
M r . George Henderson (Egmont): M r Speaker,
my
question is for whoever is responding today for the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans. In October. 1986, the inshore and
offshore sectors of the scallop fishery in the Bay of Fundy area
came up with a management plan for this very important
resource For instance, all sides agreed that the fishing zone
for New Brunswick fishermen would be extended to the middle
of the Bay of Fundy.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 262
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
Now we learn that the Minister has issued licences which
allow some of these same fishermen to fish over the entire B a y .
Why has the Minister taken this decision which violates the
1986 scallop agreement?
HOD. John C. Crosbie (Minister of Transport): M r
Speaker, as all Members know, life is never as simple as we
would like it to be The situation is that there were three
individuals who said they had certain historical rights with
regard to fishing for scallop stocks in the Bay of Fundy area.
They appealed to the Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board.
The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board heard their
cases, two in 1986, and one last year, and recommended that
they should receive a full Bay of Fundy scallop licence.
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, March 1, 1988
The Minister gave this careful consideration. After all, this
is a ruling of the appeal board and these individual fishermen
could suffer if they did not get the licences. The Minister
decided that individual justice should be done and that they
should get the licences
Speaker:TheHonourableJohn A. Fraser. P C , Q C.
In one case there was a long-standing involvement in the
scallop fishery and in the other cases there was historical
connection with the scallop fishery. That is the explanation.
These three cases were heard and that was the recommendation of the appeal board.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
POLICE PROGRAM ON ONTARIO RESERVES
M r . John Parry (Kenora—Rainy River): Mr. Speaker, in
the absence of the Minister of Indian Affairs I would like to
ask the Solicitor General a question concerning the status of
Indian policing in the Province of Ontario.
The Solicitor Genera] may or may not know that the federal
Government has refused so far to increase its share of funding
of the present program and that the Indian chiefs of Ontario
do not want to see this program become dependent on the
provincial Government for its funding for obvious constitutional reasons. Since half the reserve communities in Ontario do
not have resident police protection, I wonder if I could ask the
Government what it is prepared to do to extend that police
protection to those communities that need it.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
N U M B E R 269
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, March 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P C , Q.C.
M r . Stan Schellenberger (Parliamentary Secretary to
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development): M r .
speaker, the Minuter of Indian Affairs is aware of the
difficulty and it in consultation with the Minuter of the
Ontario Government. We are looking very closely it what
alternatives are available, but I will take the Hon. Member's
question as notice and seek further advice for him from the
Minuter.
FUR TRAPPING I N D U S T R Y
BRITISH PLANS TO LABEL FUR PRODUCTS—EFFECT ON
LIVELIHOOD OF C A N A D I A N TRAPPERS
M r . Dave Nickerson (Western A r c t i c ) : M r . Speaker, my
question is addressed to the Secretary of Stale for External
Affairs. Bowing to the propaganda of the anti-trapping law,
the Government of Great Britain has announced plans to label
fur products as having been caught in steel-jawed leg-hold
traps
HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATES
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 253
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
What action has Canada taken to forestall this threat to the
livelihood of our trappers? W i l l Canada retaliate against this
restraint of trade?
Right H o n . Joe Clark (Secretary of State for External
Affairs): M r . Speaker, I was surprised by that announcement
by the British Minister. W e will oppose it, and we will Tight it.
It constitutes a very serious threat to the livelihood of Indian,
Metis, and Inuit Canadians who depend upon the fur industry
to live.
Wednesday, February 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C, Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
L U B I C O N BAND L A N D C L A I M — N O R T H E R N ALBERTA PULP MILL
PROJECT—TIMBER RIGHTS
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is
directed to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development. As the Minister will know, on Monday Premier
G e t t y announced plans for an untendered transfer of harvesting rights to the Daishowa pulp project, some 11,000 square
miles of northern Alberta, which is an area over 100 times the
size of the area sought by the Lubicon Band for settlement.
Since parts of these lands that were announced on M o n d a y
are those sought by the Lubicon Band and, we must assume,
by C r o w n Canada, as the basis for the settlement o f the
outstanding Lubicon claim, has the Minister expressed concern
to the Government of Alberta about the proposed transfer of
these lands and the fact that it will be harmful to a peaceful
and just settlement of the Lubicon claim?
Hon.
Bill M c K n i g h t ( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, the way the announcement was made yesterday in Alberta on the transfer of forestry
management to assist in the development of a large scale pulp
plant in northern Alberta was indeed unnecessary and
unhelpful. Some of the lands that were prescribed are indeed
lands which may be transferred to Lubicon when we have
reached a settlement.
I can assure the Hon. M e m b e r that the 25 square miles
originally put forward by Alberta in 1940 have been excluded
from that forestry management, and any lands that will be
transferred to Canada to settle that outstanding claim, as is
Alberta's obligation, will be transferred and exempted from
the forestry management agreement between Daishowa and
the Province of Alberta.
•
(1430)
A g a i n , as Minister of Indian Affairs or as Minister responsible for western diversification, I was not consulted on what is
solely a provincial prerogative.
G R A N T MADE FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFICATION F U N D
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, perhaps the
M i n i s t e r could rise, wearing his hat in terms of western
diversification at the same time as aboriginal affairs, and
explain to the people of Canada and, in particular, the Lubicon
people and the people of Alberta, why the Minister participated i n the announcement by announcing an economic participation in terms of $9.5 million, in the project?
1 must say that I particularly regret that there was virtually
no advance warning to this Government by the Government of
Great Britain in bringing in this matter. I will be pursuing it
personally with the British Foreign Secretary, and with others.
Hon. Bill M c K n i g h t (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, I am pleased the Hon
Member has drawn a distinction between an economic
initiative taken by the Province of Alberta, the Government of
Canada, and Daishowa, and the land claims which we both
wish to see proceed to settlement. Hopefully, there will be a
negotiated settlement.
The reason the Government of Canada through the Western
Diversification Fund was pleased to participate with the
Daishowa and the Province of Alberta was that over 600 direct
jobs will be created in northern Alberta, some 2,000 years of
person employment in construction, indirect benefits to a part
of western Canada and a part of northern Alberta which has
suffered economic decline, particularly in the oil and gas
industry under the National Energy Program which was
available to those people in the past. This initiative was
undertaken with major, major foreign investment to benefit
people in western Canada, particularly in the Peace River
region
LAND CLAIM—REQUEST THAT MEDIATOR BE APPOINTED
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. Yesterday John
Diefenbaker's former Minister of Justice, the H o n . E. Davie
Fulton, staled that in his judgment, as a former Minister of
Justice, as a politician, and as a well-respected Canadian, he
rated the Lubicon crisis, on a scale of one to 10, as a 10 in
terms of tragedy. The Prime Minister has now heard from the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. What the Government of Alberta has done is unhelpful in resolving the situation.
