CONGRESS OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES’ NATIONAL CHIEF EXPRESSES BOTH SATISFACTION AND APPREHENSION ABOUT THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE 

National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallée, commends the Government of Canada’s decision to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

March 3, 2010: The Speech from the Throne given by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, detailed the Canadian Government’s plan to further stimulate the economy.  The two main focuses of the speech were the government’s plan to push forward the final year of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the government’s commitment to continue stimulus building projects at full capacity.

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) as a National Aboriginal Organization represents the interests of off-reserve non-status and status Indians, and Métis Aboriginal peoples living in urban, rural and remote areas throughout Canada.  We are also the national voice for this constituency and their affiliate organizations making up the Congress.

The Canadian Governments plan to take steps toward endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is well acclaimed by the Congress and its PTO affiliates.  The National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples hopes that Canada adopts and endorses the Declaration in its original form as quickly as possible.

CAP, as an intervener on the McIvor Case, supports the proposed legislation, as a first step, that the government is prepared to introduce with regard to the recent court decision addressing gender inequality issues under the Indian Act.

National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallée, noted: “I’m pleased that the government has acknowledged the need to make an additional effort to address the unsolved cases of murdered and missing Aboriginal women throughout Canada.”

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples met with the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of Status of Women Canada, in January to discuss a partnership that would both empower women and raise awareness and understanding of the Marital Property Rights Act.  “Our goal is to develop a secretariat that works to improve the safety, health and protection of the Aboriginal women of Canada.  That is why we are pleased that the Bill on Matrimonial Property Rights will be reintroduced to parliament.”

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is delighted that the government of Canada will continue to provide support for skills, apprenticeships and training for Canadian workers.  Timely information on labour market opportunities will be a valuable tool for the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada and the organizations working for the Aboriginal populations who have under represented Aboriginal Peoples in the workforce; in particular, the Aboriginal Youth who make up the majority of the Aboriginal Peoples across Canada.

The Congress looks forward to working closely with the Canadian government to strengthen and recalibrate education.  “The Congress is focussing on the positives this year.  We believe that supporting and promoting student success is the key to motivate Aboriginal youth to follow the path of inspiration, hope and opportunity.” Chief Lavallée stated.

For more information or to schedule an interview with National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée, please contact:

Sean Kerr

Email: sean@abo-peoples.org