Statement on Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

July 7, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB – Matt Jeneroux, the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, released the following statement:

“It’s been a tough few weeks for Canadians. More bodies of former residential school students have been discovered across Canada. More Canadians are learning about the atrocities that occurred at these schools and the daily realities and systemic racism that Indigenous peoples face daily, still to this day in Canada.

“I acknowledge the deep sorrow and mourning that all Indigenous people and survivors of residential schools are experiencing. We must come together now to provide whatever assistance is necessary to aid in the healing process, including the resources needed to protect, honour and identify the children. The legacy of residential schools is a national shame that has had a profoundly lasting and damaging impact on Indigenous culture, heritage and language.

“These discoveries are a somber reminder that more work needs to be done to address the devastating and harmful effects that residential schools had, and continue to have, on many survivors today.

“I know more needs to be done to advance the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and urge meaningful action to be taken on this issue. I’m calling on our country’s institutions to share in this commitment to reconciliation and for the federal government to implement a quick timeline and funding to deliver all Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.”

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