Rebecca Alty
Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I find it disingenuous that the members opposite continue to suggest that we are not protecting the private property rights of Canada. Here is what we have been doing: We disagreed with the B.C.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an important question and one that is currently before the courts. In the recent Wolastoqey decision, the Court of Appeal in New Brunswick, which is the highest court in the province, has refused leave to appeal. It found that aboriginal title cannot be declared over private property.”
“By advancing this legislation today, all members of the House have the opportunity to support a stronger future for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę. This moment has been a long time in the making. All of us know that the heart of this legislation is in the north, in the Sahtu and with the people of Norman Wells.”
“If passed, it would establish the agreement as a self-government treaty in Canadian law. It would formally recognize the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę government as the government of the Sahtu, Dene and Métis of Norman Wells and would affirm what has always been true, which is that the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę hold inherent rights of self-government, righ…”
“Mr. Speaker, beyond the investments such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Slave geological province and the Taltson hydro expansion, the important thing about accelerating this legislation is really the importance of the self-governance to the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę.”
“It was a landmark for not only the Sahtu but also the entire country. It created certainty, stability and a foundation strong enough to support other self-government negotiations into the future.”
The complete record
Every one of 168 lines we hold for Rebecca Alty, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 4.
“Despite the promise of section 35, it still took subsequent court challenges to establish precedents upholding indigenous rights. The Supreme Court of Canada's 2013 decision in Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. v. Canada was one of the catalysts for a series of negotiations and agreements with the MMF, which led to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty and the proposed implementing legislation that is being debated today. While today's moment is what Louis Riel and his government sought more than 150 years ago, the text, spirit and meaning of this landmark self-government treaty were developed in full partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation over the last seven years.”
“These negotiations led to the Manitoba Act, 1870, and included promises to the Red River Métis. The Province of Manitoba was born. The promises never materialized. The Red River Métis have had to undertake, often collectively, numerous court challenges to win Canada's recognition of rights they had exercised as a people for generations, which they were trying to negotiate into the law of the land in 1869 through 1870. These court challenges and the Constitution Act, 1982, set the stage for this: the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty. It is in the Constitution Act, 1982, where Métis are legally recognized. Section 35 identifies three distinct indigenous groups: first nations, Inuit and Métis. It also affirms that all three hold aboriginal and treaty rights.”
“[ Translation ] The journey leading to this self-government treaty with the Red River Métis began more than 150 years ago. Over generations, the Red River Métis have forged a distinct identity as a people with a rich and deep-rooted culture, language, and heritage. They have charted their own course by governing themselves according to their distinct vision, values, and priorities. (1615) [ English ] In the late 1800s, the Red River Métis formed their own provisional government of Assiniboia during the Red River Resistance. That government, led by Louis Riel, was formed to give voice to the Red River Métis. The Red River Métis colony was where Manitoba sits today. In 1869, the Red River Métis provisional government began negotiations with the Crown about joining the country as its fifth province.”
“It promotes reconciliation, recognizes the right of the Red River Métis to organize and govern themselves, and formalizes our government-to-government relationship with the Manitoba Métis Federation under Canadian law. [ English ] With the legislation, we would honour the legacy, the rights and the future of the Red River Métis, and we would reaffirm their rightful place in the social, legal and legislative fabric of Canada. This self-government treaty is the result of working closely with the Manitoba Métis Federation president, David Chartrand, his cabinet and their team on a co-developed process shaped through the recognition of indigenous rights and self-determination discussion table. I wish to applaud President Chartrand and the MMF for their work to bring us to this day.”
“Bill C-21. Second reading moved that Bill C-21, An Act to give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty and to make consequential amendments to other Acts , be read the second time and referred to a committee. She said: Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that Canada's Parliament is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe, whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial. I rise today grateful for the opportunity to speak to the bill, a bill that would bring into force the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty. [ Translation ] This self-government treaty marks a historic milestone.”
“Mr. Speaker, preserving the certainty and stability of private property is of utmost importance, and that is why we will advance all legal arguments to protect them. We disagree with the B.C. Supreme Court's ruling, and that is why we appealed this back in September. This is being appealed by the federal government, the province, the city of Richmond, the Musqueam first nation, the Tsawwassen first nation and the Cowichan first nation. However, as a government, we always prefer to negotiate instead of going to court. I can tell this House that in all of our negotiations dating back to the 1970s, no agreement between the federal government and first nations—”
“Mr. Speaker, we are working with the City of Richmond and will be providing a response to the letter. The Conservatives are trying to re-litigate this very serious court case using partisan political attacks, which could seriously undermine the legal process and the work we are doing. They are taking the longest civil court case in Canadian history, over 500 days, and boiling it down to a social media clip. While they are focused on party politics, we are focused on appealing this decision and advancing all legal arguments to protect private property where it matters, in front of—”
“Mr. Speaker, reconciliation and economic development go hand in hand. Through litigation, we are defending private property. For those nations where we are in negotiations with the Government of British Columbia and first nations, it is an opportunity to sit down at the table and actually be clear that private property is excluded, so we will continue through litigation, as well as through negotiation.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have told the House, we are appealing the decision, but what I would like to point out is that courts are one way of settling the aboriginal title and negotiations are another. This is what we have done in that member's jurisdiction. We have been working with the Government of British Columbia as well as the Haida Nation. It has been two years since the Haida title agreement has been in place in the province of British Columbia. The sky has not fallen. Private property is protected under the Haida agreement.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. Canadians can still buy, sell, inherit and renovate their homes under provincial and municipal law. We disagree with the Cowichan ruling, which we appealed on September 8, 2025. We believe that this decision requires legal clarity. That is why the government will pursue all legal options through the appeal process. We will protect property rights and uphold the Constitution.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me be clear that Canadians can still buy, sell, inherit and renovate their homes under provincial and municipal law. We disagreed with the Cowichan ruling and appealed it on September 8, 2025. We believe that the Cowichan decision requires legal clarity. That is why the government will pursue all legal options through the appeal process. We will protect private property owners and uphold the Constitution without fearmongering.”
“Mr. Speaker, first off, let me be clear. The Musqueam agreement does not affect private property rights. An MOU was signed in 2017, and a framework agreement was signed in February. It is not a land claim, and it is not a title agreement. The agreement was Musqueam's constitutionally protected aboriginal rights in the specific areas of fisheries, stewardship and marine emergency management, while also establishing a clear framework for collaboration between the first nation and Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada disagrees with the court's decision, and we appealed that on September 8, 2025. At trial, Canada defended the validity of fee simple title granted by the Crown, and we will continue to do so on appeal. The decision's potential implications necessitate greater legal clarity, and our government is committed to attaining that clarity through the proper legal process.”
“moved: Motion That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint Their Honours that, in relation to Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada's borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures, the House: proposes that amendment 2 made by the Senate be amended by replacing the text of paragraph 75.1(3)(c) with the following: "the proportion of refugee protection claimants referred to in paragraph (b) who exited and re-entered Canada after the day of entry referred to in paragraph 101(1)(b.1) of that Act;"; agrees with amendment 3 made by the Senate; and respectfully disagrees with amendment 1 because the amendment would remove Canadian citizens and permanent residents from the clear and transparent information-sharing framework established by Part 5 of the bill, because information-sharing relating to these individuals already occurs under existing statutory authorities and would continue to occur in their absence from the framework established by Bill C-12, as the purpose of Part 5 is to replace the current patchwork of authorities with a single coherent regime that establishes consistent partners, clearly defined purposes, and modern privacy safeguards, and furthermore, because excluding Canadian citizens and permanent residents from these provisions would perpetuate existing inefficiencies, undermine modernization initiatives within the immigration system, and reduce the transparency and accountability that Bill C-12 intends to strengthen.”
“Bill C-27. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-27, an act to give effect to the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tlegohli Got’ine and to make consequential amendments to other acts . (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“Motion for concurrence moved that a ways and means motion to introduce a bill entitled an act to give effect to the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tlegohli Got’ine and to make consequential amendments to other acts be concurred in.”
“Mr. Speaker, for decades, communities across the Northwest Territories have been clear: The Mackenzie Valley Highway is essential for their future. This project would finally connect remote communities, lower the cost of goods, unlock critical minerals and create real opportunities for local businesses. We are also advancing the Taltson hydroelectric project and the Arctic economic and security corridor with indigenous partners. With more than $40 billion in investments, we are building a stronger, more resilient and more connected north.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, a notice of ways and means motion for a bill entitled “An Act to give effect to the final Self-Government Agreement for the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę and to make consequential amendments to other Acts”. Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I would like to request that an order of the day be designated for the consideration of this motion.”
“Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, a notice of ways and means motion for a bill, entitled “An Act to give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty and to make consequential amendments to other Acts” . Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I would like to request that an order of the day be designated for the consideration of this motion.”
“Mr. Speaker, the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is unacceptable, and our government is taking concrete action. Through the national action plan and the federal pathway, we are funding new shelters and safe spaces, supporting indigenous-led safety programs, improving policing standards and advancing culturally grounded services for families and survivors. We know progress must be faster. We will continue working directly with indigenous partners to implement the calls for justice and to deliver real, measurable change. This is our—”
“Mr. Speaker, yes, we will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to uphold the principles of reconciliation, transparency and legal responsibility. We remain available for dialogue with all parties involved; that includes British Columbia, the City of Richmond, Musqueam Indian Band and Tsawwassen First Nation, as well as the Quw’utsun.”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 proposes important updates to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act that will enable the First Nations Finance Authority to lend to special-purpose vehicles. For indigenous communities, this makes it easier for multiple nations to work together, borrow as a group and lower administrative costs. It also provides access to better borrowing rates and more opportunities to take equity in major projects and infrastructure. With improved access to financing, communities can create good jobs, grow local businesses and build lasting prosperity for future generations.”
“Mr. Speaker, our relationship with our partners, first nations, Métis, and Inuit rights holders is of utmost importance. With major projects, consultation and the duty to accommodate will be adhered to. There are no major projects before us right now; there is just an MOU. It is the process that is outlining the conditions to be met. Major projects will require the duty to consult.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned multiple times in question period today, as well as in past question periods, our government disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court decision and we are appealing it. We are reviewing all options. As this case is before the courts, I will not comment any further.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court's decision and appealed the decision alongside the Government of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, the Musqueam, the Tsawwassen and the Cowichan. We absolutely understand the concerns of residents, which is why we have taken this step. We are reviewing potential legal arguments. All arguments and all options are on the table. As this case is before the courts, I will not comment any further.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court's ruling and appealed it on September 8. We are reviewing potential legal arguments, and all options are on the table. Further legal clarity is required to address the decision, particularly relating to private property rights. We will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to uphold the principles of reconciliation, transparency and legal responsibility. We remain available for dialogue with the other parties to the litigation throughout this process.”
“Mr. Speaker, all major projects will only proceed after meaningful consultation with indigenous rights holders. We cannot and will not move forward at the expense of indigenous rights. Budget 2025 invests $10.1 million in the federal initiative on consultation. This includes funding for consultation protocols, which set out clear, mutually agreed processes for how communities want to be engaged, making consultations more efficient and respectful. We have also invested in indigenous-led resource centres, which provide the research, technical advice and expertise communities need.”
“Mr. Speaker, jobs, housing and infrastructure are what the budget has, including through our investment and commitment to accelerating the additions to reserve process. In October I was in Nanaimo, celebrating with the Snuneymuxw First Nation the addition of 195 acres. With this, the first nation is looking to build a $2.3-billion mixed-use development. That means great housing for youth and for everyone on reserve. That means great jobs during construction, and after, on reserve. We look forward to working with first nations to accelerate more additions to reserves. We hope all parties will support this and the budget.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I just said to the other member, Canada disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court's ruling and appealed it on September 8. We remain available for dialogue with the other parties to the litigation throughout this process.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada disagrees with the B.C. Supreme Court's ruling and appealed it on September 8. Further legal clarity is required to address the decision, particularly relating to private property rights. The Province of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, Musqueam Indian Band and Tsawwassen First Nation have also appealed. We will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to uphold the principles of reconciliation, transparency and legal responsibility to all parties. We remain available for dialogue with the other parties to the litigation throughout this process.”
“Mr. Speaker, this budget invests in lowering the cost of living and creating jobs, including with $2 billion for the critical minerals sovereign fund. Critical minerals are in our phones, computers, solar panels, medical equipment and more. Canada is rich in minerals, with projects in ridings held by Conservatives, the Bloc Québécois, the NDP and Liberals, including in my home, the Northwest Territories. These investments mean good jobs, including in Ontario, and stronger communities and will keep Canada a leader in technology, defence and health care. The Mining Association of Canada has applauded the budget, and I hope members opposite will too.”
