Last week, in the House of Commons, the New Democratic Party used their Opposition Day to table a motion that in the words of South Okanagan 害羞草研究所� West Kootenay NDP MP Richard Cannings 害羞草研究所渃alled on the government to take the Truth and Reconciliation Commission害羞草研究所檚 calls to action seriously. It asked the government to finally fund the investigations that are needed to let us all know the truth. And it asked the government to stop fighting indigenous children in court.害羞草研究所�

As MP Cannings pointed out, 害羞草研究所渢hat motion was passed unanimously in the House of Commons, though shamefully a few cabinet ministers abstained and the rest of the cabinet, including the Prime Minister, didn害羞草研究所檛 even show up to vote.害羞草研究所�

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For the record I voted in support of this motion and participated in the emergency debate on this topic. During the debate one of the concerns that I shared is that we must be careful in Ottawa to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

From the local Indigenous communities I have heard from, many are still in shock and others are holding community meetings. I am told there are many discussions underway.

I should also add that none of the Indigenous communities within my riding expressed support or opposition to this NDP motion, nor has other guidance been offered at this point. This in my view raises a concern, when elected officials in Ottawa debate and vote on a motion with very little input or consultation with Indigenous leaders.

Some could rightfully call this an 害羞草研究所淥ttawa knows best approach.害羞草研究所� I believe we must recognize that this approach has historically not served our country well.

On balance I supported this NDP motion as I believe the intentions were sincere. However, I also believe we must take great caution when moving on a motion without proper direction from those Indigenous communities who will be most impacted by decisions made in Ottawa.

害羞草研究所淢eaning well害羞草研究所� and being 害羞草研究所渨ell intentioned害羞草研究所� does not mean actual outcomes will unfold as hoped or intended.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently stated, 害羞草研究所淚f it (true reconciliation) were only done by ministers, if it were only done by Ottawa, to solve these challenges, it might have been done long ago, but it would have been done wrong.害羞草研究所�

My question this week: While this NDP motion was well intended, do you believe Parliament should take greater caution in the future to receive direction and input from communities that will be impacted?

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola.

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