Official Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair on the 250th Anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763

Today New Democrats mark an extraordinary milestone—not just for Canada’s Indigenous peoples, but for all Canadians.

It’s been 250 years since King George III signed the Royal Proclamation of 1763; 250 years since the Crown sought to define its relationship with the Indigenous peoples of this land—and to shape North America in the process.

Even today, the proclamation is still helping to recognize aboriginal rights, including the right to self-determination. Even today, we must be guided by its recognition of title and the authority of treaties. It’s no wonder the commitments of the Royal Proclamation are enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

New Democrats are determined to uphold the spirit of “honourable dealing,” which the proclamation laid out 250 years ago. That’s why, this summer, our party travelled to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the country to talk about how we can build a real nation-to-nation relationship. And that’s why we’re committed to doing what previous governments have failed to do for so long—to listen and to work together as partners.

New Democrats firmly believe that, together, we can correct the historical injustices. And together, we can give hope and opportunity to future generations of Indigenous peoples and to all Canadians.