Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I wish to raise the issue of consultation and the impact it has on our communities when not undertaken properly and consistently. What is the meaning of consultation? How do we achieve it? What are our obligations to aboriginal communities when resource activity takes place?
Mr. Speaker, this issue was important enough to be recognized and considered by the Supreme Court of Canada. In that decision, the Supreme Court stated there is always a duty for consultation, for which the nature and scope will vary with circumstances. It went on to state that consultation must be done in good faith with the intention of substantially addressing the concerns of aboriginal people whose lands are at issue.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to review a report entitled, Aboriginal Communities and Non-Renewable Resource Development, a report prepared by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. The report used the North as a case study because we illustrate the many complex issues affecting aboriginal communities throughout Canada.
The report touched on many issues, one being the importance of consultation in aboriginal communities. Four important principles for successful consultation were identified in this report, which I feel are important enough to bring to your attention:
- 1. Consultation should occur early in planning;
- 2. Parties' expectations need to be clarified at the outset;
- 3. Differences in language and culture must be taken into account; and
- 4. Adequate funding for aboriginal participation is required.
It is important that this government support our communities when support is requested on the matter of consultation. We have to take the issue of consultation seriously because when we do not, we hear and see the negative impacts it has on our communities.
With potential increasing resource development activities in the North and the impact it will have on our lives, our communities, our land and our waters, it is important and imperative that we ensure any consultation process consider these four principles.
Consultation requires a systematic approach that allows for full and effective participation by all parties. It is important that all parties in the consultation process understand the roles and responsibilities, and these roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined in order to avoid uncertainties.
When an imbalance of resources required to address issues must be considered, where necessary, adequate resources and support from this government must be made available in a timely manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause