Renewing the Relationship Between Canada and Indigenous Peoples Garry Best, Director, Lands Administration and Additions to Reserve National Surveyor’s Conference Shaw Centre , Ottawa March 2, 2017

Minister’s Mandate Letter "No relationship is more important to me and to Canada than the one with Indigenous Peoples. It is time for a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.” “I expect you to re-engage in a renewed nation-to-nation process with Indigenous Peoples to make real progress on the issues most important to First Nations, the Métis Nation, and Inuit communities – issues like housing, employment, health and mental health care, community safety and policing, child welfare, and education.”

Budget 2016 – Indigenous and Northern Investments Education Infrastructure Health Environment Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Social Development Employment and Economic Development Housing Culture and Language

Broader Challenges Challenge Effect Lack of environmental compliance and enforcement tools Compromised environmental protection Indian Act land administration system and processes needs improvement Untimely completion of land transactions for a majority of First Nations A regulatory framework for the Indian Land Registry does not yet exist Registration uncertainty, increased federal liability and fewer land transactions Clearing third party interests, adjustments to road boundaries, surveys and consultation are complex and lengthy Lack of certainty for stakeholders; slows the addition to reserve process Waste regulations are antiquated and not adequately enforced, and waste management practices on-reserve are often deficient Elevated threats to the health and safety of residents, in addition to delayed community and a economic development Insufficient training, funding and expertise at community level to manage and operate landfills and related infrastructure Waste is improperly managed and infrastructure falls into disrepair leading to health and safety concerns Limited ability to coordinate with departmental prevention programs to avoid environmental contamination Elevated risk contamination and recontamination

Advancing the Reconciliation Agenda: Lands and Environment Additions to Reserve Indian Lands Registry Land Use Planning RLEMP Transformation First Nation Land Management Matrimonial Real Property Waste Management

The Importance of Surveys Community and economic development Meeting legal and treaty obligations Advancing greater autonomy and control of lands Leverage equity in lands Environmental protection Maintaining societal harmony Create boundaries Defining rights Providing security of title