The Council of the federation is open despite the boycott of aboriginal

Photo archives REUTERS, Topher Seguin
The first minister of Alberta, Rachel Notley, who welcomes the Council of the federation this year, has lamented the absence of three groups with refractory.

Patrick Bellerose

Monday, 17 July 2017 16:46

UPDATE
Monday, 17 July 2017 17:01

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The Council of the Russian federation was opened on Monday on a background of controversy, as three major aboriginal organizations have chosen to boycott the traditional meeting with the premiers of the provinces and territories.

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The Assembly of First Nations, the Métis national council and the grouping of inuit Tapiriit Kanatami require to obtain equal status within the Council of the federation.

“[The Assembly of First Nations] represents the governments of the First nations, rights holders, and all discussions by provincial, territorial, or federal can have an impact on the First nations and their rights,” says the Assembly of First nations, in a statement released in English.

“First nations will not accept an approach that is exclusionary and disrespectful,” added the APN.

The meeting has been held with the two remaining groups, the Assembly of the aboriginal peoples of Canada and the native women’s Association of Canada.

The prime minister Philippe Couillard, himself, was absent due to a scheduling conflict.

Disappointment

The first minister of Alberta, Rachel Notley, who welcomes the Council of the federation this year, has lamented the absence of three groups with refractory.

“It is unfortunate that they have not been able to come today, she said before the meeting. We look forward to having conversations about the issues they have raised today. We look forward to having the opportunity to meet them in the future.”

Less diplomat, the premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, said he is “very disappointed” by the boycott of the aboriginal groups.

“These meetings are not perfect, they are not getting the results that everyone wants immediately, he recognized his arrival. But we have made substantial progress thanks in part to these meetings with all the national aboriginal organizations.”

“When we are here, as first ministers, we represent all the people in our provinces when we discuss these other issues, he added, including, of course, First nations, or, in my case, the First nations and métis.”

Brad Wall believes it is already difficult to agree on the major issues facing canadians. “These things are difficult to negotiate, just with the first ministers of the provinces and territories,” he said, closing the door to the inclusion of indigenous groups around the table.