UN vote stain on Canada's reputation

The linkage between Canada, Australia, and the US is now firmly established. They also share the democratic values of not recognising aboriginal rights. They also recognise the value of being junior partners in US imperialism. This makes them good buddies in partnering with the US for the New American Century. Canada has opted out of Iraq but only because Harper was not prime minister at the time.
The resolution was non-binding so the argument that it conflicts with existing land settlements doesn't seem a real problem. The reason that it was not signed is I expect that it would give aboriginal groups more clout in negotiations.

Sep 14, 2007 04:30 AM
Les Whittington
Ottawa Bureau

OTTAWA–Canada tarnished its international reputation as a champion of human rights by voting against an epoch-making United Nations declaration on aboriginal rights, native leaders say.

The declaration, which has been decades in the making, sets out global human rights standards for indigenous populations, who face discrimination, land theft, violence and deprivation in many parts of the world.

Only four countries – Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States – voted against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It was approved by a vote of 143 to 4, with 11 countries abstaining.

"In our view, it is a stain on Canada's international reputation," Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said in an interview. "It's a slap in the face for all indigenous peoples."

The position of the Harper government is bewildering because Canadian officials and native representatives had long been involved in drafting this declaration, he said.

"It's inexplicable – for 20 years, Canada worked to secure support from the UN member states for this declaration, which Canadians helped write."

Fontaine said Canada's rejection of the UN declaration will not help to relieve the anger of native groups whose protests over substandard living conditions and land claims disrupted rail service and blocked highway traffic this summer.

Native groups said Ottawa should have supported the declaration because it was a non-binding statement of human rights standards.

Opposition parties also lashed out at the Harper government. "By opposing this declaration the Conservative government has signalled to aboriginal Canadians that their rights aren't worth defending," said Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion. "The government has also dramatically weakened the leadership role Canada has long enjoyed in the global human rights movement."

Before yesterday's vote, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, John McNee, told the UN General Assembly the country has "significant concerns" about a number of issues, including provisions on lands, territories and resources.


Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said the declaration "unfortunately" was too broad and could be in conflict with existing Canadian statutes.