News

Rob’s PMB

June 5th, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

MP Rob Clarke, Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, Introduces PMB to Reform the Indian Act (June 4, 2012, Ottawa) Rob Clarke, MP (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River), today introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons. 

 The Bill, entitled “An Act to Amend the Indian Act (publication of by-laws) and to provide for its replacement”, will remove many outdated and unused sections of the Indian Act, will provide for the removal of all references to residential schools, will repeal the Wills and Estates sections, and will return control over the publication of by-laws to First Nations governance bodies. Clarke, who is a proud member of the Muskeg Lake First Nation, spoke of his Bill as the “8th Fire”, which is a First Nations prophecy meaning that it is time to build new relationships. “I believe this is an important next step toward creating a more respectful and modern relationship between Canada and First Nations,” said MP Clarke.  “I am particularly pleased with the section of this bill that will require the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to report annually to Parliament on progress made toward fully replacing the Indian Act. “My bill will allow for a lengthy and collaborative consultation period with willing First Nations partners to find the best way to replace the Indian Act.”

 The Bill will be debated in the fall session of the House of Commons.

 You can view a copy of Mr. Clarke’s Private Member’s Bill, and a video of Mr. Clarke announcing it in the house by clicking on the links below.

 http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Docid=5636667&file=4

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mYlfBrCXuQ