Question Period Note: Additions to Reserve and Specific Claims

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• The history of Canada is built on the legacy of colonization, the displacement of Indigenous Peoples from their homelands, and the dispossession of their lands which they hold sacred.
• Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples started with land, our relationship was broken because of land, and it can only heal by placing land back at the center of reconciliation.
• Land is also an important contributor to building the Indigenous economy. Settling land claims, adding First Nations lands to reserves, and advancing Modern Treaties and devolution over land and resource management – this are important levers to economic prosperity.

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• The relationship Canada has with Indigenous Peoples started with land. Unfortunately, the trust has been broken because of land appropriation.
• It’s time to give land back. The Government is primed to advance negotiations, with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, to address historic issues but also modernization of land and resources management in support of self-determination.
• The Government remains steadfast in supporting First Nation communities in adding to their land base to enable new housing, reduce infrastructure gaps, and contribute to their economic prosperity.
• That is why, over the past decade, 530 Additions to Reserve (ATRs) have been completed, adding over 399,452 acres of land to reserve. Last fiscal year, 67 ATRs were approved adding nearly 132,149 acres of land to reserve.
• A comprehensive engagement with First Nations has taken place to identify ways in which we can accelerate the approval of ATRs. The Government will be considering further reforms in response to this engagement.
• Over the last 10 years, 336 specific claims have been resolved, for more than $17.9 billion in compensation. These settlement agreements include commitments to add up to 681,165 acres of land to reserves throughout the country.
• Last fiscal year alone, 69 claims were resolved for $7 billion in compensation, with commitments to add up to 63,575 acres of land to reserves.
• We acknowledge Canada’s failure in respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights and that trust was broken. We look forward to making further progress, restoring trust, and strengthening relationships.