Document Information

Date: 1980-07-15
By: Canada (Parliament)
Citation: Canada, House of Commons Debates, 32nd Parl, 1st Sess, 1980 at 2912.
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COMMONS DEBATES — July 15, 1980

THE CONSTITUTION

INPUT OF NATIVE GROUPS IN DISCUSSIONS

[Page 2912]

Hon. Jake Epp (Provencher): Madam Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Prime Minister. Given the numerous representations which the government has received from various native groups, the FFHQ and others, for meaningful input into the current constitutional process, has the government now decided on an appropriate means to ensure that the special concerns of groups such as these will be heard in the process?

Right Hon. P. E. Trudeau (Prime Minister): Madam Speaker, the hon. member will remember that following our meeting on June 9 with the premiers, I reported to the House that I had suggested some enlarged type of forum, such as the one suggested by my friend, the Leader of the NDP.

Some hon. Members: Oh, oh!

An hon. Member: Is he still your friend?

Mr. Trudeau: Yes, that was a wasted word: he is not even listening.

Some hon. Members: Oh, oh!

[Page 2913]

Mr. Trudeau: I reported that the position of the premiers at that time was that we should continue within the restricted forum that we had created for the purpose of the meeting on June 9. I believe that is the position, an honourable one, which was supported by the Leader of the Opposition.

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