"Mr. Speaker, over 80% of indigenous peoples live off reserve. They are 11 times more likely to use a shelter. The Liberals have promised a “for indigenous, by indigenous” urban, rural and northern housing strategy since 2017, but budget after budget there is no mention of it. Now that the NDP has pushed the Liberals to take action, they are only proposing $300 million to initiate a strategy over five years. This is not good enough.
Will the Liberals make the necessary investments for a “for indigenous, by indigenous” urban, rural and northern housing strategy?"
Jaime Battiste (Liberal) Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"Mr. Speaker, while the other side is talking about what is not in the budget, today I want to talk about what is in the budget.
We have historic investments in indigenous housing. We have historic investments in Jordan's principle. We have historic investments in infrastructure. We have historic investments in mental health. Overall, we have invested more than $27 billion for indigenous issues. On this side of the House, we are committed to reconciliation. We are committed to moving forward on indigenous issues. We are committed to working with the member opposite to make sure that we are doing everything possible for indigenous people in Canada."
