Statement by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt on the Mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

OTTAWA, Nov. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:

"I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the parties to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, as well as the Ontario Superior Court to provide the Commission with a one-year extension to its operating period, until June 30, 2015, as requested by the Commission.

This additional year would allow the Commission sufficient time to complete its mandate, including writing its final report and receiving those documents held at Library and Archives Canada that Canada provides during this period.

We look forward to continuing to assist the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with its important mandate and to meeting Canada's obligations as set out in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

Our government remains committed to achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, which lies at the heart of reconciliation and the renewal of the relationship between Aboriginal people and all Canadians."

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada