News Release-Harper’s actions for native Canadians

PRIME MINISTER HARPER OUTLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S ACHIEVEMENTS FOR ABORIGINAL CANADIANS

November 2, 2007
Halifax

In an address to the annual general assembly of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the Government’s actions for Canadians of native ancestry. The Prime Minister noted that Canada’s rapidly growing Aboriginal population increasingly lives off-reserve in urban communities.

“The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, in many ways, represents the future of our country,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Your membership constitutes the fastest growing segment of Canadian society. The ‘Forgotten People,’ as you call your members, cannot be forgotten or ignored any longer. On the contrary, I believe you will play a pivotal role in the prosperous future that beckons for all Canadians.”

Prime Minister Harper also discussed the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Government to create equality of opportunity and improve the lives of on-reserve and off-reserve Aboriginals. These include:

Implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Agreement.

Legislation to repeal section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act to ensure Aboriginal people on-reserve have the same human rights protections as other Canadians.

Extensive national consultations to establish matrimonial real property laws on-reserve to protect the rights of Aboriginal women.

A plan to expedite the Specific Claims resolution process, including the creation of a new independent tribunal.

A plan to improve drinking water quality standards and training on-reserve.

A $105-million investment in the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership.

A strengthened focus on the Urban Aboriginal Strategy.

Providing $300 million for Aboriginal off-reserve housing.“Our Government, in conjunction with able organizations like yours, is working very hard with aboriginal communities on- and off-reserve to address the problems that need to be fixed. In our first 21 months, I think you’ll agree we’ve made a very good start,” said the Prime Minister.

One of the country’s five recognized national Aboriginal organizations, CAP is a regular contributor at federal parliamentary hearings into Aboriginal issues. Founded in 1971, CAP is currently led by National Chief Patrick Brazeau.