New Government Means Hope For A Better Treaty Process

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2015

New Federal Government provides new opportunity for reconciliation

VANCOUVER - The Treaty Commission congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada and Prime Minister-elect Justin Trudeau for forming a majority government following yesterday's federal election.

The Liberal Party of Canada stated in their election platform: "It is a time for Canada to have a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition, rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. This is both the right thing to do and a sure path to economic growth".

The Treaty Commission believes treaties, fairly negotiated and honourably implemented, are the best path towards reconciliation. We look forward to working with the new Liberal government to realize these commitments.

Congratulations to former BCAFN Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas) for being elected as a Member of Parliament for the new Vancouver-Granville riding. As a former Commissioner, Jody is well known to the Treaty Commission. "We are confident Jody will bring the same dedication to being an MP as she did as a Commissioner and Regional Chief," said Acting Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Odette Wilson / Communications Advisor
owilson@bctreaty.ca / t: 604-482-9215 / c: 604-290-4059

About the BC Treaty Commission
The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.
Visit www.bctreaty.ca to learn more about the Treaty Commission.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2015

Treaty Commission congratulates Carolyn Bennett and Jody Wilson-Raybould on cabinet appointments

VANCOUVER - The BC Treaty Commission welcomes today's appointment of Toronto-St. Paul's Member of Parliament Carolyn Bennett as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

As a previous Minister of State for Public Health and Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett brings knowledge, experience and dedication to her new role. The Treaty Commission looks forward to working with Minister Bennett to move reconciliation forward with BC First Nations through fairly negotiated and honourable implemented treaties.

"In our 2015 annual report we highlighted the significant progress being made in BC treaty negotiations. This includes four First Nations signing Agreements in Principle and entering Final Agreement negotiations this year," said Acting Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane. "With commitment from the new government, almost a third of BC could be implementing a new future through modern treaties, demonstrating that the BC treaty process can lead the country in reconciliation."

The Treaty Commission would also like to congratulate former BCAFN Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas) for being appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "It is with pride that we welcome a First Nations person from BC, and one that we worked with as a former Treaty Commissioner, take on such an important and influential role within this new federal government," added Haldane.

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