NDP government will begin new era of respect, action and bridging the gap

Time to finally respect our Nation-to-Nation relationship with Indigenous peoples

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair welcomed the Assembly of First Nations announcement of their priorities for the federal election and their call to close the gap between First Nations and Canada.

“I spoke with National Chief Bellegarde this morning and expressed our support for his efforts to close the gap. In the NDP, he has a partner who will work with Indigenous peoples to usher in a new Nation-to-Nation era,” said Mr. Mulcair. “We welcome the priorities from the AFN and look forward to getting to work immediately on closing the gap and taking action. This is a priority for the NDP, and for me personally.”

Mr. Mulcair has already committed to call an Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous women within the first 100 days of an NDP government and create a cabinet-level committee dedicated to making progress on Indigenous issues.

“The NDP has made it a priority to work with Indigenous peoples to improve lives and living conditions – not just at election time but all year around,” said Mr. Mulcair. “After decades of inaction in Ottawa, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have reached a tipping point. We must end the empty promises and begin a new era. Change is not only possible—it is necessary, we must not fail another generation.”

The NDP leader added he is proud to already have 22 Indigenous candidates running under its banner, with more to come. This is a record number for any party.