Native Women Should be Consulted

OTTAWA—Native women are being left out in the cold with proposed legislation that has little protection for their matrimonial real property rights.  The Green Party of Canada supports the Native Women’s Association in their opposition to Bill C-8, an Act to deal with matrimonial property on reserve lands. Native women are calling for consultation on any new legislation that impacts them.  “The Green Party supports their request for inclusion in developing legislation to protect their interests,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of Canada’s Greens.

“Bill C-8 in essence encroaches on jurisdiction as it sets out a provincial legal prescription for First Nations people to follow in courts but it does little to ensure the safety and protection of women and children in the event of a family breakdown,” said Lorraine Rekmans, Aboriginal Affairs Critic for the Greens.

“The lack of federal provisions in the Indian Act is no excuse to use provincial court systems to fill in the gap.  This legislative gap leaves women and children vulnerable when it comes to the distribution of matrimonial real property.  Women need real solutions,” said Ms. May.

“Comprehensive legislation and other culturally appropriate approaches developed in partnership and through consultation with First Nations people, particularly women is the only approach that will ensure that women and children’s needs are adequately addressed,” said Rekmans.

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Contact:
Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
613-562-4916 ext. 244
(c) 613-614-4916
michael.bernard@greenparty.ca