Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich—Gulf Islands:
Mr. Speaker, I do not think there is a member in this place who does not suffer for the long-standing unresolved issues for Kashechewan. That community has suffered too long. Their students came here to Ottawa this week to plead for a new school.
My question would be to the Prime Minister. However, our Minister of Indigenous Services, who I must say is hard-working and compassionate, said to that community, “if your community wants to be moved, I will do everything in my power to make it possible.” Will the Prime Minister make it so?
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister:
Mr. Speaker, we continue to collaborate with the Kashechewan first nation on their priorities. In March 2017, we signed a framework agreement with the Government of Ontario and Kashechewan First Nation to support the health and safety of the community. This work is ongoing and includes an action plan that reflects the community’s culture, priorities and options for relocation.
A site feasibility study is currently underway. We will continue to work closely with the community on the next steps in this process.