Speaking Notes for
The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew
Minister of State (Northern Development)

Response To The Speech From The Throne

October 15, 2004

Check against delivery

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is a pleasure to address this House in response to the Speech from the Throne.

Our government looks forward to a constructive and ambitious parliamentary session. We are committed to achieving the kind of results that will make a difference in the lives of Canadians. And as the Throne Speech demonstrates, we are determined to engage people throughout the country in building a higher quality of life in communities throughout Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the Speech from the Throne highlighted some of the most vital needs and the areas of greatest concern as we move forward.

We are committed to making genuine, tangible improvements.

And we recognize that governance is the essential foundation upon which to improve the quality of life in First Nations and throughout the North.

We will also work with First Nation governments and Aboriginal stakeholders and national organizations representing Aboriginal people in Canada.

Our partnerships must also include, where appropriate, provincial and territorial governments.

Mr. Speaker, before discussing Throne Speech priorities dealing directly with the North, I want to say a few words about some of the government's broader goals and what they mean to Northerners.

Like all Canadians, Northerners want health care they can rely on — care that is accessible regardless of income, right across Canada and publicly funded. Northerners face special challenges when it comes to meeting this commitment.

That is why, at a historic First Ministers Meeting recently, the Prime Minister and territorial Premiers agreed on a package of measures designed to deal with the particular health needs of Northerners. We look forward to implementing these plans.

They will address the unique challenges facing the delivery of health care services in Canada's North, including the costs of medical transportation, and encourages innovative delivery of services to rural communities.

Northerners want strong communities in which to live, work and raise a family. They have special needs for infrastructure, housing and community investment. The government's commitment to provide stable new funding to help meet critical priorities will help communities in the North — centres of culture, business and education — to plan for the future.

The transfer of a portion of the gas tax to Northern municipalities, for example, means better roads, improved transit systems and more sustainable infrastructure in cites and communities. These are much needed improvements in this part of the country.

Northerners want to enjoy the benefits of a clean, healthy environment — and the government looks forward to working with them to clean up contaminated sites in the North. The government's 10-year, $3.5 billion program to clean up sites for which the government is responsible will help us achieve this goal.

Northerners want opportunities for higher education — for themselves and their children — to reach their full potential. Investments in lifelong learning, connectivity and distance learning are essential. Skills training is essential for taking advantage of the economic development opportunities at our doorstep.

Mr. Speaker, these national priorities are important to Northerners.

However, as the Throne Speech notes, there are many northern priorities that are just as important to the nation.

That is why the government will develop, in cooperation with its territorial partners, Aboriginal people and other northern residents, the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North.

This northern strategy will foster sustainable economic and human development. It will protect the northern environment, confirm Canada's sovereignty, ensure our security and promote cooperation with the international circumpolar community.

The North is a region of tremendous energy, optimism and resources. Its people are determined to seize the opportunities before them.

Many land claims are being settled and a number of First Nations are making important strides towards economic self-reliance and self-determination.

Territorial governments are working to assume new powers and strengthen governance in the North.

Entrepreneurship, higher education and employment are all on the rise.

Our northern strategy is aimed at maintaining and building upon this momentum.

It will ensure that our policies and our actions reflect the new realities of the north, the emerging opportunities and the most pressing challenges.

And I want to point out that as we build this strategy, our actions and our attitude will reflect the leadership shown by the Prime Minister in strengthening the relationship with Aboriginal peoples.

Last April's Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable marked the beginning of a renewed dialogue between the federal government and Aboriginal peoples.

At this historic meeting, more than 80 Aboriginal leaders from across Canada met with the Prime Minister and federal Cabinet ministers — some 40 Parliamentarians in all — and agreed to work together to improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

This cooperative approach is setting the tone for even stronger partnerships between the federal government, First Nations and territorial governments.

This kind of collaborative method has been driving progress in the North in recent years — and it will continue as we develop a Northern Strategy.

With Aboriginal people making up more than half of the population of the North, this will influence the kind of approach we will use to develop our Northern strategy.

We also recognize that our approach must be inclusive. Each territory has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities; and there are many points of view on how best to address them.

Our approach must be comprehensive. There are so many priorities to address — stronger governance, sustainable economic development, environmental cleanup and protection and improved social programs.

Our approach must be coordinated. That is why Government of Canada departments will work closely with each other to ensure an integrated federal approach to northern development.

And, finally, our approach to northern development must be based upon sound knowledge. That means giving priority to science and technology initiatives as well as the traditional knowledge of Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, our government believes that Canadians — no matter where they live — deserve the same access to opportunity and a high quality of life.

This is our vision for Canada. This is our vision for the North.

While there are great challenges, the will to act has never been stronger.

While there are many families who struggle, employment has never been higher.

While we must do more to improve education and early childhood development, more young northerners are entering post-secondary education than ever before.

While much more needs to be done to promote economic development, the prospects for the growth of a northern economy have never been brighter.

And while we know that many Northerners are sometimes frustrated with the pace of change, let me assure them, Mr. Speaker, our commitment has never been deeper.

As the Throne Speech demonstrates, we have a plan for making steady, measurable progress towards a higher quality of life for Northerners and for all Canadians.

Our government envisions a Canada where no individual, no community, no region is denied the opportunity to fully participate in the building of an even greater nation.

With this new Throne Speech as our guide, we will now begin the work — here in this House and throughout Canada — to make this vision a reality. Thank you.

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