M r . E . Davie Fulton has publicly offered his services, which
are requested by the Lubicon band. That has been blocked so
far by the Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. W i l l the
Prime Minister show the leadership he has shown in the past,
for example, on South Moresby—
Some H o n . Members: Hear, hear!
M r . Fulton: —and satisfy himself in discussions with the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs that the appointment of E . Davie Fulton at this point in time would be helpful,
because the eyes of the world are on the Calgary Olympics and
on how Canada has mishandled (he Lubicon case to date.
H o n . B i l l M c K n i g h t (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r Speaker, every Member in this
House hopes that the settlement of the Lubicon claim can be
proceeded through negotiation. The Lubicon band walked
away in July from bilateral negotiations under the leadership
of M r . Tasse on behalf of Canada. It refused to, negotiate
bilaterally in November with M r . Malone, whom I appointed
negotiator. It had up until January 29 last to enter into
negotiations. That time of negotiation, unfortunately, has
passed. Canada has sent a letter of request to the Government
of Alberta outlining the needs of Canada and the needs of
U N I T E D N A T I O N S H U M A N RIGHTS C O M M I S S I O N
RESOLUTIONS AFFECTING ABORIGINAL
PEOPLES
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is for
the Deputy Prime Minister. As he knows, the United Nations
H u m a n Rights Commission is today considering three matters
of substantial importance to the aboriginal peoples of Canada:
the designation of 1992 as the International Year o f Indigenous Rights; the drafting of international standards on the
treatment of indigenous peoples, and the appointment of a
United Nations official to examine and report on treaties.
CANADA
House of Commons Debates
W i l l the Deputy Prime Minister rise today in the House and
stale unequivocally that Canada endorses those three principles?
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 259
•
2nd SESSION
•
33rd
PARLIAMENT
H o n . Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Small B u s i nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): M r . Speaker, C a n a d a is
supportive of the important work of the Working G r o u p on
Indigenous Populations in developing global standards on
indigenous rights. Canada considers that the proposed treaty
study, as currently drafted, will divert both attention and
resources from the universal scope of W G I P s work. The
proposed treaty study would focus on only a small number of
countries—
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, February 25, 1988
Some H o n . Members: Oh, oh!
M r . Valcourt: Maybe the Liberals are not interested in the
fate of our native people but they should at least be courteous
enough to listen to the answer.
Speaker:TheHonourable John A. Fraser, P.O. Q.C.
Canada's position is that we would prefer to have the
proposal referred back to the W G I P for further consideration
or for it to be broadened.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. I am sure he is
aware, having listened to the Minister who has just responded,
that these three principles will be set off for at least four years
and that, combined with what we find in this week's Estimates
with cuts to comprehensive claims, lands reserves and trust,
economic development and self-government for aboriginal
people in Canada, it is now abundantly clear that the assimilalionist policies of this Conservative Government arc the same
ones that are found in the Nielsen Task Force report, the
Buffalo j u m p of (he 1950s.
H o n . D o n Mazankowski (Deputy Prime M i n i s t e r , President of the Privy Council and President of the Treasury
Board): M r . Speaker, when the Hon M e m b e r talks about the
Estimates, perhaps he may want to explain to the natives and
the people of Canada why he and his Party voted against some
J29 million for additional expenditures relating to native
people for economic and social development and Indian selfgovernment.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER 251
•
2nd SESSION
•
)3rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, February 8, 1988
Spelter: The Honourable John A . Irn^er, P . C . . Q . C .
INDIAN AFFAIRS
CONDITION OF SCHOOL IN FORT A L B A N Y O N J A M E S BAY
M r . K e i t h Penner (Cochrane—Superior): M r . Speaker,
Fort A l b a n y is a small Indian community on the western shore
of James Bay. There are 130 children, from kindergarten to
grade eight, who attend the local school. Their school is a fire
trap.
The school's fire hazards were brought to the attention of
the Department of Indian Affairs in 1986, and again in 1987,
with little response. A recent evaluation by an architectural
firm from Winnipeg slates that the fire detection, fire alarm
and fire-fighting systems are completely inadequate. The firm
recommends closing the school immediately. The firm states:
" W i t h o u t over-emphasizing the situation, we suggest that the
lives of the children are hanging in the balance".
The Minister must move quickly to make this school safe
from the threat of fire. Plans for the construction of a new
school, scheduled for completion in four years, must be
accelerated Prompt action now can prevent a disaster.
ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA—NISHGA COUNCIL'S CLAIM
CANADA
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME
129
•
NUMBER
257
•
2nd SESSION
•
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, February 23, 1988
Speaker The Honourable John A.Fraser,P.C., Q.C.
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my question is for
the Right H o n . Prime Minister. Since September 4, 1984, the
Prime Minister has never once spoken out in support of what is
apparently his own government policy to settle comprehensive
aboriginal claims in British Columbia.
Since the only active negotiation is with the Nishga T r i b a l
Council in the Nass Valley, and since there has been no
progress on this claim since 1984, will the Prime Minister take
this opportunity to endorse the policy of negotiated settlement
and assure Canadians that the steps necessary to achieve
settlement will in fact be taken now?
Hon. Bill
Mcknight
( M i n i s t e r of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): M r . Speaker, under the leadership of
the Prime Minister, my colleague, the H o n . Minister of State,
implemented a new comprehensive claims policy after
consulting with Indian leadership in Canada. W e went forward
after the implementation of that was announced in December
1986
Presently six claims are under active negotiation in Canada.
1 hope they can be settled. If we cannot come to a settlement
on the six active negotiations, we will proceed down the list
and attempt to conclude negotiations with those outstanding
claimants.
The necessity of settlement really implies co-operation,
which we have had from the claimant groups and hope will
continue.
REQUEST T H A T MINISTER MEET INDIAN CHIEFS
M r . J i m Fulton (Skeena): M r . Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister The Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development talks about cooperation. The Lytton and M o u n t Currie bands have been
attempting to meet with the Minister of Indian Affairs
regarding the Stein Valley since 1985, and have been refused.
The Minister has refused to meet with them, including even
today.
W i l l the Prime Minister lake the opportunity to meet with
Chief Ruby Dunstan and Chief Leonard Andrew who are here
in Ottawa today seeking the Prime Minister's assistance and, if
not, will he appoint a Minister of Indian Affairs who will meet
with aboriginal people?
Right H o n . Brian Mulroney (Prime M i n i s t e r ) : M r .
