Welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming.

I would like to begin by making just a brief statement and then I would be happy to answer your questions.

As you know, our Government will be introducing a number of initiatives aimed at putting the tools of self-sufficiency into the hands of First Nations.

We made clear commitments in the Speech from the Throne to improve the lives of Aboriginal people by dealing with the grievances of the past, and to equip First Nations people with the tools for a successful future.

This is also a Red Book commitment made by the Prime Minister, and by this government.

I also have a personal commitment.

As the member of Parliament for Kenora Rainy-River, I represent 51 First Nations. I can tell you personally, that the challenges they face, we all face. When First Nations succeed, we all succeed.

Today’s announcement is an important step forward, and part of a series of announcements in the past year and in the near future.

A few moments ago, I tabled legislation—the Specific Claims Resolution Act—which will provide another important foundation stone for self-government and self reliance, and which honours our Red Book commitment to improve the process of resolving Specific Claims.

In very simple terms, the legislation will build a system which is faster and more fair so that we can all focus on building opportunity for our future.

It is based on the principle that the less time, and the less money First Nations and the Government of Canada spend in court, the more time we can spend at the table with investors creating jobs, and building opportunity.

While the current policy has enjoyed considerable success, with more than 230 agreements ratified since 1973, we need to move much more quickly, with less conflict and at a lower cost.

Under the present system, claims drag on far too long and the process costs far too much. The whole process is adversarial and too many claims end up in court. This has led to resentment, frustration and delays.

We are proposing to establish the Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nation Specific Claims. This would replace the current Indian Specific Claims Commission and make negotiations more effective. This body would have two components—a Commission to facilitate negotiations, and a Tribunal to resolve disputes.

This system would expedite settlements. It would also support the preference of both the Government of Canada and First Nations to negotiate rather than litigate. And it would allow us to quickly resolve a number of historic grievances.

The legislation tabled today will provide a more independent, impartial and transparent process for settling specific claims. And by enabling the Tribunal to make binding decisions on the validity and compensation payable for most claims, it will be a significant improvement over the current Indian Specific Claims Commission which can only make recommendations.

More broadly, the Specific Claims Resolution Act is an important part of our efforts to enhance self-sufficiency, because resolving claims creates the certainty investors demand.

With specific claims settled, First Nations will be able to close the books on old disputes and open doors to new opportunities. They will be able to get on with the business of developing their communities, attracting investment, and charting their own course—of building a brighter future on a solid foundation. That is the road ahead for First Nations and that is the road we are building today.

Today’s announcement is part of a series of initiatives we have undertaken in the past months, and as I am sure you all know, there will be more to come.

We will be introducing the First Nations Governance Initiative, which provides the structures and processes for sound decision-making, and greater accountability, in First Nations’ communities—tools First Nations themselves have identified as necessary for self-government.

We will also be proposing measures designed to expand the fiscal capacity of First Nations so that they can raise the resources they need to build the future they seek.

In April, we announced our intention to re-open the First Nations Land Management Act so that more communities can exercise greater control over their lands and resources.

That Act allows First Nations to develop land codes, pass and enforce laws with respect to issues like the environment and matrimonial real property, clarify the legal status of bands and band councils, and establish relationships with provincial and municipal governments.

It is an important tool of self-government and one we must extend to more communities.

And finally, we have taken steps to make sure we invest directly in the communities. We will continue to increase funding for band support each year, by 5% - to make sure Chief and Council have the resources to employ quality people to support their governments.

We have also increased economic development funding by fives times in the last two years, from $25M to $125M to make sure that First Nations come to the table with investors as equal partners.

Taken together, these initiatives will provide the stature, stability and credibility essential for strong fiscal management. They will provide a solid foundation for investor confidence, ensure the security of data, and return powers back to First Nations themselves.

I would be happy now to answer any questions you might have.

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