Jaime Battiste
Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish, Nova Scotia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, June is National Indigenous History Month, and I want to acknowledge the history I witnessed on Saturday when Mi'kmaq rock icons The Relatives took to the stage to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a band.”
“In some circles, the longevity of the band has earned them the moniker of the “Mi'kmaq Rolling Stones”. I am proud to recognize them. [ Member spoke in Mi'kmaq and provided the following text: ] Welukweyoq aq weltaql. [ Member provided the following translation: ] You are doing great, and the music sounds great.”
“They provide predictability and clarity and explicitly protect private interests while advancing reconciliation. We saw that recently in the agreement with the Haida Nation, which addressed aboriginal title while clearly providing for the protection of private fee simple lands. That is the value of negotiations.”
“Mr. Speaker, I respect that member, and I want to respectfully say that I have heard a lot of Conservatives get up and pretend they know something about aboriginal litigation. As someone who taught aboriginal and treaty rights law at university, I have heard some of these arguments.”
“That divergence is exactly why we need to have clarity from the courts, and that is why it is being appealed. This is an important point. When the law is unsettled, it creates space for speculation. It creates space for competing interpretations and, in that space, misinformation can take hold and facts can be twisted.”
“On the one hand, we have court decisions that are exploring new and unsettled legal territory. On the other hand, we have negotiated agreements that are designed to create clarity, not uncertainty. That distinction matters because litigation and negotiation do very different things.”
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“That provision establishes that an assault occurs where a person applies force to the body of another person, directly or indirectly, without a person's consent, or while being reckless as to whether the person consents. The concept of applying force is broad. It simply means bringing something into contact with another person's body. With that definition, any medical procedure performed on a person without their consent plainly constitutes an assault because it involves intentional application of force to the body. This principle was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in its 1988 Morgentaler decision.”
“Because all surgeries, including sterilization procedures, necessarily involve wounding or maiming of the body, they already fall within the scope of aggravated assault when performed without legally effective consent. The bill would make explicit what is already implicit in the law. This clarification is critically important because it focuses the legal analysis where it properly belongs. The relevant legal question is whether a particular sterilization procedure amounted to a non-consensual application of force, that is, whether an assault occurred. Both the Criminal Code and long-standing jurisprudence provide an established framework for answering that question. Assault was originally a common-law offence, but it is now codified in subsection 265(1) of the Criminal Code.”
“Evidence has shown that these harms have been experienced in a disproportionate way by indigenous women and girls, and two-spirit and gender-diverse people in Canada, as well as by racialized and disabled women, which underscores the need for clear legal protections that affirm the centrality of consent in all medical decision-making. Bill S-228 would respond to that need by clarifying for greater certainty that a sterilization procedure constitutes a wounding or a maiming for the purposes of the offence of aggravated assault in section 268 of the Criminal Code. Aggravated assault is the most serious assault offence in Canadian criminal law. It applies where an assault “wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life” of the victim, and it carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our government in support of Bill S-228 , an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures. This important piece of legislation addresses coerced sterilization. The bill would address this abhorrent practice by clarifying how the existing law of assault applies when sterilization procedures are carried out without valid consent. Coerced sterilization constitutes a profound breach of bodily integrity with enduring effects on survivors, their families and their communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for bringing this very important issue to the House and making sure that he acknowledged those victims. I share with the member opposite the sense of urgency in getting this legislation through as quickly as possible. I have talked to Mi'kmaq people who have been impacted by this. They have asked that we move speedily to ensure we get this through. The member and I have had good conversations at the INAN committee. He is a respected member of that committee. I am wondering if the member sees any value in potentially seeking unanimous consent so that we can move this to the indigenous and northern affairs committee to ensure that we get this done within the next few weeks, potentially months, for these survivors, so this never happens again.”
