Speaking Notes for
Robert Nault, PC, MP
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs
At
The Signing of The Cree Regional Authority and
The Government of Canada
Human Resources Development Canada Agreement
November 19, 2001
Ottawa, ON
Check Against Delivery
Grand Chief Moses, Elders, and other distinguished guests.
It is a pleasure to
join with my colleagues Minister Stewart and Minister Blondin Andrew,
as well as the Member for Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik in welcoming you
to this signing ceremony on Parliament Hill.
This new five-year
agreement provides more tools to operate effective, responsive local programs,
and it opens new avenues for economic development by helping to create
a skilled and knowledgeable Aboriginal workforce.
This agreement is
worth $54.5 million over the five years. But its value far exceeds this
amount.
First of all, it honours
commitments made in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. And honouring
modern and historic treaties is one of the most important ways we can
strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal
peoples.
Just as important,
todays agreement will enhance the ability of the James Bay Cree
to increase employment in their territory and to improve the quality of
life in Cree communities.
Improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people is a key commitment
from the Speech from the Throne. You may remember, her Excellency, the
Governor General said:
"Nowhere is the creation and sharing of opportunity more important
than for Aboriginal people. Too many continue to live in poverty, without
the tools they need to build a better future for themselves or their communities.
As a country, we must be direct about the magnitude of the challenge and
ambitious in our commitment to tackle the most pressing problems facing
Aboriginal people.
The strongest asset
we have in meeting this challenge is the drive and the dedication of Aboriginal
peoples themselves. Making best use of Aboriginal human resources will
speed our progress towards this goal.
The Aboriginal Human
Resources Development Strategy was created for this purpose. We recognize
that working with Aboriginal leaders and community groups is the best
way to address the labour market needs of Aboriginal peoples.
The Cree Regional
Authority has shown that it can meet this challenge. You know the land.
You know the people. And you understand how best to align your economic,
social, and cultural priorities.
Your achievements to date bode well for the success of this new agreement.
I have no doubt that even greater progress lies just ahead for the James
Bay Cree. And with investments from the Aboriginal Human Resources Development
Strategy, I am confident that many other Aboriginal communities will share
in similar progress.
Once again, congratulations on this agreement and best wishes with your
future endeavours.
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