Speaker, I am somewhat surprised by the prefatory nature of
the comments of my hon. friend with regard to our commitment to aboriginal rights.
I had the privilege of chairing two First Ministers, conferences in Canada, seeking justice for our aboriginal people and
seeking the appropriate constitutional amendment that would
deliver that justice. W e came extremely close to securing an
historic agreement. We have to try again.
If I may say so, I, along with many others, was instrumental
in working out an agreement that I believe was satisfactory to
the native people and all the environmental groups with regard
to South Moresby in British Columbia. That was a landmark
settlement;* which very much favoured the aboriginal presence
and economic development in British Columbia. W e have
introduced a number of comprehensive initiatives.
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I regularly meet with
aboriginal leaders here and across the country. I have done so
from the day I was sworn in and will continue to do so on a
regular, ongoing basis. A n y time that it is in any way productive, I will be happy to do so.
WILDLIFE
GREAT BLUE H E R O N S — E F F E C T OF DIOXIN C O N T A M I N A T I O N
M r . J i m Manly ( C o w i c h a n — M a l a h a t — T h e Islands): M r
Speaker, last year not a single egg hatched from a 52 nest
colony of great blue herons at Crofton, British Columbia
Fragments of the eggs were found to have traces of dioxin. O n
Monday the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans ( M r . Siddon)
provided information on testing of shellfish from waters
around pulp mills at Crofton and Nanaimo. The lab confirmed
an earlier study released by Greenpeace showing traces of
dioxin in shellfish at the Harmac pulp mill.
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 244
2nd SESSION
33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, January 28, 1988
Speaker:TheHonourableJohn A. Fraser, P.C, Q C
The Department of National Health and Welfare has
assured Canadians that the level of contamination is well
below the level of risk. We await the findings of the Department of the Environment as to the affects on wildlife.
The issue of dioxin contamination is not new, but not until
late last fall did the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
the Department of the Environment initiate a national
program to determine dioxin levels around Canadian pulp
mills. It was only because of the publicity for the Greenpeace
study that the single testing lab of the Department o f Fisheries
and Oceans pushed the B.C. samples to the head of the line.
Since the Greenpeace report was released, M a c M i l l a n
Bloedel announced it would stop dioxin contamination near
company mills by M a r c h 31, by using a different process I
applaud the action M a c M i l l a n Bloedel has taken. However. 1
wonder if it would have found the substitute sooner if the
federal Government had given this issue a higher priority and
had begun testing sooner.
PENDING DECISION ON EXPORTS OF UN PROCESSED S A L M O N
M r . J i m M a n l y ( C o w i c h a n — M a l a h a t — T l x Islands): M r
Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans. A t the G A T T meeting in Geneva next week,
Canada will try to get a postponement of the final G A T T
decision on restrictions on Canadian exports of unprocessed
pink or sockeye salmon or herring. I understand that the
United States is being very obstructionist in this attempt.
The following week in Washington there will be an attempt
to have bilateral talks to reach a mutually satisfactory solution
to this problem. W i l l the Minister assure representatives of the
West Coast fisheries industry that they will be able to
33rd PARLIAMENT
participate in the negotiating team, either as full members of
the team or at least to be present in the room as official
observers?
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
•
NUMBER
245
•
2nd SESSION
•
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, January 29, 1988
Speaker:The*HonourableJohn A.Fraser.P.C,Q.C.
Hon. Thomas Siddon (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans):
M r . Speaker, this is a most important question. I can assure
the H o n . Member, as I and my colleague, the Minister for
International Trade, assured industry representatives in the
month of December, that they will be fully involved in the
development of Canada's response ;and our course o f action as
a result of the G A T T panel recommendation.
There is no imminent timetable. Canada will not agree to a
decision being taken at the meeting in Geneva next week and
we are seeking, through multinational approaches to other
members of the G A T T council who have similar concerns, a
remedy of this issue which would prevent the council taking a
decision that is detrimental to Canada's interest. W e continue
to work with the American industry and Government. We are
somewhat optimistic that a bilateral solution to the problem
might well be found through the meetings to which the H o n .
Member referred.
UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
FROM THE RESOURCE CENTRE
April 1988
NEWS ITEM FROM MUSGAMAGW-TSAWATAINEUK OF KINGCOME INLET, B.C.
The Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk will be celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the construction of their St. George's Anglican
Church and King George V Totem Pole. More importantly the
celebration will focus on the committment, energy and dedication
reminiscent of their ancestors whose memory is very much
cherished by their descendants.
The festivities will begin on 18 May 1988 and conclude on 22 May
1988. The totem pole is illustratiye of the four bands of the
Musgamagw-Tsawataineuk. The top figure represents the
Thunderbird, crest of the Gwa-Wa-aineuk of Hope Town, the second
figure the Wolf represents the crest of the Ah-Kwamish of Wakeman
Sound, the third figure the Raven represents the Tsawataineuk of
Kingcome Inlet and the last figure on the pole the Cedar Man
represents the Kwicksutaineuk of Gilford Island.
These four tribes will each play host on alternating days that
will include sports, spiritual, political and entertainment
events with participants from throughout the Kwakiutl Nation and
including members of the Sliammon Band as wel! as some guests
from other bands.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS TO HEAR UBCIC PRESIDENT
AND MEMBERS OF UBCIC CHIEFS COUNCIL ON APRIL 27, 1988.
Chief Saul Terry, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
and a member of the UBCIC Chiefs Council, Tom Dennis wil] appear
to make presentation before the STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL
AFFAIRS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF BILL C-31 on April 27 1988.
This presentation represents and encompasses the concerns brought
to the UBCIC by various bands, tribal councils and Indian
organizations.
The final draft will be available upon request from our office.
SUBMISSION FROM HEALTH CONSULTATION WORKER
DENTAL SERVICES - PRIVATIZED PAYMENT OF BILLS
In July, 1987, the contract for payment of dental services to
Indian people was awarded to a National group called BLUE CROSS.
(Blue Cross in British Columbia is called Medical Services
Association.) This privatization of dental payments was intended
to improve the handling of accounts submitted by dentists. The
process for payment was to be speeded up through contract
requirement that Dentists be paid on a monthly basis.
It appears that this intended improvement in dental payments may
not be occurring. A few reports indicate that some dentists are
still having to wait several months to obtain payment for
services they had provided to Indian clients.
The contract between Medica! Services and Blue Cross is open to
change in June of each year and is renewable on a three year
basis. This being the case, it would be worthwhile for bands to
write to Medical Services informing them of problems that are
encountered by dentists or band members. This type of
information will ensure that both policy and ongoing plans for
Dental Services reflect the needs of the community people.
