Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, during the review of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, I made it clear that I am frustrated with the way the Metis organizations are funded. In my way of thinking, Mr. Speaker, the Metis are forgotten people in the Northwest Territories. The federal government clearly only recognizes the rights of the Metis people when it suits them and when there is no cost to government to do so.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has made a point of recognizing Metis as First Nations people. They have instituted a Health Care Program that is equivalent to what is available to the people under the national Health Benefits Program. I am very happy when they did this. However, Mr. Speaker, whenever I think of the fact that Metis people are not eligible for the university or college entry programs, or the UCEP program as it's called, I am no longer happy.
This is a greater understanding on the part of the ordinary Canadians of the plight of the aboriginal people in Canada. They understand that many aboriginal Canadians live in poverty. They do not have access to clean drinking water or sanitation services and are marginalized when it comes to accessing health and education services.
What I don't think Canadians are aware of is the fact that some of the Metis people live alongside the First Nations people in the same economic and poverty-stricken conditions. Again, Mr. Speaker, the Metis are the forgotten people in the North.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to say to this government that they are very serious about treating the Metis people as First Nations people. They need to examine how Metis organizations are funded. They need to introduce an equivalent program, so that Metis residents of the Northwest Territories can prepare for college and university as they need to do all they can do as a government to ensure that the Metis people have and will take their rightful place in the social fabric of Canada. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause