Lubicon Lake First Nation (November 29, 2011)
Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is all about words and promises, but inaction remains its trademark.
A 2010 Amnesty International report states that the Lubicon nation in northern Alberta have “disproportionate numbers of miscarriages, stillbirths and other maternal concerns” as well as high rates of suicide.
To the Minister of Intergovernmental, Interna-tional and Aboriginal Relations: given these grave health problems, which include residents suffering from industrial pollution, when will the minister stand up for aboriginal rights and carry out a health investigation?
Mr. Dallas: Thank you for the question, hon. member. Mr. Speaker, the declaration that the member refers to is actually a declaration amongst countries around the world. Canada is a signatory to that. It’s not an issue for Alberta.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First Nation, second-class citizen, Third World treatment. How can you affirm working in collaboration with First Nation communities when the Lubicon Lake nation still do not having running water and sewage facilities in 2011?
Mr. Dallas: Mr. Speaker, the Lubicon people are very important to Albertans. They have some very significant challenges, that we all work together as Albertans, as Canadians to address. The Lubicon people have had negotiations over a long period of time with our federal counterparts, and those continue today.
Mr. Chase: Mr. Speaker, it’s unfortunate that the ping-pong game with the Lubicon ball continues.
Given that in July 2011 an oil spill caused irreparable damage to the Lubicon nation’s territory, how can this provincial government justify its failure to help the Lubicon rehabilitate their affected Alberta land?
Mr. Dallas: Well, Mr. Speaker, I suppose I could defer to one of my colleagues that could comment on the remediation work that’s been done there, but I understand that that work has been completed and satisfactorily.
Alberta Hansard, November 29, 2011