Aaniin. Bonjour. Hello.
My name is Karen Restoule. I am from Dokis First Nation, with relations in Nipissing and Temagami first nations, and I am honoured to have been invited here today to share insights on Bill C-29.
In addition to recognizing each member of the committee here, I wish to recognize those who led the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: the commissioners, the secretariat and everyone who experienced residential schools, including, most importantly, the survivors who had the courage to live through these experiences as well as share with the TRC and Canadians their truths. I hold my hands up to each of you.
Also, I wish to recognize every Canadian who, whether employed by the state or by the church, was involved in the implementation of the federal residential school policy and mandate. It was a dark moment for all.
Today we all find ourselves at this moment in time where we are learning about the truths and, most importantly, positioning ourselves to ensure that focused and concrete results-based action is taken to correct the legacy of this horrible policy, with the goal of securing a better future for indigenous peoples and a better future for Canada.
Let us stay focused on this great responsibility.
Entities and governments do not need oversight, but good governance requires it. Oversight refers to actions taken to review, monitor and report on the activity of entities to ensure that they are achieving results, ensuring good value for money. Good governance is also supported by the principles of legitimacy, accountability and transparency, which serve to build and maintain trust between citizens and public institutions.
In Canada, the legitimacy of institutions is embodied in law. Advancement on call to action 53 to enact legislation to establish a national council for reconciliation is welcomed.
It is recommended that the bill reflect the purpose and intent set out in call to action 53, which sets out clearly that the council be “an independent, national, oversight body”. Indian residential schools and other policies were implemented throughout the 19th and 20th centuries with defined purpose, great rigour and ample funding. The same or a greater degree of focus, robustness and resources must be used to correct the course.
It is recommended that the words “efforts for” be struck from clause 6. The purpose of the council should be to advance reconciliation with indigenous peoples, full stop.
In carrying out that purpose, it is recommended that the functions listed in clause 7 be revised to ensure that the council is also tasked with reporting on how reconciliation is being advanced in a tangible, measurable way with real results.
In May of this year, we learned through a report requested by this very committee that monies being spent by the two indigenous affairs departments on advancing reconciliation have not resulted in commensurate improvement in their ability to achieve the goals that they had set for themselves, and that their ability to achieve specified targets has declined. It seemed that the departments would benefit from this council and the oversight.
It is recommended that clause 10 include nominations of representatives from each of the following: the National Indigenous Economic Development Board, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the Indigenous Bar Association and the National Association of Friendship Centres. Monitoring and reporting on tangible advancement should be supported by leadership that is experienced in leading for results. There are many established indigenous leaders who have, in the course of their careers in business and finance, both on and off reserve, delivered real results.
Finally, it's recommended that subclause 17(3) of the bill respect call to action 56, which calls for “the prime minister of Canada to formally respond to the report of the National Council for Reconciliation”. Where other entities established through federal legislation would, in normal course, be required to be accountable for their decisions and actions to Parliament through a responsible minister, the unique and unprecedented nature of this legislation necessitates a response from the Prime Minister of Canada.
Thank you.