THUNDER BAY – Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay Rainy River, attended the 16th annual United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues this week in New York City. The Forum brings the world together on the 10th anniversary of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Forum is a valuable opportunity for Canada to take a leadership role in the world and reengage 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,” says Rusnak. “We have already 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 Metis 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, and our government is focused on reengagement and increasing our nation`s presence on the world stage,” Rusnak adds. “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”.
Reengaging with the world creates opportunities at home, and 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.
“It was an honour to attend the United Nation Permanent Forum of Indigenous Peoples in New York this week alongside several of my colleagues. Reengaging 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,” concludes Rusnak.
