First Peoples National Party of Canada

AFN Questions

Written by admin
Friday, 20 January 2006
First Peoples National Party Of Canada 74 Panoramic Dr. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5V6 January 6, 2006 Phil Fontaine National Chief Assembly of First Nations 473 Albert Street Ottawa, ON K1R 5B4 Dear National Chief: We are happy to have been provided the opportunity to respond to your letter to all Party Leaders. The First Peoples’ National Party of Canada (FPNPC) was recently certified by elections Canada. It is important to note that even though we have only recently been certified we have fielded five candidates in various regions in Canada. The following are the questions followed by the FPNPC’s response. 1. Does your party support the principles and objectives of the First Nations-Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations Governments that was signed on May 31st, 2005? Specifically, does your party agree to: – Implement the work plan that has been developed by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations, including: – Ensuring adequate financial and human resources and accountability mechanisms necessary to sustain the involvement of the Assembly of First Nations and its regional organizations in policy development. – Developing processes and legislation that will enable the development of First Nation governments. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that a transformative integrated, coherent socio-economic initiative will energize Canadians, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and utilize the wealth of this country’s resources towards the defeat of poverty and democratic renewal that has at its foundation equality, accountability and quality of life. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that self-determination embodies the right for all peoples to determine their own economic, social and cultural development. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that First Nations peoples in Canada have made significant contributions to Canada, there is simply no ignoring this fact. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the move of Treaty protection and implementation. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that Treaties are covenants that committed the federal crown to a shared relationship that would last “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow.” Recognition and implementation of Aboriginal Rights for those first nations who may not have negotiated treaties to date is equally important. Development of processes and legislation to recognize and implement treaty and aboriginal rights would be a priority for the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA. To implement any work to this end would require appropriate and adequate resources. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA would ensure sufficient resources are made available to undertake this important initiative. 2. Does your party support the goals and commitments made by the First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders at the November First Ministers Meeting? Specifically, does your party: - Support the 10-year dedicated effort to closing the gap in the quality of life that now exists between First Nation peoples and other Canadians, including holding another meeting between First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders in the next two to three years to measure progress towards closing the gap? - Support the commitments made in the First Nations Implementation Plan, including specific actions in the areas of health, education, housing and economic opportunities? - Support the First Nations portion of the $5.1 billion dollar financial commitments made by the Government of Canada, including the specific commitments made in the areas of education, children, health, housing and infrastructure, economic opportunities, and relationships and accountability? The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA commends National Chief Phil Fontaine for his vision and commitment to improving the lives of First Nation peoples in Canada. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the commitments and agreements achieved at the First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders meeting in November. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes the importance of the 10-year plan and fully supports the lofty goal of improving the quality of life. It supports a two-year benchmarking process to determine progress. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the First Nations Implementation Plan that includes movement in areas of education, housing, economic opportunities and the $5.1 billion commitment for education, children, health, housing, infrastructure, economic opportunities, relationships and accountability. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes in a transformative, integrated and coherent socio-economic initiative that will energize First Nation peoples to utilize this country’s resources towards the defeat of poverty and the rebuilding of First Nations that has at their foundation equality and quality of life. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that its Reconciliation and Development Initiative (RDI) provides for consultation and joint legislative formulation. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA must continue this process of consultation and accountability. This will ensure that the $5.1 billion commitments are honoured. This inclusive approach for developing and implementing legislation will be unique to Canada and will be the face of transformative change. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA is unique both as a political party and movement. Given its understanding of the traditional teachings, the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA is the only political movement that is capable of bringing together different social movements, peoples and beliefs into one movement. Proportional parliamentary representation and/or Indigenous House of Commons will allow the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA to advocate for implementation of these commitments. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that there are serious inequalities in education, health, welfare, transport and employment caused by economic inequalities and inefficiency. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA is committed to addressing inadequate economic and labour policies. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA is committed to working with commerce and industry to further economic growth and prosperity of all Canadians. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA remains committed to capacity building and the development of skilled labour. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA remains committed to ensuring that our labour force is equipped for the rapid changes taking root in the world economy. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA remains committed to assisting small business in employment creation, expansion, training that will enable them to continue to fuel the national economy. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA will commit to lobbying and advocating commerce and industry to invest in research, development and training. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that if Canada remains committed to enabling the status quo, every segment of our society - economic, social, political, moral, cultural, and environmental – will be confronted by serious problems. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA is sensitive to the possibility that there will not be a single segment or citizen of Canadian society that will be unscathed by the ravages of under-development and poverty. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA points to entire regions of Canada that are now suffering because of inadequate economic and development policies and poverty. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that the issue of poverty must be addressed in a concerted manner. Every effort must be made to eradicate poverty and the violence that follows from its. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA sees the threat to world peace and security as stemming not from terrorist acts but from poverty and quality of life. If we do nothing poverty and/or violence will continue to haunt millions of people. Millions of Canadians have struggled against poverty and have sought to restore peace and create a just society. There are those First Nation, Métis, Inuit and Canadian peoples who have devoted their lives to the cause of a more humane Canada. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA remains committed to a just society and the eradication of poverty. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that the challenges facing Canada in the 21st century are enormous. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA remains certain that only a comprehensive approach to harnessing the resources of our country can we achieve a just, prosperous and secure society. The life experience, skills, energies and aspirations of our people will lay the basis for a new Canada. The first decisive step in this direction will be parliamentary reform that could include the following in varying degrees: • Proportional representation in the House of Commons • Fully autonomous and self-governing First Nation governments. (Similar autonomous regions or special territories exist throughout the world, consider: Trentino-Alto Adage and Valle d’Aosta in Italy, New Caledonia with France, Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, and Greenland in Denmark) • Will lay the basis for effective development and restoration of peace. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that securing election victory is a first step. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA further recognizes that no political democracy can survive and flourish if people remain in abject poverty, without tangible prospects for a better life. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA will remain committed to attacking poverty and deprivation, this should be of fundamental importance and a first priority of government. 3. If elected, is your party committed to the Settlement Package for Residential School survivors that was agreed to by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations on November 21, 2005? The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the$1.9 billion settlement package. It sees the settlement package as the beginning of the full and just compensation of residential school survivors. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that closure must take place for all those affected and impacted by this sad and sorry moment in Canadian history. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the move towards healing and reconciliation. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recommends that traditional healing and reconciliation ceremonies of healing and talking circles be supported where desired. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA understands that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a means to achieve an end. The Truth Commissions in both South Africa and Chile were honourable in intent but failed to achieve its objectives. Therefore the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA cautiously lends it support to the following: • A five-year endowment of $125,000,000 has been created for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation for the benefit of survivors as well as any surplus, which may exist after the lump sum payment is made; • A Truth and Reconciliation Commission for $60,000,000 has been created which, will emphasize education of the Canadian public through both community and national events and healing and reconciliation at the community level; • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will establish a national archive and research center; • A fund of $20,000,000 for commemoration projects and activities has been added. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the extension of the statutes of limitations in provinces that haven’t already done so. