Tony pleased with progress on native issues

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Land claims bill passes House of Commons - residential schools commission to start by June 1

OTTAWA - There were two major developments on aboriginal issues Tuesday.

A bill to speed up native land claims passed the House of Commons and it was announced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will begin work by June 1.

“These are both welcome news on longstanding injustices,” said Sault MP Tony Martin who with other New Democrats joined all parties to endorse the new Specific Claims Tribunal Act that still has to clear the Senate to become law. “I have said before that, in any attempt to rebuild our country and renew our vision, we must first address the wrong done to our aboriginal people.”

The land claims bill passed despite concerns that only cases worth $150 million or less will be eligible to go before a panel of impartial judges if talks are stalled after three years and that Ottawa alone chooses mediators for binding decisions when negotiations fail.

The specific claims legislation commits $250 million a year for 10 years to supplement cash available for compensation.

Sweeping comprehensive land claims affecting provinces like British Columbia and Ontario will be dealt with separately.

Government officials say a formal apology to students who attended residential schools is also imminent.

*************************