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Archived Urgent Action
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For most of the last decade Canada has been ranked at the top of the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). In contrast, Aboriginal peoples, when measured using the same criteria, rank only 63rd, or 62 places behind their non-Aboriginal neighbours. The shortage of adequate housing for Aboriginal peoples, the lack of safe drinking water, the high rates of unemployment, incarceration and suicide, especially among Aboriginal youth, are unacceptable in a country as wealthy as Canada. |
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(See the International Human Right Day page for more action background information)
The Hon. Robert D. Nault
Minister, Indian and Northern Affairs
10 Wellington Street, North Tower
Hull, Québec K1A 0H4
Fax: (819) 953-4941
E-mail: minister@inac.gc.ca
Dear Minister Nault:
I am writing to express my concern about the standard of living of Aboriginal peoples in this country. For most of the last decade Canada has been ranked at the top of the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). In contrast, Aboriginal peoples, when measured using the same criteria, rank only 63rd, or 62 places behind their non-Aboriginal neighbours. The shortage of adequate housing for Aboriginal peoples, the lack of safe drinking water, the high rates of unemployment, incarceration and suicide, especially among Aboriginal youth, are unacceptable in a country as wealthy as Canada.
The ongoing social and economic deprivation of Aboriginal peoples is a violation of their basic human rights. According to Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care."
The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) emphasized the direct connection between Aboriginal social and economic marginalization and the ongoing dispossession of Aboriginal peoples from their lands. RCAP concluded that a rebalancing of political and economic power between Aboriginal nations and other Canadian governments was essential to avoid perpetuating the status quo, and recommended providing Aboriginal peoples with lands "sufficient in size and quantity to foster Aboriginal economic self-reliance."
Two recently tabled pieces of federal legislation - Bills C-6 & Bill C-7 - act to perpetuate the inherently discriminatory and paternalistic federal policy that has impeded the efforts of Aboriginal peoples to improve their standard of living, and to promote and protect their rights to health, education and development. Minister Nault, I call on you to withdraw Bills C-6 & C-7 and to work with Aboriginal peoples to develop legislation that respects and implements Aboriginal peoples' rights.
Sincerely,
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