The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
OTTAWA Ð Gary Merasty, Member of Parliament for Desneth-Missinippi-Churchill River, applauded the passage of the Liberal motion calling on the Conservative Government to immediately implement the measures agreed to in the Kelowna Accord. Anita Neville, Liberal Indian Affairs Critic, tabled the motion Tuesday. The motion carried 161 to 121, with all Opposition parties in support. The Conservative Government voted against the motion. "This vote is a terrific victory for all Canadians," said Mr. Merasty. "The Kelowna Accord is a new consensus, reached after 18 months of dedication and consultation between Aboriginal leaders, provincial and territorial governments and the federal government, and this new consensus includes Parliament. The Conservatives cannot deny that Canadians are united in wanting a better quality life and full inclusion for all Aboriginal People." The Kelowna Accord, concluded on November 25, 2005, aimed to improve the quality of life for Aboriginals by targeting $5.1 billion in new investments in education, housing, water, health care and economic development. The Accord also established a start point for continuing, long-term collaboration as well as establishing benchmarks for measuring success. The Conservative Government has refused to implement the Accord. In the 2006 Budget, they set aside $450 million in "Aboriginal investments" but have not yet detailed the funding. They have also denied that the Kelowna Accord exists. "The Conservatives cannot run from Aboriginal People and ignore their issues," Mr. Merasty said. "The Parliament of Canada has demanded that the government take action and implement Kelowna. Premiers across Canada have given their full support. Saskatchewan is fully on board, with all Members of Legislature supporting an all party motion calling the federal government to implement the Accord. The Kelowna Accord represents a new consensus, of all Canadians working together. No more denials and delays - it's time for the Conservatives to stop looking for excuses and start working for all of Canada." Below is the complete wording of Ms. Neville's motion: June 6, 2006 - Ms. Neville (Winnipeg South Centre) - That the House recognize the urgent need to improve the quality of life of Canada's Aboriginals, First Nations, Inuit and Mtis, living both on and off reserve, which requires focused and immediate initiatives by the government in areas such as health, water, housing, education, and economic opportunities and, especially, immediately moving forward with the implementation of the Kelowna Accord with its full funding commitments.
