APC welcomes final report of United Nations Special Rapporteur

May 24, 2014

For Immediate Release

May 24, 2014

OTTAWA – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples visited Canada from 7 to 15 October 2013 and met with government officials at the federal and provincial levels as well as indigenous individuals, nations, and organizations from across the country.

“We welcome the final report from Mr. Anaya and have had the opportunity to fully review his recommendations” says Jesse McCormick, the APC Vice-President (Policy). “The APC strongly endorses the recommendation in the report which states ‘new laws, policies and programmes that affect indigenous peoples should be developed in consultation and true partnership with them. The federal and provincial/territorial governments should not push forward with laws, policies or programmes where significant opposition by indigenous governments and leadership still exists’.”

Mr. Anaya’s report also highlights the ongoing human rights concerns of indigenous peoples in Canada and he has offered strong recommendations to Canada to overcome what he has described as a “continuing crisis when it comes to the situation of indigenous peoples of the country.” Some of his recommendations include:

  • a comprehensive, nation-wide inquiry into the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal woman and girls, organized in consultation with indigenous peoples;
  • urgent action to address the housing crisis in indigenous communities both on and off reserve;
  • resource extraction should not occur on lands subject to aboriginal claims without adequate consultations with and the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned; and,
  • active measures to develop a procedure for addressing outstanding Métis land claims, to avoid having to litigate cases individually, and enter into negotiations with Métis representatives to reach agreements towards this end.

The Special Rapporteur also noted concerns relating to the overrepresentation of indigenous peoples in the justice system, the barriers to self-government contained in the Indian Act and a lack of effective participation of indigenous peoples in the design of legislation that affects them.

“The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission commends the UN Special Rapporteur for his diligent examination of the human rights concerns of indigenous peoples in Canada” concluded McCormick. “We call on all Canadians to renew and strengthen efforts to achieve reconciliation and respect for indigenous and treaty rights.”

– 30 –

To view the UN Special Rapporteur’s final report, click here.

View Carolyn Bennett’s Huffington Post blog on the UN Special Rapporteur’s report.

For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, please contact us.