Article content

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — Canada’s premiers support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and will act on them with or without Ottawa’s help, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Paul Davis said Wednesday.

“We will together, jointly, make this happen,” Davis told a news conference after hosting provincial and territorial leaders and the heads of five national native groups in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Premiers commit to act on TRC recommendations after meeting with native leaders Back to video

Davis said the provinces have not only pledged to act on the commission’s 94 recommendations but, in some cases, have already started.

“They’re important commitments that we need to follow up on.”

Otherwise, what Davis described as the commission’s important work could be wasted, he said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s longstanding absence from first ministers’ meetings is a missed chance for collaboration, Davis said.

“We all believe that the federal government should be providing that leadership. In the absence of the federal government, instead of just letting it sit and wait, we’re going to take those steps.”