Conclusion

Repeal of section 67 will bring First Nations and their citizens closer to the full measure of equality to which they are entitled and which they have long been denied. That is why the Commission has called for repeal for 30 years.

As the Commission has stated in the past, the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are among the most disadvantaged of all Canadians. Despite some progress in recent years, numerous issues remain to be resolved. Canada as a nation has a long way to go before First Nations self-government is realized, land claims are fully settled, and social, economic and health conditions in First Nations communities equal those enjoyed by other Canadians, to name just a few of the most pressing issues. For its part, the Commission is committed to continuing its efforts, within its mandate and purview, to help resolve these issues. Repealing section 67 is an important step in that direction.