It is especially important that problems encountered through
privatization of dental payments be dealt with as they occur.
The first attempt at privatizing of a part of health services is
considered a model for privatizing other non-insured services.
SUMMARY: HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKERS VIEW OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS
EXPERIENCED BY HOSPITALIZED NATIVE INDIANS.
In the past several months, the Health Liaison worker held
meetings with the Social Work Directors of the major hospitals in
Vancouver. The intent of these meetings were:
a. to obtain information on hospital services for summary
in an INFORMATION DIRECTORY to bands (mailed out April,
1988).
b. to identify the types of problems encountered by native
Indians who have been hospitalized.
Generally, the same types of problems were identified at most of
the hospitals. The main problems are listed, including some
Suggestions on how bands might assist their members in preventing
them.
1. Travel and Accomodatican.
Often people who travel to Vancouver to obtain medical care
are discharged from hospital and do not have travel and
accommodation plans in place. These people may be
discharged sooner than planned or are discharged late
friday when most offices (including band offices) have
closed for the weekend. Often part of the discharge plans
include rental or purchase of special equipment (eg.
wheelchair, walker, etc.).
The problems created by unplanned or unexpected discharges
can be kept to a minimum or avoided by:
a. making discharge arrangements for travel,
accommodation, and equipment at the time of hospital
admission, or
b. Informing hospital Social Workers about emergency
transfers to a tower mainland hospital, especially if
special arrangements are required on discharge. This
advance notice to the hospital will allow the social
workers enough time to begin to set up plans for
discharge.
In most cases, timely planning will reduce the stress and
anxiety an individual might experience while in a hospital
away from home.
2. Lonliness and Fear
For some people, both a large hospital and the city itself
are new experiences that could cause considerable fear.
This level of fear can interfere with medical care,
especially if a person signs themselves out of the hospital
before treatment is complete.
One possible means for dealing with this problem would be
for bands to identify at least one in-city family or
community member who would be able to provide support to the
person admitted to the hospital. This support person's name
could be made available to either the hospital social worker
or be given to the individual who is leaving the community.
Often an elder who does not speak english well or a person
who is known to be very anxious might benefit from this type
of system.
b. Loneliness is a particular problem for children, long term
patients, and the terminally il 1. While Medical Services
does meet the costs for one family member to travel to
Vancouver, hospital social workers are of the opinion that
this may not be enough. In special cases, such as that of
children and the terminally i111, more than one family member
may needs to be present while these people are in hospital.
This need to extend travel costs to more than one family
member has been presented to Medica! Services. However,
more work needs to be done if any change is to be made with
this policy. In addition, UBCIC will continue to support
efforts by a city agency which is attempting to obtain funds
to continue with their program which provided hospital
visitation and support services to Indians.
3 Cultural Misunderstandings.
A lack of understanding on the part of hospital workers may
at times interfere with both communication and treatment
provided to native Indian patients. This is recognized as a
long standing problem which social workers are particularly
interested in doing something about.
As a follow up to these meetings, the Health Liaison worker
will be providing a cultura! education clinic at the G.F.
Strong hospital. If considered successful, this clinic wil!
be provided at other hospitals.
4. Failure to carry out follow-up medical care after discharge.
Both doctors and social! workers present serious concerns
about the fact that Indian patients often do not carry out
directions for continued care once they have returned to
their home community. Such care might include taking
medication for a period of time, doing exercises, or using
special equipment. A lack of this type of care either
intereferes with recovery or, often in the case of children,
results in re-admissions to the hospital.
In dealing with this problem fol low up work needs to be done
at the community level to remind individuals and families of
the importance of carrying out their treatment while at
home.
In many instances, hospital social workers find themselves having
to act as go-between for Medical Services and the patient. There
is a concern that native Indian patients consider these hospital
social workers to be the same as provincial social workers. This
immediately sets up a barrier that interferes with any
assistances they might be able to provide.
Hospital social workers have also said that one of the more
frequent causes for hospital admissions are related to motor
vehicle accidents. They also suggested that community education
is required to prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas that are related
to health liaison, please bring them to my attention.
Carole Dawson, UBCIC Health Liaison Worker.
DIRECTORY SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 1988
The second edition of the DIRECTORY is once again jointly
sponsored by B.C. Ministry of Health and the Kaiser Substance
Abuse Foundation, This 4116 page booklet contains program
descriptions of both Indian and non-Indian Programs that are
available throughout British Columbia. Information content
includes costs, if any, location, program length, and program
target groups.
Copies of this booklet can be obtained from the Health
Consultation Program at the UBCIC head office in Vancouver.
x*« * *
The UBCIC Resource Centre will be onen for business May 16, 1988.
For more information please call the UBCIC Librarian - Dave
Palmer.
Chiefs' Mask, Indian Art and Bookstore will be opening sometime
in May. The store is located in the main floor of our building
at 73 Water Street. Herman Thomas has been hired to coordinate
the book store opening. Do not hesitate to come and browse and
spend some of your monies in our Store.
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME i729 * NUMBER 293 * Ind SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, April 22, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Joan A. Fraser, PC, Q.C
/ * a
APR 191988
UNION OF BC,
INDIAN CHEERS
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 5 NUMBER 286 * and SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Wednesday, April 13, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Jobn A. Fraser, PC. Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
SPALLUMCHEEN INDIAN BAND—CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM
Mr. Nelson A. Riis (Kamloops—Shuswap):
the chief, the council, and the Suallurantca Teach
members reject the Minister of Indian Affairs’ (Mr
McKnight) recent proposed child welfare Program. They
reject not only the policy but also the so-called consultation
Process. They ‘believe that by transferring jurisdiction over
native children’s welfare to provincial Governments the federal!
Government is actually breaching its trust responsibility for
py people and is playing politics with the lives of Indian
ren.
Seven years ago this band began its own child welfare
program based on a thoughtful and well developed band by-
law which gave the band members the right to administer their
own child welfare programs, which they have done-exception-
aly well. They do not wish now to surrender this jurisdiction to
provincial Governments.
if native self-government is to be a reality in Canada, those
bands which presently have complete jurisdiction and responsi-
bility over their child welfare programs must be able to
continue to act in that fashion.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA LAND CLAIMS
Mr. Rod Murphy (Churchill): Mr. Speaker, my question is
for the Minister of Indian Affairs. During the state of severe
unemployment on Indian reserves in western Canada, and the
fact that native people need a secure land base in order to
develop their opportunities and get away from the welfare
cycle that exists, why has the Minister reneged on the Sas-
katchewan formula as it applies to the provision of land and
entitlement lands to the bands in that province? Why has he
reneged on the agreement with the Manitoba chiefs and the
Manitoba Government which was initialled by his officials
over a year ago which would have provided the land base
which those people so badly need?
