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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Carney acknowledges federal responsibility, urges action on 94 Calls to Action
Mark Carney issues a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation statement, acknowledging Ottawa's responsibility for the residential school system, and is scheduled to speak at a commemorative event in Edmonton; four ministers issue a joint statement.
Why it matters
September 30 marks five years since the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Carney's statement acknowledged that the federal government established and sustained the residential school system and that "Canada bears responsibility for the profound and enduring harm it caused." Ministers Miller, Alty, Chartrand and Gull-Masty issued a joint statement, and the Prime Minister was scheduled to deliver remarks at a commemorative event in Edmonton at 9:30 a.m. local time.
Full report
In his September 30 statement, Carney said that for more than a century, over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children were separated from their parents and communities and sent to residential schools — a system "built on assimilation policies designed to sever children from their languages, cultures, identities, and ways of life." More than 6,600 Survivors and witnesses came forward before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to share their experiences.
"We owe Survivors more than remembrance. We owe them action," Carney said, calling the TRC's 94 Calls to Action a roadmap. He said the government is working to close gaps in health care and education, protect Indigenous languages and cultures, advance safe drinking water and infrastructure in First Nations communities, advance the Calls for Justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
The joint ministerial statement honoured "the memory, resilience and courage of the tens of thousands of victims and Survivors," noting the 24-hour crisis line 1-866-925-4419 and the Hope for Wellness Helpline 1-855-242-3310 for Survivors and families. Commemorative events were taking place across the country, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Iqaluit.
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