October 17, 2007 - Yesterday the Federal Government presented a Speech from the Throne to open the 2nd session of the 39th Parliament. This Throne Speech represents the second for the Harper Government since taking power in January 2006.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse indicated that there were a handful of references to the First Nations population in the Speech, some of which were actually re-announced initiatives such as the intention to table legislation on specific claims, and to improve access to safe drinking water for First Nations.

The Regional Chief did point out that there were a few new commitments in the document including the intention of the Federal Government to issue an apology to close the tragic chapter relating to the Indian Residential Schools experience. "The announcement that the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, will make a statement of apology to former students and their families for the Indian Residential Schools experience and its tragic consequences is very welcomed and certainly long overdue" stated Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

The Throne Speech also indicated the Governments' intention to re-introduce legislation to repeal section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. In the previous session of Parliament, First Nations opposed the former Bill C-44 and received the support of the majority of the Parliamentary Aboriginal Affairs Committee. "I want to be very clear that First Nations leaders support access to human rights for their people. But what First Nations are saying is that the repeal of section 67 must be well planned and take into account the administrative and financial capacity that First Nations will require to deal with situations that may result from the repeal of this section" said Chief Toulouse. He pointed out that the decision of the Parliamentary Aboriginal Affairs Committee calling for a halt to the proposed Bill pending sufficient opportunities for dialogue with First Nations supports the message that First Nations have relayed to Government.

Regional Chief Toulouse expressed support for the announcement to foster partnerships to help Aboriginals get the skills and training to take advantage of existing and future job opportunities. "This is an argument that First Nations have been making for years. We have a very youthful population that represents huge potential for meeting the future labour force needs in Canada well into the future" said Chief Toulouse. Although he conceded the announcement is vague the Regional Chief indicated that First Nations will continue to advocate for progress in this area now that the Government has made this commitment.

The Regional Chief emphasized the need for the Federal Government to work collaboratively with First Nations on the issues raised in the Throne Speech, as well as others that are of priority to First Nations. "The likelihood of success in addressing the many challenges that we face will exponentially increase if First Nations have an opportunity to jointly develop policies and legislation with Government. Government developing policies unilaterally and then presenting them to First Nations does not work. The old way of doing business has been unequivocally denounced as ineffective and at worst, harmful to First Nations" stated Chief Toulouse. The Regional Chief indicated that if this Government truly wants to address First Nations living conditions significant investment will be required in education, housing and economic development.