Point of Order
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, there are two parts to
that important question.
The Saskatchewan formula, which has been in effect since
1979, has only seen two transfers of land take place. The
entitlement bands in Saskatchewan have changed their
decision from that originally of !and to land and, in some
cases, cash, and to some land which is not rural but urban. To
calculate the quantum to those changes, it was necessary to
review the policy of the Government of Canada
The date of first survey is still in place. Without prejudice.
the Government of Canada will meet that date of first survey
entitlement.
With respect to Manitoba, the Manitoba Government
initialled a memorandum among officials that allowed for the
Government of Canada to purchase in southern Manitoba all
the land necessary for entitlement, completely excluding any
responsibility by the Government of Manitoba to provide much
needed Jand to Indian entitlement bands in that province.
Mr. Speaker: The Hon. member for Humber—Port au
Port—S1. Barbe rises on a point of order.
VOLUME Ee oe
House of Commons Debates
NUMBER 265 © 2nd SESSION s J3rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Friday, March 4, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C_, Qc.
FISHERIES
INDUSTRY STOPPAGE IN B.C.—GATT RULING
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, work in the B.C.
fishing industry has been stopped today to protest the
incompetence of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (Mr.
Siddon) and the Minister for Fnternational Trade (Miss
Carney). These two Ministers fail to protect the B.C. fishing
industry before the GATT panel, which has made a prelim-
inary ruling which could cost B.C. 7,500 fishing industry jabs.
The Progressive Conservatives combined with B.C 's Social |
Credit are the lethal combination of gutlessness and sheer
incompetence. Following the feeble and failing attempts before
the GATT panel, the Tories bumbied again by signing in to
the Mulroney-Reagan deal a guarantee to abide by GATT
rulings, and then bumbled again by protecting all provincial
fisheries regulations except for B.C., and then bumbled again
by failing to negotiate forcefully with the U.S. to head off a
ruling by GATT later this month.
Nt is clear now that the B.C. fishing industry deserves the
support of working people across the country to counter the
meompetence of the Minister of Fisheries who has placed s
$750 million B.C. fishing industry at risk. It is time for some
political will, an attribute sadly lacking in the Mulroney-
Vander Zalm administrations. They have been caught trying
to give away Canadian jobs. It is time for all Canadians to say
no.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
LUBICON LAKE INDIAN BAND LAND CLAIM—TRAWSFER OF
Mr. Keith Penner (Cocbrane—Superior): Mr. Speaker, |
direct my question to the Deputy Prime Minister. The offer
made yesterday to the Lubicon Indian Band is based on the
band’s population as of 1940. Of course, that population is
much larger today. In fact, the land offered is only one-third of
that claimed by the band. Yesterday's offer was described by
the Minister as an interim offer, and Chief Ominayak said
that no interim reserve is acceptable unless a process is clearly
established to reach a final settlement.
What assurances did Canada seek and obtain from the
Province of Alberta that when negotiations bave been success-
fully completed and additional land is to be given to the
Lubicon Indian Band, that the province will in fact transfer
that land? Will they do that or will it still be necessary for
Canada to take the province to court in order to acquire that
additional land?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Smal! Busi-
nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
avd Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, what has to be
realized is that this is an important step in the resolution of
this important issue concerning the Lubicon Indian Band land
claim. The setting up of this reserve and transfer of land by the
province is an indication of the willingness of both Canada and
Alberta to deal with the issue. What is important is that this
transfer of land will be made without prejudice to the position
of the parties involved. It does not affect the right of the band
to seek additional reserve lands through negotiations or court
action.
All we can say is that we are hopeful, this important step
having been taken, we will be able to resolve the whole issue
through negotiations.
Mr. Penser: I listened carefully to the answer and it lacked
clarity. | gather somewhere in there is a yes, Alberta is
prepared to give up additional land when a final negotiation
process has been completed
USE OF HON. £. DAVIE FULTON AS MEDIATOR
Mr. Keith Penner (Cochrane—Superior): My supplemen-
lary question deals with the negotiation process. Is the
Government of Canada now prepared to use the Hon. E. Davie
Fulton as a mediator, as requested by the band and as the
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development recommended to the House?
Hon. Bernard Vatcourt (Minister of State (Small Busi-
pesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, [ indicated that
the willingness of the Province of Alberta 10 transfer this
amount of land for the reserve is an indicalion of the position
of the province which also wants this resolved. The question of
what number of further acres or square miles could result will
come out of the negotiating process
With respect to the latter part of his question concerning the
mediator, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development has on many occasions indicated the position of
Canada in that regard. We have indicated to the band and all
parties involved many times thal we were ready to use the
conclusions of Mr. Fulton’s report as a basis for negotiations.
Because Mr. Fulton already made certain findings and has
indicated his position, we do not feel that he can act as a
mediator. It would be tantamount to having one of ihe parties
choose not only the jury but the judge and the parties at the
same table. We will not go in that direction.
CANADA
Mouse of Commons Debates
INDIAN AFFAIRS
2nd SESSION 3rd -PARLLAMENT
VOLUME 129 NUMBER 266 " REINSTATEMENT OF WOMEN ON RESERVES—LACK OF HOUSING
Mrs. Therese Killens (Saint-Miche—Ahuntsic): Mr
Speaker, the federal Government is preventing women who
GFA REPORT recently regained Indian status from getting decent housing on
(HANSARD) reserves. The ambiguous position of the Conservative Govern-
ment is forcing native women into unwholesome competition
with their own people for one of the basic necessities of life,
housing.
Monday, March 7, 1988 About 95,000 people have applied to Ottawa for reinstate-
ment to the reserves across the country and most of them are
women. They have applied for housing on reserves because the
1985 legislation, Bill C-31, now allows women and their
children to return to the reserves if they so wish.
You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that these women lost their
Indian status because they married white men or someone
other than a status Indian. However, the problem is that
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C. although the Government provided special funding for reserve
housing for reinstated women, it did not give band councils
clear criteria about how it was to be spent. The result is that
money is being spent for general housing needs.
. 1 1
NATIVE LAND CLAIMS—FISHING BY-LAWS Some Hon. Members: Time!
Mr. Ted Schellenberg (Nanaimo—Alberni): Madam Mrs. Killens: There is already not enough money for Indian
Speaker, it is my duty and honour to present petitions from housing on reserves—
611 British Columbians who are protesting the present process Some Hon. Members: Time!
of native land claim negotiations in our province. : : :
In particular, the petitioners request that the Government of Mrs. Killeas: --so once again the women are paying the
Canada pass an Order in Council pursuant to Section 73 of the price.
