NDP statement for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

Canada's NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:

"On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we mourn the children that died and those that were killed in residential schools, we acknowledge intergenerational trauma and the long process of healing, and we honour Survivors, their families, and their communities.

The residential schools system was a genocide—designed to wipe out First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, languages, families and heritage.

New Democrats encourage all Canadians to take time to reflect on this country’s painful history. Truth comes before reconciliation—but so does action.

The NDP is committed to the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and Calls to Justice from the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

We believe the Government of Canada must do far better. Reconciliation requires action from governments at all levels. The Calls to Action and Calls to Justice are clear, and Indigenous-led site searches must have unwavering support. Governments know what they need to do, and Indigenous people deserve an end to the excuses and delays.”