December 14, 2012 – Fort McMurray, AB – Today the Harper government passed Bill C-45 also known as the Omnibus Bill. The Bill includes major amendments to environmental legislation removing the protection of a majority of rivers and lakes in Canada and contributes to the erosion of Treaty and Aboriginal rights. The Bill has been long opposed by many First Nations across Canada and sparked groups like Idle No More calling for national protests. Chief Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation who had critiqued the bill in its infancy and asked others to stand in opposition stated this upon learning that it has passed through reading:
“Today, history was made. The Harper government passed Bill C-45, a bill that strips down First Nations Treaty rights and protection and diminishes the democracy of this country. We have seen the erosion of our people’s Treaty rights throughout various forms of legislation in the past, but this bill is proof the government holds little stock in our rights and title and is attempting to create more loop holes for industry to continue annihilating our lands,” stated Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. “We hope the public outcry against this undemocratic and racist piece of legislation will continue. I support our leaders on hunger strikes, our people putting up protests and all those doing what they can to ensure that our rights no longer fall between the cracks.”
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For more information contact:
Chief Allan Adam, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation 780-713-1220
Eriel Deranger, Communication Coordinator ACFN 780-903-6598
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Tar Sands 