Question Period Note: Permanent Bilateral Mechanisms

Our Government is committed to working together with Indigenous partners to build a renewed Nation to Nation, Inuit-to-Crown and government to government relationship.
The permanent bilateral mechanisms that we have established with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation leadership provide a forum to co-develop policy on shared priorities, and ensure joint accountability for the results.
We are making progress on shared priorities as we continue our shared journey towards reconciliation, reducing socio-economic gaps and advancing self-determination.

Three processes are well underway:
• The Assembly of First Nations is working closely with government to ensure the socio-economic gap closes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Other shared priorities include First Nations languages, implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, a new fiscal relationship, policing and community safety and joint work to decolonize and align federal laws and policies with the United Nations Declaration and inherent and Treaty rights.
• The Métis Nation Accord identifies the following policy priority areas: early learning and child care, child and family services, new fiscal relationship, health and wellness, veterans, education, economic development and the environment.
• Federal Ministers and national and regional Inuit leaders are working to advance shared priorities that include: Land Claims Agreement implementation, Inuit Nunangat policy (including fiscal policy), reconciliation measures, health and wellness, housing, education, early learning and training, Inuktitut revitalization, maintenance and promotion; and environment and climate change.
Distinctions-based approaches require flexibility and understanding given the fact that each of the groups has a different approach and, overall, a fundamentally different relationship with Canada. This approach is critical to the success of the permanent bilateral mechanisms because of the significant culture change needed to support co-development, as well as focus on the long-term objectives of reconciliation and partnership.

First Nations-Crown Relationship

Our Government is committed to working with First Nations partners.
Progress has been made in furthering this important relationship, including the signing of the Understanding on Joint Priorities between the Assembly of First Nations and Canada in June 2017.
Key investments in Budgets 2018 and 2019 continue to advance positive change in important areas, including: reform to child and family services, the preservation and protection of Indigenous languages, and a new fiscal relationship.

Inuit-Crown Relationship

Our Government is committed to working with Inuit partners.
In February 2017, the Inuit-Nunangat Declaration was signed by Canada and Inuit leaders to create the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee.
The Declaration and key Budget investments in 2018 and 2019 demonstrate a shared commitment to a renewed relationship, and support positive outcomes in areas such as the elimination of tuberculosis, addressing housing issues, and the development of an Inuit early learning and childcare framework.

Métis-Crown Relationship

Our Government is committed to working with Métis Nation partners.
The signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in April 2017 affirmed a renewed relationship based on respect, partnership, transparency and recognition of rights.
The historic Métis Nation investments in Budgets 2018 and 2019 were the culmination of work by both parties to ensure concrete outcomes on shared priorities such as: housing, homelessness, Métis veterans and early learning and child care.