7 Questions from the AFN

1. Does your party support the principles and objectives of the First Nations/Federal Crown Political Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First Nations governments that was signed on May 31, 2005?
2. Does your party support the goals and commitments made by the First Ministers and national Aboriginal leaders at the November 2005 First Ministers Meeting?
3. If elected, is your party committed to fully honouring the settlement package for Residential School survivors that was agreed to by the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations on November 21, 2005?
4. If elected, is your party committed to the joint development of a joint bilateral review process (Canada-First Nations) to examine and overhaul federal policies respecting self-government, comprehensive claims, specific claims and treaty rights?
5. If elected, is your party committed to addressing the systemic inequities created by the 1985 amendment to the Indian Act (commonly referred to as Bill C-31), and to work with First Nations governments so that they can assume control of First Nation citizenship?
6. If elected, is your party committed to amending the current consultation and accommodation policies of the federal government to reflect the emerging case law as addressed in the Haida, Taku River Tlingit, and Mikisew Cree cases by the Supreme Court of Canada?
7. Is your party committed to greater First Nations involvement in government decision making that affects First Nation citizens directly?
From the Liberal Party
The Liberal government stands fimly behind the First Nations/Federal Crown Political accord, which is a committment to engage in a new partnership based on mutual respect, responsibility and sharing.
The Liberal government will honor the $5.1 billion commitment to education, health, housing and economic activites to close the prosperty gap between Natives and Canadians.
The Liberals stand by this commitment, which they say represents their desire to help heal and repair the damage done by the residential school system. Bringing closure is at the heart of a renewed relationship between former students and Canadians.
The Liberals Party supports First Nations self-government and is committed to engaging in self-government negotiations. The Liberals say they are also committed to the resolution of comprehensive claims to provide a definition of rights to lands and resources for all Canadians.
The Liberals Party is committed to addressing any systematic inequalities, such as gender discrimination that may exist from the 1985 Amendent and continuing discussions with First Nations leadership on the issue of citizenship and membership.
The Liberals Party is committed to working with First Nations leadership in developing and amending federal consultations and accommodation policies in light of recent court decisions, and has already begun discussions with First Nations across the country.
The prime minister has committed to ensure a full seat at the table to Aboriginal peoples in developing the policies that affect their communities.
From the Conservatives
The party will discuss appropriate financial and human resources and accountabilty mechanisms with First Nations in general, and will work with First Nations to develop processes and legislation to further develop First Nations governments.
While agreeing with the objectives, the party says that the expenditure plan depends on future meetings. Another meeting would be held within three years to measure progress.
The Conservative Party will fully honor the settlement package for former residential schools students, provided that a final agreaement is concluded and provided it receives court approval.
The Conservative Party is committed to building and sustaining a dialogue with all Aboriginal organizations on all issues.
The Conservative Party is prepared to discuss the 1985 amendments to the Indian Act, but makes no commitment to change Bill C-31.
The Conservative Party is committed to consultation and is prepared to amend the accommodation policies of the federal government to reflect the ongoing court decision on point.
The Conservative Party is committed to greater First Nations involvement in government decision-making that affects First Nations.
From the NDP
Yes. The NDP believes in the principle of responsible government and that any succeeding governments have a moral and political responsibility to implement agreements made with First Nations, Inuit or Metis in the name of Canada.

The NDP is committed to the full implementation of the Kelowna agreements as an essential next step in repairing Canada's relationship with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.
The NDP will recognize Canada's responsibilities for residential schools abuse by quickly implementing lump-sum compensation, a truth and reconciliation process and an apology by the prime minister in the House of Commons.
The NDP is committed to the efficient resolution of claims by respecting the 1988 joint task force report that recommends an independent, effective system to resolve land claim disputes and will work with First Nations to establish an independent claims commission.
The addressing of systemic inequities is a priority for the NDP and is tasked to be undertaken jointly with First Nations Government. It is a fundamental principle that First Nations should have control of their own membership.
What the Supreme Court has done is to insist upon what has always been obvious: that governments must be proactive in protecting and respecting rights that are recognized and affirmed in Canada's Constitution. This includes consultations regarding, and accommodation of, First Nations' rights.
The NDP would be in constant communication with First Nations so that government decision-making would be supportive of First Nations' goals.
From the First Peoples Party
The FPNP supports treaty protection and implementation and says treaties are covenants that commit the federal Crown. Development of processes and legislation to recognize and implement treaty and Aboriginal rights are a priority.
FPNP supports the commitments achieved at the First Ministers meeting. It supports a two-year benchmarking process to determine progress.
The FPNP supports the$1.9 billion settlement package. It sees the settlement package as the beginning of the full and just compensation of residential school survivors.
The FPNP believes that governance is everyone's responsibility and opportunity to make a difference. It maintains that to move away from a government entrenched process and structure, a Treaty and Aboriginal/Traditional Assembly process must occur.
Bill C-31 although honourable in intent is essentially a termination policy. The First Peoples National Party of Canada supports the review of Bill C-31 and supports the right of First Nations to determine citizenship.
The FPNP supports the duty to consult and accommodate of both the Crown and private industry proponents pending final resolution by treaty or otherwise. The FPNP supports the Supreme Court's decisions in Haida and Taku for clarification on the existence and potential scope of both the Crown and industry's obligations in making decisions that affect First Nations where Aboriginal rights and title are asserted and yet unresolved.
Question 7 not answered.