What responsibility does the federal government have according to s. 91(24) of the Constitution, 1867?

The federal government has a specific responsibility outlined in section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867, which pertains to "Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians." This provision grants the federal government authority over matters concerning First Nations peoples and the management of their reserve lands. It establishes a distinct federal role in the governance, legal status, and rights of Indigenous peoples, recognizing that these matters are of national significance and require uniform legislation and policy across the country.

This section is pivotal in defining the legal framework for the relationship between the federal government and Indigenous communities. It underscores the idea of federal accountability in preserving the rights and addressing the needs of Indigenous peoples, thereby establishing underlying principles for treaties and the provision of services and governance structures specific to these communities.

The other options relate to responsibilities that are either shared or fall under provincial jurisdiction. For instance, education is predominantly a provincial responsibility, health care services are managed at both provincial and federal levels, and immigration policies primarily lie within federal jurisdiction but do not relate specifically to Indigenous matters as indicated in section 91(24). Thus, the unique and focused role of the federal government regarding Indigenous issues makes the selected answer accurate.