Hon. Tracy Muggli: Senator Moreau, last fall, I met with a delegation from the Cowessess First Nation led by Chief Erica Beaudin. They were in Ottawa to discuss a settlement to their claim. For context, they assert that in 1907 the Crown illegally disposed of land reserved for the Cowessess without their consent. Six years ago, in early 2020, the government agreed to negotiate a settlement. I understand that a government negotiator and the First Nation came to an agreement on a verbal offer in 2023. Yet today, in 2026, it has yet to be formalized. So what is happening?

Senator Moreau, what shall I tell Chief Beaudin and other Cowessess First Nation members the next time I see them? How much longer should these folks wait before this informal agreement is formalized and their claim is resolved?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Muggli, I’m not sure if my understanding is correct. Are we talking about the students of the former Île‑à‑la‑Crosse school and a settlement? No? Unfortunately, I don’t have the specific answer to your question, but I know you have inquired about this lately. I will raise the issue with the minister as soon as I can, and I will get back to you with information on that subject because I think that there has been a mix-up between what you asked for and what we received at the office.

Senator Muggli: Thank you. I appreciate that.

I am also wondering if it would be possible to get a detailed explanation from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. This is the fourth Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations since these negotiations started. If you could, please also inquire with the Minister of Finance and the President of the Treasury Board of Canada on where exactly things stand with respect to resolving this claim. More broadly, what is the government’s path forward for all other First Nations in Saskatchewan that are also dealing with significant delays in resolving their claims?

Senator Moreau: As I mentioned, I will raise the question with the minister and get back to you because I know other issues concerning Indigenous situations in Saskatchewan have been resolved and we have a court settlement that will take place soon, so I want to provide you with the correct information. I will get back to you as soon as I can.