“There are no words for goodbye in the Mi'kmaq language, only “we will see you again”. [ Member spoke in Mi'kmaq and provided the following text: ] N'multisnen ap Nitap. Kesalulek. [ Member provided the following translation: ] We will see you again, friend. We love you. [ English ]”
“Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, a community gathered to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Arnold Sylliboy, who passed away a year ago. Arnold enjoyed bringing people together for a good cause and good times. He competed with determination in any sport or contest, and at the same time, had the ability to bring joy and laughter to every situation. Arnold was a caring leader, a natural athlete and a committed volunteer, who will be fondly remembered for his great empathy and ability to listen to others. This naturally made him great at his work as a youth worker, a social worker, a barber and a staff member for this MP. A more loyal wingman in life one will not find. His loved ones held a bowling tournament in his honour to raise money for his community and a local high school scholarship to honour his legacy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for her passion for this issue. It is absolutely clear that we must continue to do everything we can to eliminate discrimination in Canada. That is why our ministers are meeting with stakeholders and with partners. They are ensuring that they get this right. We will continue to be focused on ensuring reconciliation moving forward. I look forward to talking with the member opposite and explaining what the minister is doing over the next few weeks.”
“We are absolutely committed to maintaining the legal clarity and stability of private fee simple landownership, and we will continue to work with all parties to find a solution.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are absolutely committed to maintaining the legal clarity and stability of private fee simple landownership. The decision's potentially significant implications, including on private fee simple property rights, require greater legal certainty and clarity, which we are asking the courts to do. In our country, the Supreme Court of Canada makes rulings. As politicians, and as a government, we respect that. However, our government is committed to attaining that clarity through the proper legal process, not a political process. To further support potentially impacted private property owners, B.C. has also taken the lead on moving forward with the provincial loan guarantee program, given that landownership and title fall within provincial jurisdiction.”
“This would allow the company to provide its perspective on how the declaration of aboriginal title impacts its legal and financial interests, evidence that was not before the court during the trial. We are now awaiting the decision from the court regarding the application. However, through it all, I want the House to know we absolutely respect the constitutional recognition of aboriginal rights and title, and we maintain a firm commitment to advancing reconciliation. We will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to uphold the principles of reconciliation, transparency and legal responsibility throughout this process.”
“We absolutely understand the frustration of some potentially impacted private property owners in Richmond over the fact that they did not receive official notice of the proceedings prior to the decision being released. Canada brought an application in 2017 seeking an order requiring the plaintiffs to notify the private landowners in this case. At that time, the court declined our request to have plaintiffs give formal notice to the private landowners. Just a couple of weeks ago, Canada filed its consent with the court regarding the application by Montrose Industries and Ecowaste Industries to be added to the litigation and have a limited reopening of the trial.”
“British Columbia, the City of Richmond, the Musqueam Indian Band and the Tsawwassen First Nation have also appealed. We are reviewing potential legal arguments and all options are on the table. This decision's potentially significant implications, including on private fee simple property rights, require greater legal certainty, and our government is committed to attaining that clarity through the proper legal process. To be clear, we are absolutely committed to maintaining legal clarity and stability for private landownership. That is why we defended the validity of fee simple title granted by the Crown at trial, and we will continue to do so now as we go through the appeals process.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for raising this important topic and giving me the opportunity to speak to the issue. It is an important topic, and it is valuable to be having this discussion today in the House. However, as we have this conversation, it is also important to note that this matter is before the courts, and so it is incumbent upon all members to be judicious and responsible when discussing this case so as not to impact the legal process. Our government understands that the trial judge's decision in the Cowichan case has created uncertainty for potentially impacted landowners in the area over which title was found to exist. Since September, we have been clear: Canada disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court ruling and appealed it on September 8.”
