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Kelowna Motion Passes in the House of Commons
 Liberal MPs Tina Keeper and Gary Merasty are part of the Liberal caucus. Tina Keeper represents the northern Manitoba riding of Churchill, and is best known for her television role in North of 60. Ms. Keeper said she met the Tribune editor’s mom, Jane, at the site of the former Guy Indian Residential School in Manitoba. What a good memory. RON MERASTY PHOTO |
Mr. Merasty introduced the motion in Parliament on September 29. The vote passed by 160 to 113. The Conservatives voted against the motion.
“There is an incredible amount of energy and momentum behind the Kelowna Accord,” Mr. Merasty said. “For months, premiers and First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders have continued to advocate strongly for the new consensus reached at Kelowna.”
“With the passing of this vote, Parliament is rejecting the backward step that the Conservatives have taken on Aboriginal affairs. There has been a negative trend adopted by the government. They have opposed the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, called First Nations fishing rights “raced based,” and abdicated any responsibility in Caledonia despite their clear federal responsibility.”
“This motion calls for them to take a positive step with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and all Canadians. It calls on the government to uphold the honour of the crown and respect the new consensus and the process that Kelowna advocated for: real benchmarks, real targets, real responsibility and accountability. This structural change will provide positive change for Aboriginal communities and all Canadians.”
Former Prime Minister Paul Martin’s private members’ bill also passed a vote last week, successfully passing the second reading. It will now be reviewed in the Aboriginal Affairs Committee.
“The successful passing of this motion shows the Conservatives that they will not get away with delay and denial tactics,” said Mr. Merasty. “They have no choice but to respond to the will of Parliament. The Conservatives must implement the accord.”
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