Statement: Response to Conservative Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver

March 26, 2012

For Immediate Release

March 25, 2012

OTTAWA – The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada released the following statement today in response to Conservative Minister of Natural Resources, Joe Oliver:

Conservative Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver’s speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade last week where he characterized Aboriginal communities as ‘socially dysfunctional’ is a slap in the face to all Aboriginal people across Canada and fails to take into consideration the economic diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities across the country.

In a time when unemployment and education are at the forefront of political issues, the continued marginalization of Canada’s Indigenous population through such statements is completely counter-productive.

Statements such as his only serve to reinforce negative stereotypes and cause Aboriginal people across the country to legitimately question Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s sincerity when it comes to ‘strengthening the relationship’.

The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada is committed to fostering a relationship with Aboriginal people that is based on trust, understanding, constructive dialogue, and mutual respect. We join Liberal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development critic, Dr. Carolyn Bennett in her call for the Minister to retract his statement and apologize to all Canadians for his degrading, disrespectful, and completely irresponsible statement.”

– 30 –

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

Kevin Seesequasis
Vice-President (Communications)
Contact Us