Indian Act placing all Indian Band fishing by-laws under the
authority of the Fisheries Act of Canada, and instruct the
federal Nishga claim negotiator, and all other Indian claims
negotiators, that Indian land claims are not to be seitled by
granting fish from the public Fisheries of Canada to the
exclusive use of the claimants.
FISHERIES
SITUATION IN GASPE—REQUEST THAT QUOTE BE SECURED
WITHIN 200-MILE ZONE
Mr. Chartes-Eugene Marin (Gaspe): Mr. Speaker, the
Gaspe peninsula once more is faced with a plant shutdown.
The Purdel Inc. group decided not to reopen its ground fish
line in Riviere-au-Renard, putting some 300 seasonal
employees out of work. One of the reasons given by the
company is the impossibility to obtain raw materials. It feels a
fishing quota within the 200-mile zone would have been a
solution to the problem.
You will remember, Mr. Speaker, that in December 1987
fishing industry groups in Quebec were denied access to the
200-mile zone by the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean (Mr.
Siddon).
In view of the increasingly sad situation of tiie fishing
industry in Quebec, it was agreed on my request that a
meeting would take place in Gaspe within two weeks, in order
to regroup the Quebec fishing industry and to resume discus-
sions on the possible access of Quebec to the 200-mile zone.
Until a longer-term solution is found I am certain, Mr.
Speaker, that this Government will help the people in Riviere-
au-Renard overcome thal unhappy experience.
FISHERIES
SCALLOP FISHERY IN BAY GF FUNDY —ISSUANCE OF LICENCES
Mr. George Henderson (Egmont): Mr. Speaker, my
question 1s for whoever is responding today for the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans. In October, 1986, the inshore and
offshore sectors of the scallop fishery in the Bay of Fundy area
came up with a management plan for this very important
resource. For instance, all sides agreed that the fishing zone
for New Brunswick fishermen would be extended to the middle
Bouse of Commons Debates — he Bay of Fundy.
Now we learn that the Minister has issued licences which
allow some of these same fishermen to fish over the entire Bay.
YORUME: 143 EMBER 26t 2nd SESSION Jind PARLIAMENT Why has the Minister taken this decision which violates the
1986 scallop agreement?
Hon. Joha C. Crosbie (Minister of Transport): Mr
Speaker, as all Members know, life is never as simple as we
OFFICIAL REPORT would like it 10 be. The situation is that there were three
GHARSARD) individuals who said they had certain historical rights with
regard to fishing for scallop stocks in the Bay of Fundy area.
They appealed to the Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board.
The Atlantic Fisheries Licence Appeal Board heard their
Tuesday, March 1, 1988 cases, two in 1986, and one last year, and recommended that
they should receive a full Bay of Fundy scallop licence.
The Minister gave this careful consideration. Affer all, this
is a ruling of the appeal board and these individual fishermen
could suffer if they did not get the licences. The Minister
decided that individual justice should be done and thai they
should get the licences
In one case there was a long-standing involvement in the
mipenkicti: Ke Wibnodieslkee Latin oA rater, RAs Ges scallop fishery and in the other cases there was historical
connection with the scallop fishery. That is the explanation.
These three cases were heard and that was the recommenda-
tion of the appeal board.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
POLICE PROGRAM ON ONTARIO RESERVES
Mr. Jobs Parry (Keoora—Rainy River): Mr. Speaker, in
the absence of the Minister of Indian Affairs I would like to
ask the Solicitor General a question concerning the status of
Indian policing in the Province of Ontario.
The Solicitor General may or may not know that the federal
Government has refused so far to increase its share of funding
of the present program and that the Indian chiefs of Ontario
do not want to see this program become dependent on the
provincia! Governmeat for its funding for obvious constitution-
al reasons. Since half the reserve communities in Ontario do
not have resident police protection, I wonder if I could ask the
Bouse of Commons Debates — Feierraens Hs & prepared to do to extend that police
Mr. Stan Scheileaberger (Parilamen Sec to
VOLUME 129 NUMBER 269 and SESSION 33rd PARLIAMEN /inister of Indian Affairs and Northera Derlopeaty: Mr.
Speaker, the Minister of Indian Affairs is aware of the
me difficulty and is in consultation with the Minister of the
Ontario Governmcat. We are looking very closely at what
alternatives are available, but f will take the Hon. Member's
vee as notice and seek further advice for him from the
OFFICIAL REPORT
{HANSARD)
Thursday, March 10, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable Joba A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
pFCE\G
FEB 1 G!938
UNICY OF ac,
INDian CHIETS
FUR TRAPPING INDUSTRY
BRITISH PLANS TO LABEL FUR PRODUCTS—EFFECT ON
LIVELIHOOD OF CANADIAN TRAPPERS
Mr. Dave Nickerson (Western Arctic): Mr. Speaker, my
question is addressed to the Secretary of State for External
Affairs. Bowing to the propaganda of the anti-trapping law,
the Government of Great Britain has announced plans to label
fur products as having been caught in steel-jawed leg-hold
traps.
What action has Canada taken to forestall this threat to the
livelihood of our trappers? Will Canada retaliate against this
restraint of trade?
DS tae
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 . NUMBER 253 . 2nd SESSION . Jird PARLIAMENT
Right Hon. Joe Clark (Secretary of State for External
Affairs); Mr. Speaker, | was surprised by that announcement
by the British Minister. We will oppose it, and we will fight it.
It constitutes a very serious threat to the livelihood of Indian,
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Métis, and Inuit Canadians who depend upon the fur industry
to live.
Wednesday, February 10, 1988 1] must say that I particularly regret that there was virtually
no advance warning to this Government by the Government of
Great Britain in bringing in this matter. | will be pursuing it
personally with the British Foreign Secretary, and with others.
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
LUBICON BAND LAND CLAIM—NORTHERN ALBERTA PULP MILL
PROJECT—TIMBER RIGHTS
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my question is
directed to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development. As the Minister will know, on Monday Premier
Getty announced plans for an untendered transfer of harvest-
ing rights to the Daishowa pulp project, some 11,000 square
miles of northern Alberta, which is an area over 100 times the
size of the area sought by the Lubicon Band for settlement.
Since parts of these lands that were announced on Monday
are those sought by the Lubicon Band and, we must assume,
by Crown Canada, as the basis for the settlement of the
outstanding Lubicon claim, has the Minister expressed concern
to the Government of Alberta about the proposed transfer of
these lands and the fact that it will be harmful to a peaceful
and just settlement of the Lubicon claim?