“We have accomplished many targeted initiatives to date, including restoring more than 18.5 million square metres of salmon habitat, retiring more than 400 commercial licences, upgrading Fisheries and Oceans Canada and community hatchery infrastructure, and supporting sustainable fishing opportunities while reducing their impact on valuable stocks. We recognize the social, economic and cultural importance of Pacific salmon for Canadians. The government is committed to the long-term health and sustainability of our vital fisheries resources and is confident that the department's progress—”
“Madam Speaker, I hear the urgency in my colleague's voice. I just want him to know that we are urgently discussing this. We are making sure that our processes with our partners are collaborative, and we are going to ensure that the government continues to move forward with the investment of $686 million over five years to implement decisive actions under the Pacific salmon strategy initiative to meet these challenges. We recognize the importance of long-term measures for the sustainability of Pacific salmon of the west coast.”
“Through Fisheries and Oceans Canada's work under the Pacific salmon strategy initiative, including our continued collaboration with first nations harvesters, stakeholders and the governments of British Columbia and Yukon, meaningful progress is being made to address conservation challenges and support sustainable salmon harvesting over the long term.”
“Therefore, in June 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, first nations in British Columbia and the Province of British Columbia signed a new trilateral accord to coordinate and align conservation and restoration efforts to improve outcomes for salmon over the long term. We are advancing targeted efforts in the Yukon, including investments in first nations salmon fisheries transition, stewardship and monitoring activities, and integrated rebuilding planning. Pacific salmon holds a deep social and cultural significance for the people of the west coast of Canada. The government remains committed to the long-term health and sustainability of these vital fishery resources.”
“In terms of indigenous fisheries, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has collaborated with more than 40 first nations and indigenous fisheries organizations on over 60 indigenous harvest transformation partnership projects to transition fisheries to more selective fishery methods and improved monitoring while reducing impacts on vulnerable salmon stocks. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has also piloted six mark-selective fisheries. We have heard in committees and we have heard across the country that the salmon mean so much more to first nations all across Canada, especially in B.C. It is not just about fishing; it is about their culture, lessons and their stories.”
“Under the salmon enhancement pillar of the Pacific salmon strategy initiative, we are expanding our hatchery infrastructure and upgrading 47 hatcheries to boost at-risk salmon in priority areas. We are developing new hatchery management tools to optimize sustainable harvest and rebuilding outcomes for more than 250 Pacific salmon stocks. Through the harvest transformation pillar of the Pacific salmon strategy initiative, we have retired 473 commercial Pacific salmon licences, reducing the total number of eligible salmon licence-holders by 35.7%.”
“We have restored over 18.5 million square metres of Pacific salmon habitat and advanced watershed-scale salmon rebuilding planning with partners, including for west coast Vancouver Island chinook salmon. During the summer of 2024, Fisheries and Oceans worked with 60 partners in 75 areas across British Columbia to respond to immediate drought-related issues, fund emergency projects and support fish passage to spawning areas with critical restoration projects. We have provided a further $90 million for 73 projects through phase two of the British Columbia salmon restoration and innovation fund to protect and restore Pacific salmon habitat and other priority wild fish stocks.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite listed a lot of the things he stood for. I was honoured to sit with that member when we were on the fisheries committee together many years ago. I know him to be a genuine leader and a friend of reconciliation in the House. I am really happy to be here on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries . I would like to talk a bit about how Pacific salmon populations are experiencing long-term and historic declines due to the impacts of climate change, pollutants and changes in land and water use. To address these challenges, the government has invested $686 million since 2021 to implement decisive actions under the Pacific salmon strategy initiative.”
“Does the member opposite agree with his party's framing that the development of major projects should be rammed through without UNDRIP's free, prior and informed consent laws and the rights entrenched in section 35?”
“Madam Speaker, I have tremendous respect for the member, not only because he was previously a chief of his nation but also because of his lived experience in the first nations in his community. The member opposite was around the first nations chiefs last week as they gathered at the AFN, and I was there with him. I heard first nations chiefs from all across this country, especially British Columbia, say that nothing should happen without their free, prior and informed consent, but when I hear the member's party opposite, its members seem to think they can ram the legislation through for a pipeline without the consent of first nations. I ask the member, did he hear something different?”
