‘A good, frank dialogue’

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on today’s meeting.

The Prime Minister met this afternoon with National Chief Shawn Atleo and leaders from Canada’s First Nations communities. The Prime Minister participated in the full meeting and had a good, frank dialogue with all participants. While both sides did not come to agreement on all matters, the First Nations leaders brought serious and important proposals to the table.

The government remains committed to ongoing dialogue on Aboriginal issues and to taking achievable steps that will provide better outcomes in First Nations communities.

To that end, the Prime Minister agreed to high-level dialogues on the treaty relationship and comprehensive claims. The Prime Minister agreed with the need to provide enhanced oversight from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office on Aboriginal matters.

The Prime Minister agreed to debrief the members of his Cabinet and government on today’s discussions and agreed to meet with AFN National Chief Atleo in the coming weeks to review next steps.