Today, January 28, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm ET, you’re invited to join me online with Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at the Banff Centre Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux and Aboriginal People’s Commission (APC) Vice-President (Policy) Glen Wheeler for our latest live interactive Critics Corner webcast.
The Idle No More movement captivated our nation’s attention and sparked serious discussions. That’s why this time our agenda will focus on how we can better educate ourselves about the challenges facing Aboriginal People. This is your chance to ask us any question you want on this important topic and in my capacity as Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs I will do my best to answer you.
How well do Canadians understand the fundamental role First Nations, Inuit and Métis have played in our shared history? Do they also understand how historic injustices have contributed to unacceptable gaps in health, education, housing and access to basic services like safe, clean drinkable water?
It is important that Canadians have the opportunity to learn more about the historical foundation of the original relationship between Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal Canadians. A better understanding of our past agreements and mutual obligations will help us to ensure equality of opportunity for Aboriginal Canadians and Non Aboriginal Canadians alike.
We can only gain from a better understanding of our mutual history as we all share the same goal – a more prosperous common future. It is a basic Liberal principle to work with Canadians to provide equal opportunity and security of the common good to all citizens.
Thank you.
Carolyn Bennett
Liberal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Critic
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