NDP Critic for Indigenous Affairs, Lori Idlout, made the following statement:

“Today we reflect on Canada’s painful history with Indigenous people. We acknowledge the residential school system was a genocide designed to wipe out First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, languages, families and heritage.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we mourn the children that were killed in residential schools when they should have been playing in playgrounds. We honour the Survivors, their families and communities.

New Democrats acknowledge this history was hidden from Canadians, and we encourage all to use this this day to learn about the history of residential schools and the strength and courage of Indigenous people who share their stories and experiences.

Communities are still searching for the children who never came home. The consequences of Canada’s actions are still being experienced today. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children are more likely to be in foster care, experience higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, are over-represented in the correctional system, and encounter systemic racism. Indigenous women and girls continue to go missing and murdered at a record rate.

The NDP is committed to the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Calls to Justice from the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The Government of Canada can and must do better. They can implement the Calls to Action and Calls to Justice and reverse the chronic underfunding of Indigenous communities and services to improve the lives and well-being of all Indigenous children and families in equal partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.”