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, the way the announce-
ment was made yesterday in Alberta on the transfer of forestry
management to assist in the development of a large scale pulp
plant in northern Alberta was indeed unnecessary and
unhelpful. Some of the lands that were prescribed are indeed
lands which may be transferred to Lubicon when we have
reached a settlement.
] can assure the Hon. Member that the 25 square miles
originally put forward by Alberta in 1940 have been excluded
from that forestry management, and any lands that will be
transferred to Canada to settle that outstanding claim, as is
Alberta's obligation, will be transferred and exempted from
the forestry management agreement between Daishowa and
the Province of Alberta.
@ (1430)
Again, as Minister of Indian Affairs or as Minister respon-
sible for western diversification, I was not consulted on what is
solely a provincial prerogative.
GRANT MADE FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFICATION FUND
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, perhaps the
Minister could rise, wearing his hat in terms of western
diversification at the same time as aboriginal affairs, and
explain to the people of Canada and, in particular, the Lubicon
people and the people of Alberta, why the Minister participat-
ed in the announcement by announcing an economic participa-
tion in terms of $9.5 million, in the project?
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northero Development): Mr. Speaker, | am pleased the Hon.
Member has drawn a distinction between an economic
initiative taken by the Province of Alberta, the Government of
Canada, and Daishowa, and the land claims which we both
wish to see proceed to settlement. Hopefully, there will be a
negotiated settlethent.
The reason the Government of Canada through the Western
Diversification Fund was pleased to participate with the
Daishowa and the Province of Alberta was that over 600 direct
jobs will be created in northern Alberta, some 2,000 years of
person employment in construction, indirect benefits to a part
of western Canada and a part of northern Alberta which has
suffered economic decline, particularly in the oi! and gas
industry under the National Energy Program which was
available to those people in the past. This initiative was
undertaken with major, major foreign investment to benefit
people in western Canada, particularly in the Peace River
region.
LAND CLAIM—REQUEST THAT MEDIATOR BE APPOINTED
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. Yesterday John
Diefenbaker’s former Minister of Justice, the Hon. E. Davie
Fulton, stated that in his judgment, as a former Minister of
Justice, as a politician, and as a well-respected Canadian, he
rated the Lubicon crisis, on a scale of one to 10, as a 10 in
terms of tragedy. The Prime Minister has now heard from the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. What the Govern-
ment of Alberta has done is unhelpful in resolving the situa-
tion.
Mr. E. Davie Fulton has publicly offered his services, which
are requested by the Lubicon band. That has been blocked so
far by the Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. Will the
Prime Minister show the leadership he has shown in the past,
for example, on South Moresby—
Some Hon. Members: Hear, hear!
Mr. Fulton: —and satisfy himself in discussions with the
Minister responsible for aboriginal affairs that the appoint-
ment of E. Davie Fulton at this point in time would be helpful,
because the eyes of the world are on the Calgary Olympics and
on how Canada has mishandled the Lubicon case to date.
Hon. Bill McKnight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development): Mr. Speaker, every Member in this
House hopes that the settlement of the Lubicon claim can be
proceeded through negotiation. The Lubicon band walked
away in July from bilateral negotiations under the leadership
of Mr. Tassé on behalf of Canada. It refused to, negotiate
bilaterally in November with Mr. Malone, whom I appointed
negotiator. It had up until January 29 last to enter into
negoliations. That time of negotiation, unfortunately, has
passed. Canada has sent a letter of request to the Government
of Alberta outlining the needs of Canada and the needs of
/ RLEIVED
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 s NUMBER 259 * Ind SESSION * J3r¢d PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, February 25, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., @.C.
/eetehy
FEB 1 21982
UNION OF Be
INDIAN CHICRg
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129 ‘
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Monday, February 8, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C., Q.C.
NUMBER 251 . 2nd SESSION . Jind PARLIAMENT
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
RESOLUTIONS AFFECTING ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
Mr. Jim Fultoa (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my question is for
the Deputy Prime Minister. As he knows, the United Nations
Human Rights Commission is today considering three matters
of substantia! importance to the aboriginal peoples of Canada:
the designation of 1992 as the International Year of Indige-
nous Rights: the drafting of international standards on the
trealment of indigenous peoples, and the appointment of a
United Nations official to examine and report on treaties.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister rise today in the House and
state unequivocally that Canada cadorses those three princi-
ples?
Hon. Bernard Valcourt (Minister of State (Smal! Busi-
nesses and Tourism) and Minister of State (Indian Affairs
and Northern Development)): Mr. Speaker, Canada is
supportive of the important work of the Working Group on
Indigenous Populations in developing global! standards on
indigenous rights. Canada considers that the proposed treaty
study, as currently drafted, will divert both attention and
resources from the universal scope of WGIPs work. The
proposed treaty study would focus on only a small number of
countries—
Some Hon. Members: Oh, oh!
Mr. Valcourt: Maybe the Liberals are not interested in the
fate of our native people but they should at least be courteous
enough to listen to the answer.
Canada's position is that we would prefer to have the
proposal referred back to the WGIP for further consideration
or for it to be broadened.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. | am sure he is
aware, having listened to the Minister who has just responded,
that these three principles will be set off for at least four years
and that, combined with what we find in this week’s Estimates
with cuts to comprehensive claims, lands reserves and trust,
economic development and self-government for aborigina!
people in Canada, it is now abundantly clear that the assimila-
tionist policies of this Conservative Government are the same
ones that are found in the Nielsen Task Force report, the
Buliato Jump of che 138Gs.
Hon. Don Mazaokowski (Deputy Prime Minister, Presi-
dent of the Privy Council and President of the Treasury
Board): Mr. Speaker, when the Hon. Member tatks about the
Estimates, perhaps he may want to explain to the natives and
the people of Canada why he and his Party voted agains1 some
$29 mitlion for additional expenditures relating to native
people for economic and social development and Indian self-
government.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
CONDITION OF SCHOOL IN FORT ALBANY ON JAMES BAY
Mr. Keith Peaner (Cochrane—Superior): Mr. Speaker,
Fort Albany is a smal] Indian community on the western shore
of James Bay. There are 130 children, from kindergarten to
grade eight, who attend the local school. Their school is a fire
trap,
Tie school’s fire hazards were brought to the attention of
the Department of Indian Affairs in 1986, and again in 1987,
with little response. A recent evaluation by an architectural
firm from Winnipeg states that the fire detection, fire alarm
and fire-fighting systems are completely inadequate. The firm
recommends closing the school immediately. The firm states:
“Without over-emphasizing the situation, we suggest that the
lives of the children are hanging in the balance”,
The Minister must move quickly to make this school safe
from the threat of fire. Plans for the construction of a new
school, scheduled for completion in four years, must be
accelerated. Prompt action now can prevent a disaster.
