Native Law Reform Research On The Chopping Block

Native Law Reform Research On The Chopping Block

Friday, September 29, 2006 at 14:04

Two important Aboriginal law reform research projects are looking for new investors following recent federal funding cuts.

Law Commission of Canada president Yves Le Bouthillier says all funding to the commission has been suspended by the Conservatives, forcing it to shut its doors and scramble to finish or find new investors for research programs already underway.

He says research about the risks surrounding the current level of credit and financing made available to First Nations entrepreneurs, bands, and companies will now be left unfinished.

He says another research project documenting Aboriginal legal traditions and ways of implementing them into mainstream justice systems will also be suspended, unless an outside public investor can be found to pick up where the commission left off.

Le Bouthillier says the commission was established in 1997 as an independent federal law reform agency that advises Parliament on how to improve or adapt existing laws to modern standards.