“Mr. Speaker, this budget is about focusing on youth. Our government is investing in youth, particularly indigenous youth, with investments such as Inuit Nunangat University, which will be a landmark step forward for education and reconciliation in Canada. It will strengthen local economies, build capacity in the north and support Inuit-led research. We hope the members opposite will support this initiative and vote for the budget.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government has promised to overhaul nutrition north, and work is moving ahead. We are expanding beyond retail subsidies by codeveloping support for local harvesters and community food programs. Over 5,500 harvesters have received fuel, gear and safety support, and dozens of community freezers and sharing programs are running across the north. In the Northwest Territories, a managed reindeer herd supplies hospitals and community feasts, keeping country food moving year-round. That is how we are delivering food security and affordability, led by the north and built to last. We will continue to work with our partners.”
“Mr. Speaker, it involved all modern treaty partners. What is important is that they have first-hand experience so they can outline the challenges and successes that are occurring in the relationships between the federal government and modern treaty partners. It was important to involve modern treaty partners. Of course, with respect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we wanted to ensure that this was co-created. We developed this modern treaty legislation, and we continue to work together on many other policies and legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, this bill concerns the federal government and its obligations. It is about accountability before the House of Commons and the Senate. It is between the federal government and its modern treaty partners.”
“Mr. Speaker, the bill is about addressing the commissioner for modern treaties. It is about the responsibilities of oversight and holding the government accountable. The focus is on the commissioner ensuring transparency and accountability from the government on modern treaties. The modern treaties speak to different issues, and the commissioner would be reporting on those issues, but there is no need to identify everything in the modern treaties. The commissioner would ensure they are being implemented.”
“Mr. Speaker, I apologize for breaching the rules. We have been having discussions with all parties, and our partners have been in discussions with parties. We hope to get unanimous consent to move this bill forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her excellent work. Joining us today in the gallery are many of the leaders of the modern treaty partners. In discussions I had with them this morning, they mentioned the importance of passing this bill quickly so that we have the opportunity to set up the commissioner's office as soon as we can. We are aiming to get this bill through Parliament as quickly as possible so that we can stand up the office and continue this work.”
“Mr. Speaker, the legislation is important for modern treaty partners, but it is also important that the focus of our government is not just on modern treaties. This is one part of our journey of reconciliation. Another is working with all first nations, Métis and Inuit rights holders across the country to address priorities and concerns. We hear regularly in meetings from chiefs about the need for improvements to our additions to the reserve process. I am working with my colleague at ISC to improve the process. The bill is about modern treaties and their implementation, but we are continuing to work with all first nation, Métis and Inuit partners across the country to address their priorities and concerns.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the parties opposite are looking forward to supporting reconciliation and modern treaty partners. What is important in this bill is the implementation. It takes a while to negotiate land claims, self-government agreements and modern treaties, but implementation is a day in, day out, forever process. What is important in this legislation is holding the government, as well as future governments, accountable for living up to those modern treaty obligations. The bill is really about increasing transparency for all Canadians. Instead of having only a minister being responsible, the commissioner would be accountable to Parliament, both to the House and to the Senate. It is a really important opportunity to ensure that we are focused on implementation.”
“It is time for us to take action and find out. That means living up to our commitments to respect the inherent rights of indigenous people, it means living up to our commitments to advance reconciliation and it means passing the legislation before us today. (1035) [ Translation ] Once again, I would like to thank the modern treaty partners who stood up for their rights and worked tirelessly to co-develop this legislation. [ English ] The journey we embarked on together shows what is possible when trust, credibility, creativity, innovation and collaboration guide the codevelopment process. We are listening and working to fulfill all of our modern treaty obligations in the spirit of reconciliation and a brighter future for us all. Let us pass the bill without delay. Marsi . Meegwetch . Mahsi cho .”
“We understand that Canada needs modern treaties in order to grow. [ English ] In these uncertain times, we need partners we can rely on. We know we can rely on our modern treaty partners, and we need them to be able to rely on us. Modern treaty partners are already driving innovation, investment and development on a scale that benefits not just their communities, but all of Canada. They are doing this despite the fact that Canada has not always made it easy for them and has not always lived up to its promises. If this kind of success can happen despite persistent issues and inefficiencies in treaty implementation, I ask my colleagues in the House to imagine what we could accomplish together if we were able to solve these challenges. What could we accomplish together if these treaties were implemented effectively and in full?”
