OTTAWA — Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulated re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on winning a minority government in the 2019 federal election.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party on their victory,” said Bellegarde in a statement. “We will work with all parties to address the climate crisis, safety and security for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, to lift up First Nations children and families, and to strengthen the country as a whole. First Nation priorities are Canadian priorities. I look forward to working with every Member of Parliament.”
In HonouringPromises: 2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada the AFN set out an agenda beginning with a call for action on the global priority of climate change and preserving the natural world. It shows how to build a stronger Canada through healthy and educated First Nations citizens living in safe and secure communities, and fully participating in the economy in ways that strengthen the national economy and sustain the environment.
“There is agreement among a majority of Parliamentarians to move forward on some key priorities, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a First Ministers Meeting on First Nations Priorities, and fully implementing legislation to strengthen Indigenous languages and protect First Nations children,” said Bellegarde. “I lift up all First Nations citizens who voted in this election and congratulate all the Indigenous candidates. We will keep pushing forward for action, for reconciliation and for results.”
