May 31, 2007
"I would like to thank Commissioner Linden for his work in putting
together this thoughtful, detailed report. The death of Dudley George was a tragic event and we must do everything possible to prevent an incident like this in the future.
"It is clear that all governments and everyone involved in land claim discussions and Aboriginal issues must do a better job. I strongly believe we must do better and we will continue pushing for both improved relations with our Aboriginal community and an improved approach to dealing with situations that arise from land claims.
"This report puts forth many thoughtful recommendations and we are going to give it the careful consideration and thoughtful review it deserves. The goal for all political and aboriginal leaders coming out of this report must be to turn the corner on aboriginal relations in a productive and compassionate manner.
"We need the tools to work towards reconciliation. We need the tools to ensure justice and fairness to Aboriginal peoples and to make the changes to existing discriminatory policies and systems that impede us. We need the tools to say to Aboriginal people the place to workout our issues is at the negotiating table. We need the tools to develop reconciliation and understanding between Aboriginal peoples and other citizens of
"We support Minister Ramsay's apology on behalf of the government and people of