“[ Translation ] In short, the commissioner must ensure that the government honours its commitments under modern treaties and, most importantly, in the nation-to-nation, Crown-to-Inuit, and government-to-government relationships that they support. [ English ] I will close my remarks today with a few final thoughts on what this legislation means for the broader goal of advancing reconciliation. Successive governments have continued to enter into modern treaties with first nations, Inuit and Métis to guide our relationships and protect and promote their culture, identity and future prosperity. We are on a shared journey of reconciliation. [ Translation ] We understand that reducing uncertainty and establishing strong partnerships with indigenous peoples can help build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Canada.”
“[ English ] Some of the commissioner's key roles and responsibilities would include providing independent and expert oversight of any activity carried out by the government relating to the implementation of modern treaties. They would seek to ensure the timely and effective implementation of modern treaties. They would report to Parliament to hold the government accountable to its modern treaty obligations. They would be independent, objective and impartial in the execution of their mandate and would have expert knowledge of modern treaties. They would have the authority to require departments to provide the information necessary to carry out their mandates. Finally, they would commit to upholding the spirit and intent of the agreements.”
“[ English ] As an agent of Parliament, the commissioner would provide us with a unique opportunity to establish a new parliamentary institution focused solely on modern treaties. They would help make Canada a better partner by shining a light on areas where we can do more to address persistent and structural issues related to modern treaty implementation. This agent of Parliament role would represent a major step forward, toward a future where indigenous partners can trust that Canada will follow through on its modern treaty commitments. [ Translation ] This is particularly important when we consider the strategic locations of our treaty partners, Canada's objective of building a stronger nation and the vital role that strong relationships play in our mutual success. Modern treaty partners are truly our partners in Confederation.”
“We achieved that goal by proposing the creation of the commissioner for modern treaty implementation. [ Translation ] One of this bill's key accomplishments is that it was developed with the indigenous partners who stand to be most affected by its passage. [ English ] Now that I have outlined how this bill was codeveloped, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss the broader role the commissioner would play as an agent of Parliament. [ Translation ] Agents of Parliament are independent of the government. They report directly to the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament and are the fundamental pillars of our democracy. Right now, there is no agent of Parliament to promote and sustain our relations with indigenous peoples, who form the foundation of Canada.”
“[ Translation ] The policy guides federal departments in fulfilling their modern treaty obligations, advancing treaty objectives and strengthening intergovernmental relationships. It promotes action, awareness and understanding to address the legacy of colonialism and transform federal culture and procedures. (1030) [ English ] As part of the policy, the intergovernmental leaders' forum was established in 2023, creating an opportunity for the Prime Minister, federal ministers and modern treaty and self-government leadership to come together and collaborate on shared priorities. Shortly after the collaborative modern treaty implementation policy came into effect, the government and modern treaty partners began taking steps to create the oversight mechanism.”
“As a modern treaty partner, Canada has made progress in upholding its commitments, but we recognize that more work needs to be done. For over 20 years, modern treaty partners have been calling for greater oversight to hold the federal government accountable to its modern treaty obligations. This includes calls to develop a federal implementation policy. One of the main reasons for this policy is to address a general lack of awareness, understanding and action regarding modern treaty relationships, objectives and obligations on the part of the federal government. That is why, in February 2023, the Government of Canada took a step forward by launching Canada's collaborative modern treaty implementation policy.”
“The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement marked a turning point in Crown-indigenous relations, laying the groundwork for many modern treaties that followed. [ Translation ] We know that modern treaties can bring many economic benefits to communities and encourage indigenous participation in the Canadian economy. Treaties can also advance indigenous peoples' social, cultural and political autonomy and well-being. [ English ] Studies have shown that indigenous communities that sign modern treaties see improved socio-economic outcomes, including increased average annual incomes, reduced income inequality and higher educational attainment. Today, there are 27 modern treaties in Canada covering more than 90 communities.”
“They articulate the relationship, objectives, specific obligations and responsibilities their signatories must achieve and fulfill. They can include rights and benefits relating to ownership of lands, self-government or employment, to name just a few examples. [ Translation ] The era of modern treaties began after the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its decision on the Nisga'a Nation's Calder case, acknowledging the existence of aboriginal title for the first time. This historic decision paved the way for modern treaties, recognizing indigenous peoples' inherent right to their lands. [ English ] At the same time in Quebec, another group was challenging the actions of the Crown. This was where the first modern treaty was negotiated, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, signed in 1975.”