Ottawa, Ontario (May 12, 2014) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today issued the following statement in response to the publication of the report of UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:
“The report acknowledges that, while many challenges remain, the Government has taken many positive steps to improve the overall well-being and prosperity of Aboriginal people in Canada. We will review the report carefully. Since coming to office, our Government has secured passage for legislation:
- Ensuring women living on First Nation reserves have the same matrimonial rights as all Canadians, including access to emergency protection orders in violent situations (S-2, Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act);
- Providing First Nations communities with drinking water standards comparable to those off-reserve (S-8, Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act); and,
- Increasing the level of transparency required for First Nations in line with those of other levels of government in Canada (C-27, First Nations Financial Transparency Act)
We have also invested billions of new funding to improve housing on reserves. In particular, AANDC alone has spent $1.3 billion since 2006 for on-reserve-housing, which has created 11,364 new units and facilitated over 21,212 renovations. It has also improved schools and clean water on reserves.
We remain committed to achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Prime Minister Harper made a historic apology on behalf of all Canadians in 2008, and we have disclosed over 4 million documents to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well as extended the Commission's operating period until June 30, 2015.”
“Canada undoubtedly has in place numerous laws, policies and programmes- at both the federal and provincial levels- aimed at addressing indigenous peoples concerns. Many of these can be pointed to as good practices, at least in their conception, such as Canada’s policy of negotiating modern treaties with aboriginal peoples and addressing their historic claims.” (Page 6)
“…Canada has taken determined action to address ongoing aspects of the history of misdealing and harm inflicted on aboriginal peoples in the country, a necessary step towards helping to remedy their current disadvantage.” (Page 17)
“Canada’s relationship with the indigenous peoples within its borders is governed by a well-developed legal framework that in many respects is protective of indigenous peoples’ rights.” (Page 5)
For more information, please contact:
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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