Reconciliation Act not before the election
Posted March 14, 2009 by Sacha Peter
Category: First Nations
It looks like that the Recognition and Reconciliation Act will not be presented to the legislature until after the election. A government press release stated:
VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong and the First Nations Leadership Council: Regional Chief Shawn Atleo of the BC Assembly of First Nations; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs; and Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit made the following statement today regarding the status of the Recognition and Reconciliation Act:
“Over the past several weeks many important issues, concerns and questions have been raised about the Discussion Paper for Implementing the New Relationship and the concept of a new Recognition and Reconciliation Act.
“This is the time for us to make this important and historic transition in our government to government relationship and we need to take the time to make sure we get this right.
“As the parties to the discussion paper, together we need to take the time for consultation and further discussions before tabling this bill.”
The Premier and Minister de Jong will continue to engage with the business community on this important initiative.
I find it odd how that last paragraph was slipped in there.