Elizabeth May Supports Ontario Chiefs’ Policy Initiatives at AFN Annual Gathering

OTTAWA – Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), attended the 36th Annual Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) General Assembly in Montreal yesterday. Ms. May delivered a speech to the General Assembly and was the only federal party leader to receive a standing ovation.

In addition, Ms. May met with the First Nation Chiefs of Ontario, including Chief Fawn Wapioke (Shoal Lake 39), Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and Wray Maracle, Councillor Six Nations of Grand River. At the meeting, Elizabeth May and the Green Party pledged to work towards the following policy initiatives if elected:

· Repeal Bill C-51: the Anti-Terrorism Act 2015 and the omnibus budget bills C-38 and Bill C-45.

· Fully fund the infrastructure needs of First Nations communities listed in the First Nations Safe Drinking Water Act 2013, and removing regulatory penalties for communities in non-compliance with the act.

· Amend the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 and the National Energy Board Act 1985 to recognize Indigenous approval of projects as equivalent in weight to the federal government’s approval.

· Support Shoal Lake 39 in their efforts to defend their community and their water.

“I was pleased to find that First Nations are interested in the Green Party proposal for a Council of Canadian Governments – Bringing governments at all levels around the same table,” said Ms. May.

“For Shoal Lake 39 we need to end the buck-passing between different levels of government to find a permanent and fair resolution to the Shoal Lake 39 and Shoal Lake 40 decades of injustice.

“In the next election, the Green Party pledges to work with Indigenous communities to create jobs and improve the health outcomes of all Canadians and First Nations. Canadians expect and deserve a Canada that works together. I look forward to working with Indigenous communities in the next Parliament towards these goals.”

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