(OTTAWA) – “The Liberal Government of Canada has an opportunity to make good on its claims to be champions of reconciliation, and intervene in the conflict which has arisen at Oka,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands).

“This is a longstanding issue based in unresolved land claims and needs immediate attention. There is no excuse for the Government to ignore its duties. The Government must meet with the Mohawk people to find resolution of this land question,” said Lorraine Rekmans, Indigenous Affairs Critic for the Green Party of Canada.

This land dispute is an issue known to the government of Canada for more than three centuries. The parcel in question originated with a transfer of 33,000 acres from the French Crown in 1717. The Mohawk people disputed a Department of Indian Affairs transfer in 1945, where the original parcel of 33,000 acres was reduced to 11,000 cares.

“There is no excuse for the length of time it is taking to resolve this land question. The Liberal government must exhibit political will to prove it is serious about improving nation to nation relationships and resolving conflict on a road to reconciliation. Their silence on this issue is deplorable,” said Rekmans.

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