Minister Prentice Announces Consultations Process for Aboriginal Women

News Release

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (June, 20, 2006) -The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced nation-wide consultations on the issue of matrimonial real property for
Fall 2006.
"This is the first of a series of measures to protect the rights and to ensure the well-being of women, children and families living on-reserve," said Minister Prentice.
To assist in the consultations process, Minister Prentice has appointed Wendy Grant-John as his Ministerial Representative. She will work with the Native Women's Association of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations in developing a plan for consultations and help facilitate the process while ensuring all interested parties are heard. She will then present recommendations for action, including possible legislative solutions.
"Currently, First Nations women and children living on-reserve do not enjoy the same level of protection as other Canadians. This has been a long-standing human rights issue, and it is time we address it," said Minister Prentice.
Minister Prentice said that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada will also be working with a wide range of stakeholders to strengthen violence prevention programming for women, children and families. By early Fall, the Department hopes to bring forward options to improve these programs and ultimately reduce family violence. "The Government shares the concerns of all Canadians regarding all forms of discrimination and violence against Aboriginal women and is committed to providing support where needed," the Minister added.
Information on the consultation sessions will become available over the summer. Please visit the on-reserve matrimonial real property site on INAC's website for up-to-date information.
Biographical notes on the Ministerial Representative and Backgrounders on Matrimonial Real Property and Family and Violence are attached.
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
Backgrounder - Family Violence Prevention Program
Backgrounder - Matrimonial Real Property
Biographical Notes - Wendy Grant-John

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Minister Prentice Announces Consultations Process for Aboriginal Women

News Release

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