CAP NATIONAL CHIEF URGES CANADIANS TO GET INVOLVED: THE TIME IS NOW
(OTTAWA, Ontario – November 13, 2007) Patrick Brazeau, National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, today urged Canadians to actively participate in Canada’s democratic process in order to finally establish basic human rights for people who live under the Canada’s Indian Act.
The Government’s Speech from the Throne promised Canadians that legislation to repeal Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act would be brought to the House of Commons. Yesterday, with the introduction of Bill C-21, An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act, Minister Strahl delivered on that promise.
Chief Brazeau cautioned that the introduction of Bill C-21 does not guarantee that it will be passed: similar legislation has been before the House of Commons many times. “The fate of this legislation really lies with Canadians, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal”, stated Brazeau. “The Government is in a minority position and there are people, politicians and organizations who will use the minority situation to delay, and once again, deny Aboriginal people in Canada the basic human rights that all other Canadians have enjoyed since 1977. Real people need to stand up for what they believe in – they need to stand up for Bill C-21”.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples advocates for the rights and interests of off-reserve Aboriginal people, regardless of their status under the Indian Act or residency. Chief Brazeau noted that “The Indian Act is a significant source of discrimination against Aboriginal people in Canada today. It divides families and communities on the basis of arbitrary definitions of who is or is not an “Indian”. It has led to differential access to programs and services”. Brazeau added that Section 67 has, for the past thirty years, shielded the Indian Act, the Government of Canada, and Band Councils from legitimate debate and human rights scrutiny about these issues.
“The time is now” said Brazeau. “If you have never met or contacted your Member of Parliament to make them aware of your concerns, the time is now”. The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples launched its discrimiNATION campaign on October 12, 2007 and has taken a lead role in educating the public about the need for the repeal of Section 67.
For more information on Section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, or the Congress of Aboriginal People’s discrimiNATION campaign, contact:
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For further information, please contact:
Armand MacKenzie, LL.L
613-747-6022 (office)
418-961-5322 (mobile)
