OTTAWA (November 21, 1996) - - The final report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) was made public today after it was tabled in the House of Commons.
Following tabling of the five-volume report in the House of Commons, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Ronald A. Irwin remarked, "I would like to thank the Co-Chairs and Members of the Commission for their hard work." He added, "The re port should be viewed as a valuable tool for Aboriginal leaders, federal, provincial, and municipal governments and educators -- all Canadians will be interested. We are also very interested in their reaction to the recommendations."
Anne McLellan, the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians stated, "The federal government recognizes that the report is a significant body of work which makes recommendations on a wide range of Aboriginal issues that may be used to inform p ublic debate and policy-making."
Established in August 1991, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was tasked with a broad range of issues, many of which are complex and deal with long standing matters in the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The RCAP final report represents extensive consultations with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada on various subjects and contains 440 recommendations.
The final report’s recommendations cover a wide range of Aboriginal issues and will have long-term and far reaching implications that require cooperative efforts across governments and by all interested parties. Progress has been made over the past three years in key policy areas such as the inherent right of self-government, and claims. Progress has also been made in improving living conditions in Aboriginal communities, through comprehensive programs that result in better housing, upgraded water and s ewage systems, enhanced labour skills, and increased economic development opportunities.
"And progress will continue as we work in partnership with governments and Aboriginal groups on mutually agreed to priority issues," said Minister Irwin.
The RCAP final report is available to the public through bookstores that carry government publications or through the Canada Communications Group - Publishing, 45 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0S9.
For copies of the RCAP final report:
Canada Communications Group-Publishing
45 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard
Hull, Quebec K1A 0S9
Telephone (819) 956-4802
Fax (819) 994-1498
Source: INAC
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