The international community is expected to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Thursday, despite Canada's opposition...SInce when is Canada against affirming human rights? SO much against that we refuse to endorse a non-binding affirmation of them?
...Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said Canada opposes the declaration because it lacks clear guidance for implementation and conflicts with the existing Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which the government believes already protects the rights of aboriginals.
I am deeply disappointed Mr. Strahl, deeply disappointed.
NOTE: The cited quote is as the aritcle was first written. SInce the vote has been taken they have changed the article so you won't find those exact sentences anymore. REally, I am not creating quotes.
I would be interested to know how Strahl perceives that this would conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
ReplyDeleteScratching my head on this one...
CBC Radio ran a piece yesterday morning, I think it was, interviewing an indigenous leader from Canada. Apparently, he wasn't too upset about the refusal. Which begs the question, why--could it be that the UN declaration is somehow flawed, toothless, not worth defending at this point? Don't know.
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