Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples bill supporting reconciliation continues to collect dust.
Mamakwa introduced the legislation one year ago and it passed second reading, but has since been left in legislative limbo.
When asked about its status, Premier Doug Ford wouldn’t comment on if it will move forward.
“Well there’s never one step to reconciliation in my opinion. There’s always multiple steps and we have to constantly be doing a better job.”
Mamakwa says it’s clearly time for Ford to get to work so that First Nations basic human rights can be met.
“We must all demand that Indigenous Peoples are treated equitably under the law. After more than 150 years of colonialism, the status quo is no longer acceptable. As we have seen in demonstrations across the continent, the struggle for justice is real. Racial inequalities are not acceptable.”
The NDP critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation adds “The people of Ontario must ensure their government respects human rights for Indigenous communities.”
Meantime, the provincial government was asked this week to provide an update on reconciliation efforts with First Nations.
It’s been one year since the release of the final report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Premier Doug Ford says it’s all about understanding the communities and relating to their concerns and feeling the pain that they have gone through.
“We’ve built up an incredibly strong relationship right across this province. I give all the credit to Minister Greg Rickford. Greg Rickford was a nurse and lived with First Nations communities for 7 to 8 years. He was in there helping these communities when they needed help most. No one was listening to them. As far as I’m concerned he’s the best minister for Indigenous Affairs. So we’re going to continue working with him and supporting him every which way we can.”
Ford adds they have a phenomenal relationship with First Nations and he appreciates their support and the great work they do on a daily basis.
