Ottawa (May 14, 2008) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians in relation to Bill C-30, the Specific Claims Tribunal Act:
"I am very pleased that Bill C-30 has been passed by the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. Our government's joint work with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on this bill is a tremendous example of what can be achieved when government and First Nations work together.
I would like to thank my fellow Parliamentarians for their thoughtful consideration and constructive amendments to this groundbreaking bill. I am confident that the members of the Senate will give this historic bill the priority it deserves.
We are now one step closer to achieving a goal for which there have been calls for over sixty years – creation of an independent tribunal to adjudicate specific claims. The proposed tribunal will not only bring greater fairness to the claims process but also speed up the resolution of these longstanding grievances.
We look forward to building on this success and continuing these co-operative efforts on specific claims reform through the Liaison and Oversight Committee set up under the political agreement with the AFN.
The unfinished business of specific claims has plagued us as a nation for far too long. Our government is moving forward with concrete measures for Aboriginal peoples that will deliver real results to the benefit of all Canadians."
Backgrounder: The Proposed Specific Claims Tribunal Act
For further information please contact:
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
