Commons Vote To Deal With Kelowna Accord

Commons Vote To Deal With Kelowna Accord

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 16:53

MPs are scheduled to vote this evening on a bill put forward by former prime minister Paul Martin that calls on the Tory government to implement the Kelowna Accord.

So far, the Conservatives have been unwilling to do so.

The $5.1-billion agreement was signed in November 2005 by the previous Liberal government, the premiers and several national Aboriginal leaders to improve the living conditions of Canada’s Native population.

In debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Martin argued the government has a moral duty to address Aboriginal poverty.

Saskatchewan Liberal MP Gary Merasty says if Bill C-292 passes, the Conservatives will be legally obligated to honour the terms of the Kelowna Accord.

It’s believed all three Opposition parties will vote in favour of the bill.