Vancouver, British Columbia (June 17, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement:
“We understand that due to protests at the polling stations, the Sliammon First Nation has postponed the June 16th vote on the ratification of the treaty.
It is disappointing that the vote was disrupted due to these actions. Our government believes that a person's right to vote should not be denied and we hope that community members use the democratic process to express their agreement or disagreement with the proposed treaty.
The Sliammon Ratification Committee is responsible for setting out the voting procedures and dates and they will decide on next steps. We are confident that the people of Sliammon will be able to cast their vote on this important matter in the near future.
Canada remains committed to achieving results through the BC treaty process. We believe that the modern treaty that has been negotiated with the Sliammon First Nation reconciles Aboriginal and Crown interests and balances the rights and interests of the community and all Canadians.”
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
