Statement by Aboriginal Affairs Critic Jean Crowder on the rejection of her motion

Today the Conservatives had an opportunity to show the people of NunatuKavut in Labrador that after 22 years, Ottawa was finally listening. Unfortunately, the Conservatives did not rise to this occasion.

On behalf of all New Democrats, I express grave disappointment with the rejection by the Conservatives of the NDP motion calling on the government to begin negotiations in good faith with the NunatuKavut Community Council on their comprehensive land claim. The motion also called on the government to start nation-to-nation dialogue with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples; and to prioritize treaty implementation, as well as the settlement and implementation of land claims.

Earlier this year Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a commitment to building a better relationship with Aboriginal peoples across this country. The Conservatives also supported an NDP motion calling on the government to commit to action on treaty implementation and full and meaningful consultation on legislation affecting Aboriginal rights. However, today, when it came time for the Conservatives to make a specific commitment, in this case to the people of NunatuKavut in Labrador, they refused to put words into action.

The NDP is committed to continuing to hold this government to account on its failure to respect Aboriginal peoples across this country.