Natural Resources Canada
News Release
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TAKES ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN
RENEWING ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
OTTAWA (June 16, 1998) -- Today in Ottawa, the Government of Canada
and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples laid down the steps for continued
consultations on common priorities. The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Minister of Natural
Resources, the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development, and Mr. Harry Daniels, President of the Congress of Aboriginal
Peoples, signed a Political Accord, an action plan to renew the
partnership between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal people represented
by the Congress. The Political Accord supports the partnership theme of
Gathering Strength: Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, which was announced
by the Government of Canada on January 7, 1998.
"This Political Accord represents a commitment on behalf of the
Government of Canada to discuss with the Congress those initiatives stemming
from Gathering Strength that are of interest to the people represented
by that organization. It is an evolution of the federal government's
relationship with Aboriginal peoples living off-reserve and, I believe, is a
tangible demonstration of its commitment to building and strengthening its
partnership with Aboriginal peoples, including Métis, Inuit and First
Nations," said Minister Goodale.
"It is through this kind of cooperative approach among all parties
involved that we can build sustainable Aboriginal governments and institutions
together," noted Minister Stewart. "This Political Accord
provides us with a forum for dialogue on important issues and the opportunity to
move beyond dialogue to achieving practical solutions to the challenges we face."
Mr. Daniels stated, "The renewed Political Accord is
reaffirmation by these ministers that the Government of Canada is committed to
addressing issues affecting all Aboriginal people in Canada regardless of where
they live. This process demonstrates ministerial commitment to continue to work
in partnership to find feasible solutions to issues facing my constituents in
urban centres, rural and remote communities and in all regions."
In 1994, the Native Council of Canada (now the Congress of Aboriginal
Peoples), the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and
the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development signed a Political
Accord, which was an undertaking to consult with the Native Council of
Canada on commitments made in Creating Opportunity: The Liberal Plan for
Canada. In keeping with the cooperative approach established in 1994, the
parties have agreed to renew the consultation process on the basis of current
priorities.
For more information, please contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Office
of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
(613)
996-2007
or
Lynne Boyer
Media Relations
Department of Indian
Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-8404
or
Dwight Dorey
Congress
of Aboriginal Peoples
(613) 238-3511
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