1. 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

2. 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.”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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