The Member of Parliament for northern Saskatchewan says he hopes his new private member’s bill jumpstarts a more respectful relationship between Canada and First Nations.
Rob Clarke’s bill to amend the Indian Act was introduced in the House of Commons earlier this week and will now head to first reading.
Clarke says the bill would repeal certain sections of the Indian Act, while starting a discussion in other areas.
He says the time is right to look at things that simply aren’t working for First Nations.
Clarke says a consultation process would take place with First Nations — but he adds they could also simply bring their comments before a parliamentary committee.
Meanwhile, references to residential schools could be dropped from the Indian Act altogether if Clarke has his way.
He says it’s time to take out the references to the schools and move on, because “it’s a demoralizing issue for First Nations”.
At the same time, Clarke says government must still acknowledge the suffering that took place in the schools — adding it’s a “very fine balance”.