OTTAWA, ONTARIO (April 7, 2013) – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada issued the following statement:
Contrary to statements reported in the media that have emerged about the department's intentions or actions regarding funding agreements with First Nations and First Nation institutions, it is important to be clear on three points:
- First Nations citizens and governments are free, like all Canadians, to assert their rights through the courts, including their right to challenge laws and government actions;
- Aboriginal and treaty rights are recognized and affirmed in Canada's Constitution; and
- First Nations citizens and governments, like all Canadians, are bound by laws adopted by the Parliament of Canada, unless a court is persuaded that a law infringes on a constitutionally protected right.
Nothing in the funding agreements, including recent administrative changes to them, can change these three realities. If any concerns persist, we encourage funding recipients to contact their regional office.
AANDC is committed to streamlining funding arrangements and reducing unneeded reporting by recipients, while maintaining its ability to account to Parliament and Canadians for the more than seven billion dollars with which we are entrusted annually. To ensure that First Nations have adequate time to seek clarification regarding any questions they may have about funding agreements, Minister Valcourt has instructed departmental officials to ensure that next year's funding agreements are delivered in a more timely manner.
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