“Mr. Speaker, our government continues to respect and acknowledge the important work they are doing as first nations leaders across this country. Our ministers have been busy all week listening to rights holders and going to the meetings. I, as a former Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council member and a former regional chief, know the important work that goes into the development of resolutions and all the different debates they have. Our government is listening, and we look forward to building our country together with first nations.”
“I am wondering if she could talk about how indigenous people in her riding and across Canada are becoming a big part of the economic growth of this country.”
“Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for her work at the indigenous and northern affairs committee when she was there. She talked a lot about why it is important for us to have oversight when we are looking at modern-day treaties and the things that Canada has agreed to. When I was speaking with some of the stakeholders who have been pushing for this, they said we really needed accountability and really needed people to ensure we are moving forward on implementing the treaty promises we make. The member opposite talked a little about economic outputs and ensuring that indigenous people are part of the growth that is happening in Canada. In budget 2025, there were some significant items for her riding of Nunavut.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member was a productive member at the indigenous and northern affairs committee during her time there, and I want to thank her for her efforts at that committee. Next week, we will have the Assembly of First Nations in town for its annual general assembly. We will have hundreds of chiefs and more than 600 first nations community members from all across Canada. They will be asking us what we are doing to improve their legislation and what we are doing to improve their quality of life. I wonder if the member opposite could talk to us a bit about how we should be collaborating to ensure that while these chiefs, who are an integral part of Canada, are here, we are showing them that we can work collaboratively across party lines to ensure we are doing the best for them.”
“Madam Speaker, we are committed on this side of the House to co-operative federalism with the province of Alberta, but we remain committed and we remain respectful of aboriginal and treaty rights, as well as the free, prior and informed consent of communities that is entrenched in UNDRIP. We are going to continue to respect these rights. It is not only the right thing to do; it is also the law.”
“Madam Speaker, It's not for me to rock the boat, But what's the deal on last week's vote? We won the thing, so I won't gloat But Robert Fife, I'd like to quote: He spoke about some sneaky deeds Where two were, hiding in the weeds, Which served the Tories voting needs “Embarrassing!”—the headline reads. Their outline makes it all but certain The two that hid behind the curtain, With a snap election, they were flirtin' Credibility shot, their polling hurtin'! They tried to blame it on the app, But fact and fiction showed a gap! The answers shared were all over the map It sounds like just a pile of...inconsistencies! So what it is, I'll try to say Next time try to make your way, Into the House, and make our day By voting for the BIA!”
“Mr. Speaker, it was one of the plans of the Conservative Premier of Nova Scotia to ensure that we move forward with wind energy. It is what he asked our government to do, and we delivered on that. Whatever stripes people have or political parties they belong to, they can agree that clean energy is the best energy for Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that the Conservatives wish that Canadians had afforded them the ability to create a budget, but they chose the Liberals. They chose us because of the fact that we invest in them, in our youth and in our country. We believe in building a stronger country for all Canadians. When I knock on doors, not one person ever talks to me about the deficit or the debt. They talk about what our government is able to do. We are going to continue to deliver for Canadians. That is why we have won four elections in a row.”
“Mr. Speaker, if the member opposite were to read the memorandum of understanding, he would see that what the Prime Minister has agreed to are certain conditions that would allow, potentially, in the future, for a pipeline. Those conditions are predicated on the fact that first nations have full, free, prior and informed consent in the project, and that British Columbia is part of the project. I am confident that our Prime Minister knows and understands section 35 constitutional rights and knows the conditions required to build in this country. That is why we are advancing indigenous interests, and that is why what we need to do is continue to build but to build in a way that is respectful of all people.”
“Mr. Speaker, when I talk to youth in my riding, they are asking us to invest in a better future. They are asking us to help build Canada, and they want to be a part of this. They want to be part of the trades. They want education. They want our economy to thrive. Confident countries invest in their communities and in their youth. Confident countries do the work that needs to be done to give those youth a brighter future, and that is what our government is going to continue to do.”
