Liberal statement on National Aboriginal Day

June 21, 2015

OTTAWA AND TORONTO – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Aboriginal Day:

“National Aboriginal Day is an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and honour the fundamental role that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit have played in shaping our national identity. Indeed, Canada is stronger and more vibrant because of their extraordinary contributions.

“This day is an important reminder of our shared responsibility to work together to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples across the country. As was made all too clear in the recent findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is time to act—without delay—to advance the process of reconciliation, and rebuild the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

“As Liberals, we remain committed to implementing the Commission’s recommendations, and continue to call on the government to do the same.”

Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic, Dr. Carolyn Bennett, continued:

“Far too many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities continue to be denied the basic necessities to which all Canadians are entitled. The Liberal Party of Canada is strongly committed to working in cooperation with Aboriginal Peoples, based on Treaty, inherent, and Aboriginal rights, as well as the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to close this unacceptable gap in social and economic outcomes, and realize the untapped potential‎ of First Peoples.”