Hill says Changes to the Indian Act Long Overdue

June 18, 2002

Ottawa – In the House of Commons yesterday, Canadian Alliance MP Jay Hill addressed the federal government’s new bill to amend the 126-year-old Indian Act.  The draft legislation deals with aboriginal leadership selection, administration of government and financial management and accountability.  The proposed legislation is the first major overhaul to the Indian Act. 

“The amendments to the Indian Act are long overdue,” said Hill.  “We would have tried to have a more open and wider consultative process. But, at least the minister has brought forward a bill that contains some clauses that we will discuss and debate.  Hopefully aboriginal people themselves will be part of the process and be encouraged to come forward with their alternatives” 

Hill commented on the growth of the Indian industry in Canada.  “Billions of dollars are spent annually trying to address the problems facing the aboriginal people,” Hill noted.  “Yet, it is obviously not reaching their community, if some members continue to live without hope. They have the most incredible difficulties facing them on the reserves.”  

“Something is clearly wrong.  There are far too many lawyers and consultants becoming incredibly wealthy while the people continue to suffer,” Hill said in his speech.   

“We welcome the opportunity to address some of the concerns within the confines of this legislation, because there are clauses, though they may be flawed, that we can work with, amend, change and improve so that we can bring accountability to the reserves of Canada for which the grassroots people themselves have been asking for,” concluded Hill.