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports several of the critical elements of the Settlement Package negotiated by National Chief Phil Fontaine and representatives of the Assembly of First Nations. a) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that many of the Residential School survivors are elderly and sick. National Chief Fontaine should be commended for emphasizing the seriousness of this situation. Having stated this, the First Peoples National Party supports the early payment of $8000 for Elderly survivors 65 years and older. b) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that loss of language and culture has had a devastating impact upon First Nations citizens. At stake is the future of not only the language but also the traditional knowledge within the language. Language and culture provide the unique First Nation worldview and way of thinking and connection to our past, to Mother Earth and our future. Therefore, the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the establishment of a $1,900,000,000 fund that would allow for lump sum payments of “$10,000 plus $3000” for all survivors for loss of language and culture and loss of family life. c) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the protection from legal fees on the lump sum has been added and that the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that the legal profession has benefited as well from this settlement and is in full support of the objective to provide survivors with a 15% payment to assist with legal costs. d) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the objective that interest earned on approximately $80,000,000 can further benefit survivors and that administration and allocation of this fund be in First Nations and survivors control. e) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that healthy individuals mean healthy families, which in turn means healthy nations. Therefore, the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the establishment of a fund to assist survivors seeking wellness and that this fund not be limited to $3000. How does one place a cost on healing? f) The First Peoples Party of Canada recognizes that there are survivors who experienced severe physical, sexual and psychological abuse and many still suffer from the effects of post-trauma. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the creation of a significantly enhanced, ($800,000,000) compensation package for these individual survivors. g) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that all the church institutions that were involved in the administration and control of residential schools must accept responsibility for the injustice committed against young children. The financial effect on the Catholic church may never be known and determined because each diocese owns property separately. Insurance policies cover some costs, but policies differ from diocese to diocese. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the agreement between Canada and the Catholic entities, which results in survivors receiving 100%. h) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the expansion of categories for perpetrators and the expansion of categories of harms and injuries. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA references that John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which commissioned by the bishops to study abuse claims from 1952-2002 found more than 11,500 abuse claims against priests since 1950. 4. If elected, is your party committed to the joint development of a joint bilateral review process (Canada-First Nations) to examine and overhaul federal policies respecting self-government, comprehensive claims, specific claims and treaty rights? The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA states that self-determination, self-governance and sovereignty embodies the right for all peoples to determine their own economic, social and cultural development. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the definition of self-determination as defined by the International Court of Justice as: “The need to pay regard to the freely expressed will of peoples.” Self-determination is a fundamental principle in international law. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that First Nation peoples in Canada have made significant contributions to Canada. Having stated this, the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA states that Treaty and Aboriginal governance is everyone’s responsibility and everyone’s opportunity to make a difference. It also recognizes that and respects that the following traditions are fundamental to Treaty and Aboriginal governance: • The centrality of land • The role of Elders • The role of clans, women, men and youth councils • The restoration of traditional societies • The rule of law, which would include; o Participatory democracy and inclusion o Consensus in decision-making o Individual autonomy and responsibility The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA maintains that in terms of moving away from a government entrenched process and structure, it envisages a Treaty and Aboriginal - Traditional Assembly process that would have jurisdiction in the following areas • Cultivating new approaches for Nation development and job-creation, which are culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable • Mobilizing the youth for Nation renewal • Respond positively to business enterprises and Nation interest groups. • Improve intergovernmental linkages with municipalities, provincial and federal departments • Build global linkages • A Treaty and Aboriginal – Traditional Assembly would see an Attorney General and Courts independently elected. • The role of the rights of beneficiaries is to give the beneficiaries the skills and build capacity so that they may stand up, go forward and connect with self-determination and human rights. • A Treaty and Aboriginal – Traditional Assembly would create an Auditor-General office that would be responsible for ensuring public ethics and public accountability for the cost, quality and equitable delivery of human resources within the Treaty territory. This office would also develop strategies to deal with the challenges of finance, trade and information. • A Treaty and Aboriginal Administration would focus on the following: o Capacity building o Citizen participation and involvement o Reclaiming traditional constitutions and laws The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the concept of proportional representation, as it will ensure political representation for those without a voice. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that the first fear many detractors have with respect to proportional representation is the possibility of parties (fringe or special interest) based narrow interests. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the discussion and consultation of all Canadians in determining this matter. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that the traditional objective of most major parties is to bring together as many different people and groups “under one big tent.” Traditionally, the more people and groups that political parties have “under their tent” the more successful they are. