APC welcomes UN Rapporteur’s recommendations; not holding breath on Conservative action

October 16, 2013

For Immediate Release

October 16, 2013

OTTAWA – The United Nations Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’, James Anaya concluded a nine-day cross-Canada tour by stating that “Canada faces a crisis when it comes to the situation of Indigenous peoples of the country”.

Anaya’s statement — which outlines his tour of Indigenous territories — included several key recommendations:

  • an extension of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s mandate “for as long as may be necessary for it to complete its work”;
  • the establishment of a national public inquiry into the “disturbing phenomenon” of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls;
  • ensure funding for Indigenous education is “at least equivalent to that available in the provincial educational systems”.

“The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission welcomes the recommendations from Mr. Anaya” says Cherish Clarke, national Co-Chair of the APC. “We’ll continue to advance these issues in parliament—our work with Liberal MP Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Senator Lillian Dyck on the issue of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, our work to bring awareness to the desperate situation of housing in our communities, our calls for a more equitable formula for education funding—the APC continues to work toward a more inclusive, respectful partnership, one where these issues and more are honoured and the original nation-to-nation relationship restored”.

“In order for the Government to move forward to address the concerns of Indigenous peoples in partnership with them, it is necessary to arrive at a common understanding of objectives and goals that are based on full respect for Indigenous peoples’ constitutional, treaty, and internationally recognized rights” concluded Anaya’s statement.

“The APC will await Mr. Anaya’s final report and will be watching today’s Speech from the Throne to see if any of the recommendations Mr. Anaya has put forth will be addressed by this government” continued Clarke. “Sadly, Conservatives will likely deliver more of the same paternalistic approaches to the critical issues affecting our people”.

The UN Special Rapporteur’s Canadian visit concluded on October 15th. View Mr. Anaya’s full statement here.

– 30 –

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

Kevin Seesequasis
Vice-President (Communications)
Contact Us