Inuit want winning conditions for Canada in Arctic
Having recently been elected into the position of national Inuit leader, I look forward to working with the Prime Minister, MPs, Senators, members of the public service and the national media. This is a critical time for the Canadian Arctic. There is an increasing focus on our largest region of Canada domestically and there is […]
Time for a nation-building investment in people, jobs, and the economy
IQALUIT—Canada’s latest resource boom offers more than the prospect of economic growth in uncertain times. It heralds a new phase of nation-building that may finally close the gap between southern Canada and its northernmost communities. Nunavut’s vast potential in minerals, oil and gas is well known. To build a world-class resource economy in Nunavut, though, […]
In search of a Métis policy
In the fall of 2008, the Métis National Council (MNC) and the Government of Canada signed the Métis Nation Protocol, establishing a process toward improving the quality of life of Métis people. The protocol is the most recent effort to provide some clarity to a relationship between the Métis people and Canada long characterized by […]
It’s their land too, First Nations entitled to formal government-to-government conversation
PARLIAMENT HILL—Chief Dean Sayers of the Batchewana First Nation said last week, aboriginal people in Canada are asking for “their legal right to a fair share of the bounty of Canada.” They must have control over their land and the natural resources on it, running through it and under it. Only then will they be […]
NDP wants real partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
PARLIAMENT HILL—New Democrats believe that our relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada needs to be based on a partnership, the same one that built our country. We will establish this new partnership by forging a new relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, fostering economic opportunity and lasting prosperity, ending […]
We’re working on real reconciliation, lasting results for aboriginal Canadians
At the historic Crown-First Nations gathering in January our government affirmed its commitment to building a future in which First Nations people are full participants in Canada’s economic and social prosperity. We are focused on working with First Nations to create the conditions for more self-sufficient, prosperous and healthier First Nations communities across the country. […]
Canada’s at a crossroads, it needs to do the right thing
OTTAWA—Canada is at a crossroads. After decades of neglect, First Nations are poised to become pivotal players. The path we take in reconciling this reality will shape the political, cultural and literal landscape of this country for generations. In addition to clear legal and moral imperatives, there are also twin catalysts for this moment of […]
Feds face multiple policy challenges in closing gap in quality of life between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians
Federal investments in aboriginal health, education and economic development will fail to close the gap in living standards between aboriginal Canadians and the rest of the country without a defined strategy by the Prime Minister, say opposition critics. Although aboriginal Canadians account for one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian population, First Nations, […]
Feds’ ‘streamlining’ of environmental reviews could force constitutional showdown between Crown and aboriginal groups
The federal government is investing $13.6-million over the next two years to “enhance” aboriginal consultation for major industrial projects, but Bill C-38’s overhaul of the environmental review process may violate the Crown’s duty to consult aboriginal groups. The Tories have been promoting the investment in aboriginal consultation as part of “responsible resource development.” Bill C-38, […]
Feds’ efforts to improve water quality on reserves may not adequately address First Nations’ need: Senate report
The federal government’s move to improve water quality on reserves may not “adequately address” First Nations’ needs, says a Senate Aboriginal People’s Committee report. “While investments and efforts over time have resulted in improvements to water conditions in First Nation communities, much more remains to be done,” states the committee’s report on Bill S-8, Safety […]
