NDP recognizes the important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

New Democrats thank and honour the tremendous work of the TRC and each and every individual who gave witness to the effects of a very dark period in Canadian history. The release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission must mark the start of a new nation-to-nation relationship between Canada’s federal government and Indigenous Peoples.

“What we’re hearing from Justice Murray Sinclair is a call to action” said NDP Indigenous Affairs critic Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay). “It’s not just in the past that we had policies that destroyed the potential of so many indigenous children. There are similar policies in place today in terms of education, child welfare and justice. This is a powerful document at a watershed moment in Canadian history and we need to act on it.”

New Democrats are pleased that the Liberal government has committed to implementing all of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We are extending a hand and we commit to working with the government in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in a good way.

“Residential Schools have left a legacy of abuse – a Canadian tragedy that has spanned many generations,” said NDP critic for intergovernmental Aboriginal affairs Romeo Saganash (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou). “A vital first step is to adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and all of us must begin taking immediate action in areas like education, child welfare and health services so that the we remedy past mistakes made by the Government of Canada. I invite all Canadians to read the Report and then join together to create a better future based on our agreements to share this land.”