“The way it is set up, it works with indigenous stakeholders and communities so loan payments are balanced to maximize benefits to them. When communities are given the right tools, indigenous leadership drives prosperity and long-term ownership. With the budget our government has presented, we are investing in housing, clean water, health care, connectivity and infrastructure so communities can thrive and prosper. The budget speaks to the north and to working hand in hand with indigenous partners to build a stronger future together. I invite indigenous leaders to work together, to dream big, to create partnerships and to be partners in major clean energy projects such as the Wind West Atlantic energy project, the Iqaluit hydro project or the Northcliff Resources Sisson mine. Now is the time to build Canada.”
“For example, last spring in my riding, 12 Mi'kmaq communities formed a limited partnership known as the Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency, WMA, and borrowed $18 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank's indigenous equity initiative to invest in a battery storage facility alongside Nova Scotia. The great thing about this is that they get the own-source revenues not only when the project is paid off but also all along the way; as they are making payments, they are able to bring own-source revenues back to their communities. I have often been asked by Indigenous leaders how they can invest in major projects when the needs are so great in their communities. How can they make payments on million-dollar loans? This is the beauty of the indigenous loan guarantee program.”
“I have good news: Budget 2025 dreams of a future of prosperity for indigenous communities, through major investments in being multi-million-dollar partners in the energy sector, in building trade ports and in mining critical minerals that the world needs. We invite indigenous nations to dream big and to take advantage of the $10 billion in the indigenous loans guarantee program and the $45 billion allocated to the Canada Infrastructure Bank, so indigenous leaders can manage prosperity, not poverty. I would encourage first nations, Métis and Inuit communities to look at the suite of tools available to make investing in major projects more affordable.”
“Unlike budgets in the past that captured indigenous investment on a few pages, the current budget has indigenous investment that is embedded and integrated throughout. It is embedded within the national school food program. It is embedded within the artificial intelligence budget, which can help us digitize indigenous languages moving forward. It is embedded in the projects of national importance that will help us build the strongest economy in the G7 by ensuring that projects advance indigenous interests with meaningful equity, meaningful partnership and meaningful participation. I have heard the challenges during my lifetime from first nations communities, which have shared with me a great deal about how they are tired of micromanaging poverty.”
“We heard from Indigenous people during the budget consultation process not only that we needed to invest billions in housing, water, waste water and infrastructure in indigenous communities but also that weather-related emergencies are more frequent and that the impacts of climate change required urgent investments. Fires, floods and hurricanes have impacted indigenous communities in great numbers, and we will be there to help them through these difficult times. We also heard about challenges to our communities, when it came to health and Jordan's principle. That is why we are investing billions to ensure that we address the challenges within Jordan's principle, including addressing the backlog of crises and creating stability moving forward. Budget 2025 allows us to do that.”
“This program saves money for families and makes sure that no child's hunger is an obstacle to their education. Budget 2025 continues the important work of advancing reconciliation. Our Prime Minister campaigned on a promise to spend less to invest more, but while other departments were asked to find up to 15% in savings, we knew that we had to protect the core services and programs that we deliver to indigenous Canadians, and that is what we did. (1315) It is not only the right thing to do; it is also our fiduciary responsibility to ensure that we do not take steps backward.”
“At the same time, we remain committed to seniors with our dental care program, committed to families with our affordable child care and the Canada child benefit, and committed to youth with a $40-million investment in a youth climate corps with green jobs that will help take on the challenges of climate change, not to mention the 175,000 jobs within Canada for the Canada summer jobs program for young Canadians. We are launching automated federal benefits to ensure that 5.5 million low-income Canadians get the benefits they need without the complicated paperwork. We have also ensured that the children across Canada are not distracted by empty bellies when they are trying to learn by making the national school food program permanent.”
