Truth Reconciliation Commission extends mandate

The mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has been extended by one year by the federal government.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt announced on Nov. 14 that the operating period for the commission will extend to June 30, 2015.
The commission had requested the extension in August, a request supported by various First Nations leaders and groups.
This additional year will provide TRC time to complete its mandate, including writing its final report and receiving documents held at Library and Archives Canada that Canada provides during this period, Valcourt said in a release.
“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,” Valcourt said.
While Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy welcomed news of the extension, he said the federal government needs to live up to its commitment in working with the commission in the reconciliation process.
He noted that the commission was forced to take Ottawa to court to force the federal government to hand over historical documents associated with residential schools. And it was revealed this year that experiments were carried out on First Nations people while they attended the government-run schools.
Former residential school students – most notably those that attend St. Anne’s in Fort Albany – are saying the federal government is deliberately withholding documents that would prove their tales of torment and bolster their bid for compensation.
“This extension by the Harper government must be accompanied by a full commitment by the federal government to share all information, documents and historical archives to the TRC,” said Beardy. “All relevant records regarding residential schools must be shared in order for the survivors, our communities and our people to move forward with all Canadians towards reconciliation.”
The TRC was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Its mandate is to inform all Canadians about the legacy of the residential school system, and document the truth of survivors, families, communities and anyone personally affected by it.