OTTAWA - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced the appointment of Mr. Justice Harry S. LaForme, as Chair of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (IRSTRC).
“This is an important step in our commitment to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, and another example of our government doing the right thing for former students, and all Canadians,†said Minister Strahl. “As a judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal, Justice LaForme brings a wealth of respect and leadership experience and is the most senior Aboriginal judge in the country.
The appointment of the Chair is a significant step forward in establishing the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Justice LaForme will play a role in the selection of the other two Commissioners. Once they have been appointed, the Commission will be formally established.
The IRSTRC is a key component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and will research and examine the conditions that gave rise to the Indian Residential School legacy. It will be an opportunity for people to tell their stories about a sad part of Canadian history that is still unknown to most Canadians.
Justice LaForme was unanimously chosen to be the Chair of the IRSTRC from the more than 300 submissions in response to a public call for nominations. The selection panel included representatives of national Aboriginal organizations and parties to the Settlement Agreement.
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For further information please contact:
Josée Bellemare
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Kimberly Phillips
Office of the Interim Executive Director
Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission
613-219-5872
Read More:
http://www.irsr-rqpi.gc.ca/newsroom-eng.asp?action=n_1_apr_28_2008