“It is clear that the cost of living has increased in Canada, just as it has increased around the world due to climate change, American tariffs and the war in Ukraine. As a G7 country with the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio, we are uniquely positioned to make investments in our future and build a stronger, more resilient country. Our government is also cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians, which goes a long way to help the residents of Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish, and of ridings across Canada, to keep more money in their pockets.”
“Wind West is a project that shows the investment in clean energy does not have to come at the cost of economic development. We can invest in our future while strengthening our economy. Another major investment we are making is in housing and homes. With the new Build Canada Homes initiative, there is $13 billion that aims to increase the supply of affordable housing through construction, financing and industry. As we endeavour to build houses faster and in greater numbers, we will build these Canadian homes with Canadian materials, such as lumber, to ensure that we are supporting our local industries from start to finish. Restoring affordability to homes is important, but we are also working to restore affordability to everyday life.”
“On this side of the House, we are ready to build great things and keep our economy moving. Our government is also investing and fast-tracking major projects that will focus on buying Canadian for Canadians. These are projects that are shovel-ready and shovel-worthy and that would advance our climate and reconciliation goals. One project of significance for Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish is the government's Major Projects Office selection of Wind West Atlantic Energy. Wind West has the potential to power Nova Scotia and beyond with enough clean wind energy to meet our demands into the future. This first phase, with four wind power areas off the coast of Nova Scotia, aims to unlock 5,000 megawatts and could drive billions of new investments in economic activity across the country.”
“During my campaign in the spring, I heard from many in Victoria, and especially in Baddeck, about how devastating the loss of the rink was to the community and what we needed to do to get a rink for the community for the local youth hockey program. It fills me with great joy to be able to deliver on this project for them. I want to especially thank the members of the steering committee, John Trickett, Jeanne Campbell, Terry Kelly, David Parkinson and Sandy Campbell for never giving up on the new rink for the community. This rink is a perfect example of the kind of infrastructure investments our government is making. We now have a build community strong fund with $51 billion over 10 years, from small local community infrastructure to major infrastructure, such as hospitals, universities, transit, and road and water systems.”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 meets an important moment in our country's history. It is a budget that bets on Canada, a budget that invests in our future and ensures that we will build a strong and resilient future. The challenge before us is to become less reliant on our trade partners to the south and to build from within. I would like to start off by talking about one of my favourite words in the English language, which is “infrastructure”. I would also like to congratulate the Victoria Highland Civic Centre steering committee on its advocacy and work to ensure that a new rink will be built in Baddeck if the 2025 budget passes. The community has been sorely lacking over the past year with a rink that had been eroded to the point that it was no longer safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have liftoff in Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish. Last week in my riding, Maritime Launch Services conducted a suborbital space launch in Nova Scotia. This gravitational leap for our province and for Spaceport Nova Scotia brings us one step closer to achieving Canadian sovereign launch capability. In our near future, it is expected that we will witness an orbital launch on the soil of Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish. This process will be groundbreaking for our local economy, our national sovereignty and security, and the future of the commercial space industry in Canada. Our region is growing, expanding and building. Nova Scotia is headed into new stratospheres. I would like to celebrate this achievement of the suborbital launch, and I look forward to supporting the journey to space, often called “the final frontier”.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table two reports in both official languages. The first is copies of the 2022-23 “Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society: Policing”. The second is copies of the Yukon land claims and self-government agreement implementation report for 2017 to 2022. I request that both reports be referred to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.”
“I am asking them tonight, the week after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to stand with us to implement modern-day treaties and support this legislation.”
“They have said that we need to move forward, and not only on advancing reconciliation. Last week, we celebrated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, but I have not heard much from the Conservatives on what we need to do to implement and advance them. In this House, I have a heard a number of times that, while the Conservatives support modern-day treaties and indigenous reconciliation, they are going to vote no on this legislation. I ask the Conservatives quite simply, in the few minutes I have here, to get on board, stop delaying this important legislation and allow us to move forward with unanimous consent. Over the years, we have seen that the Conservatives are intent on delaying, denying and obstructing indigenous legislation.”