QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Climate Change
December 11, 2023
Government leader, Stephen Buffalo is a member of the Samson Cree Nation, which is south of Edmonton, and the President and CEO of the Indian Resource Council of Canada. He recently commented on the impact of the Trudeau government’s energy cap on Indigenous engagement, employment and equity investment in our oil and gas sector:
Indigenous people demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills and their ability to invest in both community development and long-term wealth creation keeping in mind both our present and future generations. The government seems willing to overturn our carefully won opportunities and prosperity, without the courtesy of full conversation . . . .
Leader what is your response to Mr. Buffalo’s words — not my words, but his?
Thank you for the question. The government’s plan to engage Canadians, stakeholders, Indigenous rights holders and the provinces and territories on climate change is an ongoing one. This government has a comprehensive plan that has many features, whether it’s the most recently introduced cap on emissions, the price on pollution or the rebates and incentives provided to Canadians to help them transition.
Again, it is normal — in a democracy — for there to be differences of opinion as to what may be the best policy approach to combat this existential crisis. It is a crisis that affects our well‑being, our prosperity and that of our subsequent generations.
It remains the case that this government has a coherent plan, and it is the only plan on the table — at least in this chamber. The opposition does not have a plan, and it has not seen fit to even provide the beginning of a plan.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that no relationship is more important to his government than the one with Indigenous peoples. However, leader, it is my understanding that Mr. Buffalo and other leaders have repeatedly asked for a meeting with Minister Freeland to discuss the carbon tax, but she won’t meet with them. Could you make inquiries and tell us if this is true, and, if so, why has Minister Freeland refused this meeting?
There is ongoing engagement between rights holders and the Government of Canada at many levels, and I’m delighted at the importance that you’re attaching to Indigenous issues. I gather that you are independent of the party in the other place who voted against so many measures to benefit Indigenous communities. I would like this chamber to be a little bit more sober and a little more free of double-talk.
