One of our responsibilities as Members of Parliament is to represent you and all Canadians in Parliament.
Last month over 14,000 Canadians like you expressed their views to our Liberal Caucus when they filled our Caucus Wants To Know survey.
Now I am proud to report back to you to show you the impact you’ve had on our work in the House of Commons.
Have a look at the video above of Bob Rae’s private member’s motion today in the House of Commons.
On the question of working with First Nations to move beyond the Indian Act, your response was clear: you believe that this law represents failed policies which has created barriers to the self-determination and success of First Nations, and that Liberals should work with First Nations to replace it.
That’s one of the reasons why Liberal Leader Bob Rae introduced today a private member’s motion in order to push the federal government to work in full consultation with First Nations to resolve the long-standing economic and social inequities that plague many communities.
As the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo has said, the Indian Act blocks progress for First Nations communities. The time has come for the government to engage directly with First Nations to undo the damage caused by the Act and take urgent and concrete actions together as partners to build success and shared prosperity.
Watch the video above of Bob Rae introducing his private member’s motion today in the House of Commons.
The motion calls on the government to work with all First Nations on a nation-to-nation basis, to replace the Indian Act with new agreements that fulfill the Crowns responsibilities to First Nations in a manner consistent with First Nations rights, the original Treaty relationships with First Nations which this country was founded upon, the outstanding obligations and promises on behalf of the Crown to First Nations, and the standards established in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
If, like me, you believe it is time to move past the Indian Act, please share this message and video and let Canadians know that you had a say in Bob Rae’s motion in the House of Commons.
Thank you.
Ralph Goodale
MP, Wascana
Deputy Leader
“I promise to live”? GOOD LORD, that made me burst into tears. This story is heart breaking…
It’s very gratifying to see that so many people chose this one for the party. IMHO no issue should rank higher in the country tha fixing this long standing blight on out history.
I watched your excellent speech Mr Rae. [ sorry i skipped the French parts]It is absoultely true this must go forward with full consultation. One of the least well understood aspects of the Indian Act is the effect it has had on Aboriginal people themselves. I think it is fair to say that many are fearful of up rooting the act despite utterly despising its consequences. Hard to believe as it is it provides some security at the same time as it disenfranchises. The attempt to uproot it in the 69 white paper showed that clearly.
Mark Twain said that habit is habit, and not to easily thrown aside by any man. It has to be coaxed downstairs one step at a time.
And as John Gibson pointed out in his marvelous book – A Small And Charming World – when he asked a variant of the old Freudian question – My god what do they want? He discovered just that, they want to be asked, not told what they want.And when they reply they want to be heard not just listened to.
A wonderful speech Mr. Rae, if we could only make this happen, we would all be richer.
A powerful speech by Mr. Rae. We must move forward beyond the Indian Act, but this can only happen with genuine consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal groups in Canada.
Thank you Mr. Rae! This is an issue which should have been dealt with long long ago. With all my heart I hope it will finally be resolved to the expectations of our Aboriginal people. I am so proud to acknowledge that we have native blood in our family history along with other lineage.
Eunice (Kelly) de Gruchy
Chateauguay
Quebec
I think the First Nations can get same human rights with rest of Canadians. Their rights shall be protected as well. I am very happy to know that the Liberal Government will bring positive results and to all and want to thank Mr. Rae for doing what has be done.
Thank you for your attention.
Frederico(Fred) J. Gordo
Richmond, BC
Thank you, for your thoughtful remarks.
Now, is the time to open our Northern communities to all, and not shut the door when legitimate opportunities arise. At least there should be honest discussions where all Canadians can be considered egual.
Http://ontario-politics.blogspot.ca
The shameful, disgraceful conditions brought upon Aboriginal Canadians by maintaining the Indian Act are a stain on our country. How long must this go on?
Liberals, let us keep up the pressure. If the Conservatives won’t move to end this, the Liberals will!!
I am proud of my MP and our party’s interim leader today! I cannot express in words how strongly I support his comments in the house. Thank you Bob Rae!