Well I hope in the end it passes and it sounds like it just might. Harper is a fool for cancelling this.Former prime minister Paul Martin won approval in principle Wednesday for a private member's bill aimed at resurrecting his cherished Kelowna accord.
Martin's bill, which would compel the Harper government to implement the $5.1-billion aboriginal pact, passed 159-123 with the support of Liberal, New Democrat and Bloc Quebecois MPs. Conservatives voted against it.
"I think it was very, very important that the House of Commons speak out very loudly in favour of measures" to improve the quality of life of native people, Martin told reporters following the vote.
Given the dismal health and education statistics for aboriginals, Martin said: "I don't understand . . . why the government isn't supporting it. How can they turn their back on such important issues?"
The accord was the product of 18 months of negotiation. It was struck by Martin, premiers, territorial leaders and native leaders on the eve of last winter's election, which turfed Martin's Liberals.
The pact committed them to reduce the gap between natives and non-natives in a host of areas, including education, health care, housing and employment.
Stephen Harper's Conservatives scrapped the accord upon taking power, dismissing it as little more than a pre-election gimmick and claiming that no money had ever been set aside to pay for it.
"That is simply not true," Martin said Wednesday.
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