Ref. #2-3733
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 12, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:
"Two years have passed since Canada endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Since then, Canada has taken significant steps in further building and strengthening our relationship with Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Progress also continues to take place on delivering tangible and lasting results to ensure Aboriginal Peoples are well-positioned to fully participate in a strong Canadian economy.
In Economic Action Plan 2012, Canada announced significant investments to address First Nation education, by providing early literacy programming and other supports, as well as funding to build and renovate schools on reserve, and investments to build and renovate water infrastructure on reserve and to support the development to of a long-term strategy to improve water quality in First Nation communities. Economic Action Plan 2012 also aims to reduce family violence and create a more secure family environment for children on-reserve by providing abuse prevention and protection services for children and their families. As well, the Harper Government renewed its Urban Aboriginal Strategy and its goal of improving economic opportunities for Aboriginal people living in urban centres to support urban and off-reserve Aboriginal people to become full participants in the Canadian economy.
This is in addition to the investments and efforts of 33 other federal Government departments and agencies that provide programs and services for Aboriginal Peoples.
As well, Parliament is considering six pieces of legislation that protect the rights of Aboriginal Peoples and help to ensure their safety and self-sufficiency. These include the First Nations Financial Transparency Act, the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act, the First Nations Elections Act, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, the Jobs and Growth Act, and the Northern Jobs and Growth Act, introduced November 6, 2012, which will lead to jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in Canada's North.
The Northern Jobs and Growth Act fulfills obligations flowing from land claims, and proposes mechanisms to improve regulatory processes, encourage investment, and allow resources to be developed in a sustainable manner.
Steps such as these are strengthening and supporting opportunities for a better future for Canada's First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Our Government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with Aboriginal peoples on key and shared priorities to improve their quality of life and long term economic prosperity."
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
