Press Release
Local MP Don Rusnak attended the 16th-annual United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues last week in New York City.
The forum brings the world together on the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
It is a valuable opportunity for Canada to take a leadership role in the world, and re-engage as an important partner in promoting the human rights and dignity of all people around the globe.
Our government is committed to fully implementing the declaration in accordance with the Canadian Constitution, and is working in full partnership with indigenous peoples on the path forward.
We already have announced the creation of a new working group of ministers responsible for reviewing laws and policies related to indigenous peoples, and new, distinctions based permanent bilateral mechanisms with the First Nations, the Métis Nation, and the Inuit.
These processes, along with others, will support and inform the implementation of the declaration.
The previous government had a policy of disengagement with international organizations, but our government is focused on re-engagement and increasing our nation’s presence on the world stage.
For Canada, that means re-engaging with international bodies like the United Nations.
We recognize the value in learning from other nations, and will continue to work collaboratively with international partners to support progress on all issues, both at home and abroad.
As well, carving out a larger space for Canada on the international stage will bring more opportunities for economic growth and development to all the communities of Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
Re-engaging with the world creates opportunities at home, and I look forward to building on the relationships forged during the forum to create new benefits for all the communities of Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
