Document Information

Date: 1981-11-19
By: Alberta (Legislative Assembly)
Citation: Alberta, Legislative Assembly, Alberta Hansard, 19th Leg, 3rd Sess, 1981 at 1717-1718.
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1717

ORAL QUESTION PERIOD

Constitution — Aboriginal Rights

MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. It is with regard to the process the Alberta government will use in dealing with aboriginal and treaty rights of the Indian, Inuit, and Metis people. Could the Premier indicate at this time what steps are going to be put in place so full consultation and discussion can take place between now and the proposed constitutional conference next year with regard to this matter?

MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, we’re in the process of having some discussions with representatives of the Metis Association of Alberta and, tomorrow, with the Metis Settlements. We would welcome discussions with other native groups. The process is to attempt to consider the provisions discussed within a newly revised Canadian constitution, to clarify and understand the nature of the requests and, at the same time, to identify what’s involved pursuant to the answers I’ve previously given in this Legislature.

Perhaps while I’m on my feet, for filing with the legislative office and hence for the availability of the members of the Legislature, I could table two copies of the notice of motion given by the Minister of Justice yesterday in the federal House of Commons with regard to this revised constitution.

MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a supplementary question to the Premier with regard to financial support for the discussions and representations, specifically by the Metis people, because they are the responsibility of the province. Has any consideration been given toward financial assistance in that area to assure that full discussion goes on and that a financial barrier doesn’t prevent those discussions? Is the government considering some financial help?

MR. LOUGHEED: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Previously, on Monday of this week, we gave that financial undertaking. We may not be able to come to an understanding, although I’m encouraged by the nature of the discussions. We have made it absolutely clear that the discussions should not in any way be subject to any financial limitations the Metis Association of Alberta may have. As the hon. Leader of the Opposition quite correctly put it, under our constitution, the basic responsibility for treaty Indians lies with the federal government. But with regard to the Metis people within this province, there’s a clear responsibility on the government of Alberta.

1718

MR. R. SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, a final supplementary question in this area with regard to the Alberta government’s position on aboriginal rights. Will the government be putting together an in-house type of task force? What will the structure of the body be that will try to define aboriginal rights from a provincial point of view?

MR. LOUGHEED: Mr. Speaker, at this stage, there has been a task force involving the Attorney General and representatives from his department, the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, the caucus committee chairman, the MLA from Edmonton Mill Woods, and solicitors from the Department of the Attorney General. That has formed the task force that has been working during the course of this week. I may be able to expand upon that further, depending upon developments, during the course of the question period tomorrow.