CANADA
Bouse of Commons Debates
VOLUME 129
NUMBER 257 —® tad SESSION . 33rd PARLIAMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Tuesday, February 23, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, P.C.. QC.
ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA—NISHGA COUNCIL'S CLAIM
Mr. Jim Fulton (Skeema): Mr. Speaker, my question is for
the Right Hon. Prime Minister. Since September 4, 1984, the
Prime Minister has never once spoken out in support of what is
apparently his own government policy to settle comprehensive
aboriginal claims in British Columbia.
Since the only active negotiation is with the Nishga Tribal!
Council in the Nass Valley, and since there has been no
progress on this claim since 1984, will the Prime Minister take
this opportunity to endorse the policy of negotiated settlement
and assure Canadians that the steps necessary to achieve
settlement will in fact be taken now?
Hon. Bill McKeight (Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northera Development): Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of
the Prime Minister, my colleague, the Hon. Minister of State,
implemented a new comprehensive claims policy after
consulting with Indian leadership in Canada. We went forward
after the implementation of that was announced in December
1986
Presently six claims are under active negotiation in Canada,
t hope they can be settled. If we cannat come to a settlement
on the six active negotiations, we will proceed down the list
and attempt to conclude negotiations with those outstanding
claimants.
The necessity of settlement realy implies co-operation,
which we have had from the claimant groups and hope will
continue.
REQUEST THAT MINISTER MEET INDIAN CHIEFS
Mr. Jim Fultoo (Skeena): Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question is directed to the Prime Minister. The Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development talks about co-
operation. The Lytton and Mount Currie bands have been
attempting to meet with the Minister of Indian Affairs
regarding the Stein Walley since 1985, and have been refused.
The Minister has refused to meet with them, including even
today.
Will the Prime Minister take the opportunity to meet with
Chief Ruby Dunstan and Chief Leonard Andrew who are here
in Ottawa today seeking the Prime Minister's assistance and, if
not, will he appoint a Minister of Indian Affairs who will meet
with aboriginal people?
Right Hoo. Brian Mulroney (Prime Minister): Mr.
Speaker, | am somewhat surprised by the prefatory nature of
the comments of my hon. [friend with regard to our commit-
ment to aboriginal! rights.
I had the privilege of chairing two First Ministers, confer-
ences in Canada, seeking justice for our aboriginal people and
seeking the appropriate constitutional amendment that would
deliver that justice. We came extremely close to securing an
historic agreement. We have to try again.
If | may say so, J, along with many others, was instrumental
in working out an agreement that ] believe was satisfactory to
the nalive people and all the environmental groups with regard
to South Moresby in British Columbia. That was a landmark
settlement which very much favoured the aboriginal presence
and economic development in British Columbia. We have
introduced a aumber of comprehensive initiatives.
Lis with a great deal of pleasure that [ regularly meet with
aboriginal leaders here and across the country. I have done so
from the day ] was sworn in and will continue to do so on a
regular, ongoing basis. Any time that it is in any way produc-
tive, I will be happy to do so.
Re
House of Commons Debates
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 244 2ad SESSION
OFFICIAL REPORT
(HANSARD)
Thursday, January 28, 1988
Speaker: The Hopourable John A. Fraser, P.C, Q.C
reff ry \
FEBO3 82g
UNION oe ,
NOIAN Cri rs
y
5
CANADA
Wouse of Commons Debates
33rd PARLIAMENT
VOLUME 129 . NUMBER 245 .
OFFICIAL REPORT
(CHANSARD)
Friday, January 29, 1988
Speaker: The Honourable John A. Fraser, PC. Q.C.
ind SESSION ® 33rd PARLLAMENT
WILDLIFE
GREAT BLUE HERONS—EFFECT OF DIOXIN CONTAMINATION
Mr. Jim Maaly (Cowichan—Malahat—The Islands): Mr
Speaker, last year not a single egg hatched from a $2 nest
colony of great blue herons at Crofton, British Columbia
Fragments of the eggs were found to have traces of dioxin. On
Monday the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (Mr. Siddon)
provided information on testing of shellfish from waters
around pulp mills at Crofton and Nanaimo. The lab confirmed
an earlier study released by Greenpeace showing traces of
dioxin in shellfish at the Harmac pulp mill.
The Department of National Health and Welfare has
assured Canadians that the level of contamination is well
below the level of risk. We await the findings of the Depart-
ment of the Environment as to the affects on wildlife.
The issue of dioxin contamination is not new, but not until
late tast fall did the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
the Department of the Environment initiate a national
Program to determine dioxin levels around Canadian puip
mills. It was only because of the publicity for the Greenpeace
study that the single testing lab of the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans pushed the B.C. samples to the head of the line.
Since the Greenpeace report was released, MacMillan
Bloedel announced it would stop dioxin contamination near
company mills by March 31, by using a different process. |
applaud the action MacMillan Bloedel has taken. However, I
wonder if it would have found the substitute sooner if the
federal Government had given this issue a higher Priority and
had begun testing sooner.
PENDING DECISION ON EXPORTS OF UNPROCESSED SALMON
Mr. Jim Manly (Cowichao—Malahat--The Islands): Mr
Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans. At the GATT mecting in Geneva next week,
Canada will try to get a postponement of the fina} GATT
decision on restrictions on Canadian exports of unprocessed
pink or sockeye salmon or herring. 1 understand that the
United States is being very obstructionist in this attempt.
The following week in Washington there will be an atlempt
to have bilateral talks to reach a mutually satisfactory solution
to this problem. Will the Minister assure representatives of the
West Coast fisheries industry that they will be able to
participate in the negotiating team, cither as full members of
the team or at least to be present in the room as official
observers?
Hon. Thomas Siddoa (Minister of Fisheries and Oceans):
Mr. Speaker, this is a most important question. I can assure
the Hon. Member, as I and my colleague, the Minister for
International Trade, assured industry representatives in the
month of December, that they will be fully involved in the
development of Canada’s response 2nd our course of action as
a result of the GATT panel recommendation.
There is no imminent timetable. Canada will not agree to a
decision being taken al the meeting in Geneva next week and
we are seeking, through multinational approaches to other
members of the GATT council who have similar concerns, a
remedy of this issue which would prevent the council taking a
decision that is detrimental to Canada’s interest. We continue
to work with the American industry and Government. We are
somewhat optimistic that a bilateral solution to the problem
might well be found through the meetings to which the Hon.
Member referred.
Part of Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs [Up-Date](April 1988)