Katy Austin : New Democrats

Last week’s apology to the First Nations people was a good example of how our political parties can set aside partisan differences and work together for the benefit of the country.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is to be praised for his heartfelt apology for the residential school system that tore native children from their homes and sought to assimilate them into white society. Harper credits NDP leader Jack Layton for convincing him of the necessity for the apology; over the last 18 months Layton spoke to the prime minister “with regularity and great conviction” and his advice was “persuasive and greatly appreciated.” In fact, much of the wording of the apology came from Layton’s suggestions in collaboration with Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

It was Liberal leader Stéphane Dion’s idea to allow native leaders to respond to the apology inside the House of Commons. Harper also agreed with this.

Finally, it was NDP press secretary Ian Capstick who cleared the way for Fontaine’s speech by explaining that if the ceremonial mace were taken off the table and the Speaker of the House sat in a regular chair, someone other than MPs could speak in the House.

Let’s hope that the parties will continue to work together to help First Nations people overcome the poor living conditions in their communities and to resolve long standing land claims settlements.

Katy Austin,

Simcoe Grey NDP

Categories: Katy's Letters to the Editor
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