MRP Legislation Subject To More Criticism

MRP Legislation Subject To More Criticism

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 14:42

The Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council is attacking Ottawa’s proposed bill to deal with matrimonial real property rights on reserves.

Grand Chief Roseanne Archibald says the Conservative government missed some big issues and ignored her group’s recommendations when it drafted the bill.

Among other things, she is worried the legislation will force First Nations women in the middle of a family breakup to seek solutions in the courts — which she says is neither timely nor financially viable for many in remote communities.

She argues that rather than recognizing First Nations’ authority, the legislation creates a complicated process which constrains how First Nations rules are to be made — yet shows no support for those doing the work.

Archibald says it is typical of government to invite groups into the process, only to eventually discard their point of view.