A Historic Annual General Assembly for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
(Ottawa, ON – November 8, 2007) On November 1-3, 2007, CAP held its 36th Annual General Assembly in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Delegates from all across Canada gathered to set the general direction of the Congress. Delegates were fortunate to hear the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper deliver his first speech to an Aboriginal audience since becoming Prime Minister.
“Grassroots Aboriginal people from coast-to-coast warmly greeted the Prime Minister and his government’s achievements for Aboriginal people since forming the government in January 2006” said National Chief Brazeau.In his speech, the Prime Minister stated, “The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, in many ways, represents the future of our country” and that “your membership cannot be forgotten or ignored any longer”.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also discussed initiatives undertaken by the Government of Canada including:
– Legislation to repeal section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act;
– Providing $300 million for Aboriginal housing off-reserve;
– Extensive national consultations to establish Matrimonial Real Property laws on reserve;
– A strengthened focus on the Urban Aboriginal Strategy; and
– Implementation of the Indian Residential School Agreement;
“Those are important elements that were contained in a 7-page detailed letter to the Congress during the last federal election campaign. I am satisfied that the Prime Minister has followed through with his committments to all Aboriginal peoples”, said National Chief Brazeau.
Also in attendance was the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Chuck Strahl. In an address made to CAP delegates, the Minister announced financial resources for CAP’s on-going case, Daniels v Queen, a case seeking to resolve the question of whether or not Metis and Non-Status Indians fall within section 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. The Government of Canada has contributed to this case under INAC’s Test Case Funding program.
In line with CAP’s Political Accord with Canada, Minister Strahl also announced the establishment of a Canada-CAP Working Group to begin discussions on issues pertaining to Canada’s off-reserve Aboriginal population.
“This announcement is significant for CAP and for the off-reserve Aboriginal population”, said the National Chief. The Working Group will include members of the Minister’s Office, CAP and the Office of the Federal Interlocutor. “This is part of our on-going outreach and committment to work with the federal government to address important issues and to offer accountable, transparent and sustainable solutions for the betterment of our people. We’re ready to move beyond the status quo and focus on improving the living conditions of our constituents”, added National Chief Brazeau.
To this end, Minister Strahl stated that “The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is about to set new standards of what can be accomplished through strong leadership and a genuine desire to better respond to the needs of the people you serve. I hope other Aboriginal organizations will follow your lead.”
The Board of Directors of the Congress also had the opportunity to meet privately with both Prime Minister Harper and Minister Strahl in a 45 minute roundtable session to discuss priority issues. “The CAP Board of Directors certainly appreciated the roundtable session with Prime Minister Harper. It demonstrates the Prime Minister and his government are serious about improving the lives of all Aboriginal Canadians,” said Vice-Chief Brendan Sheppard.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is the national Aboriginal political organization advocating for the rights and interests of off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada.
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For further information, please contact:
Me Armand MacKenzie
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