First Nations people deserve to share the prosperity

By Howard Hampton
MPP Kenora-RR

KENORA - NDP Leader Howard Hampton says Dalton McGuinty can’t hide four years of inaction on issues that matter to Aboriginal communities with empty gestures.
“For four years, Aboriginal people in Ontario have been waiting for the respectful relationship promised by Dalton McGuinty. After all this time, all he can offer is a dedicated Ministry without a dedicated Minister. The women and men living in Ontario’s First Nations deserve the chance to share in Ontario’s prosperity. Instead they have a government that refuses to consult, refuses to deal with treaty issues and simply ignores them,” said Hampton.
Hampton called on McGuinty to show real respect for First Nations by recalling the Legislature and:
Passing the NDP’s First Nations Revenue Sharing Act that would compel the provincial government to enter into negotiations with representatives of First Nations towards establishing a fair framework of revenue sharing for the natural resources on traditional First Nations lands.
Implement recommendation Number One in the Ipperwash Report immediately: “The provincial government should establish a permanent, independent and impartial agency to facilitate and over see the settling of the land and treaty claims in Ontario. The agency should be called the Treaty Commission of Ontario.”
Comply with the request of Sam George on behalf of the Native and Non-Native people of Ontario to commit to return the 109 acres of Ipperwash Provincial Park to full native control, in perpetuity.