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA ardently believes that proportional representation will provide balance to smaller groups that are not represented “under the big tent.” The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA therefore suggests that more women and minorities will benefit by proportional representation. The system as envisioned by the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA would provide the following: • Parties running for office would form a list of people and then would be accorded seats based on the popular vote they receive • The argument is that most parties would place women and minorities near or at the top of the list, therefore improving their chances of being elected The question is whether parties would actually do that. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA suggests a top rung-list that would include 6 First Nations, Métis and Inuit (men and women) and 2 candidates (either other visible minorities or women). A traditional nomination process would establish this list; therefore, the candidate with the most nominators would win the nomination process. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that other variations could include a combination of proportional representation and the constituency system that exists today. (Merging every 2 ridings into 1 with the other 154 MP’s elected from the lists.) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA points to the Scandinavian “zippered system” where men and women are selected from parallel lists as an example. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that Canada comprehensive claims are organized on the principle of the extinguishment of Aboriginal title in exchange for monetary compensation, clear (or fee simple) title to specific, much smaller tracts of land, and other benefits. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA view comprehensive claims as Treaties and should therefore have the same constitutional status as the early Treaties. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that the “Specific Claims” process does not imply claiming some new rights to lands or that there is a question as to whether First Nation peoples ever owned their lands. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the removal of the basic conflict of interest and creation of an independent claims tribunal with binding powers to make decisions about the validity of claims, funding for claims research and negotiations and interim measures that protect the interests of First Nations groups until land claims are resolved and settled. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA suggests that the independent tribunal be structured on a nation-to-nation basis. In the spirit of cooperation and partnership, First Nation, federal, provincial and territorial levels of government will make joint appointments to the tribunal. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA believes that the tribunal should have its own appropriate terms of reference, standards of proof and legal principles. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples proposal for treaty renewal beyond co-existence to reconciliation. 5. If elected, is your party committed to addressing the systemic inequities created by the 1985 Act to Amend the Indian Act (commonly referred to as Bill C-31), and to work with First Nations governments so that they can assume control of First Nation citizenship? The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the capacity of First Nations to define what is a citizen and who is a citizen. It believes that this is one of the basic and fundamental responsibilities of a self-determining, self-governing and sovereign government. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA suggests that jurisdiction over citizenship must address the following questions: • What is a citizen? • Who is a citizen? • Who can become a citizen? • Who can no longer be a citizen? (Some states do not allow dual citizenship) • What are the rights of a citizen? • What are the obligations of citizenship? • What are the relationships of First Nation citizens to other government? Bill C-31 although honourable in intent is essentially a termination policy. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the review of Bill C-31 and supports the right of First Nations to determine citizenship. 6. If elected, is your party committed to amending the current consultation and accommodation policies of the federal government to reflect the emerging case law as addressed in the Haida and Taku River Tlingit cases by the Supreme Court of Canada? The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA fully supports the November 18, 2004 Supreme Court of Canada’s affirmation of the existence of the legal duty of the Crown to consult and, in some cases accommodate Aboriginal interests on an interim basis pending final resolution by Treaty in Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests) and Weyerhaeuser (“Haida”) and in Ringstad v. Taku River Tlingit (“Taku River”) The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA recognizes that both Haida and Taku River deal with the obligations of the Crown and industry with respect to Aboriginal rights and title claims pending Treaty. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the duty to consult and accommodate of both the Crown and private industry proponents pending final resolution by Treaty or otherwise. It recognizes as well, that that the duty does not require First Nations to accept the proposed accommodation. To reiterate, the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA supports the Supreme Court’s decisions in Haida and Taku River for clarification on the existence and potential scope of both the Crown and industry’s obligations in making decisions that affect First Nations where aboriginal rights and title are asserted and yet unresolved. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY supports the Supreme Court decision in Taku River in terms of how it sets out, that with an inclusive and thorough consultation process, the Crown may legally meet its obligations to consult and attempt to accommodate First Nation’s interests. The FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY understands that through the duty to consult, the Supreme Court provides a general framework, which lends support to the process of reconciling the question of unresolved aboriginal interests with the honour of the Crown. Once again thank you for the opportunity to respond to the questions posed. For further information on the FIRST PEOPLES NATIONAL PARTY OF CANADA please see our website at http://fpnpoc.ca. Yours truly, Barb Wardlaw Interim Leader
Last Updated ( Friday, 20 January 2006 )