OTTAWA , June 21, 2005 – The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today issued this statement:

"Today, Canadians across the country will celebrate the cultural richness and historical contributions that Aboriginal peoples – First Nation, Metis, and Inuit -- have brought to Canadian society.  I am personally proud to take part in this celebration, and to join with the Prime Minister and my cabinet colleagues to express our appreciation for the guidance and inspiration that Aboriginal peoples and groups provide to Canadians as we go about our daily lives.

When I was asked by the Prime Minister to take on the role of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, his expectation of me and my colleagues was clear: we must each do everything possible within our portfolios to ensure that the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples in Canada improves. This is a legacy issue: reaching this goal will require personal and professional commitments at all levels.  It will also require a principled approach, that we anchor our policies in fundamental principles.  The seven "R" principles that I am committed to following are:

Recognition – of the historical place of Aboriginal peoples in our society,
Respect – for the distinct constitutional status of Aboriginal peoples,
Redress – for historical wrongs, as exemplified by the recently concluded historical agreement on the residential school tragedy, 
Responsiveness – with regard to our duty to consult Aboriginal groups,
Representation – to combat the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system as offenders and victims, while addressing the under-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system,
Reconciliation – as the underlying dynamic of process and outcome,
Renewal – a healthier,healing relationship as the product of the previous six Rs.

These principles already underpin our work at the Department of Justice where Aboriginal peoples are concerned. But there is still much more to be done.

Today, as we continue toward our goal, it is my hope that a continued spirit of collaboration combined with this principled approach will lead to this renewed relationship where all Aboriginal peoples enjoy healthy, vibrant communities, while participating fully in Canadian society."

-30-

Ref.:

Denise Rudnicki

Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
(613) 957-4207