Canada and Accords

Short Answer

1. What was the Meech Lake Accord and why did it fail?
   
2. What was the Charlottetown Accord and why did it fail?
   
3. What was the purpose of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples?
   
4. What were the key recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples?
   
5. What was the Kelowna Accord and why was it significant for Indigenous peoples in Canada?
   
6. What was the purpose of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and what did it accomplish?
   
7. What was the Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada decision and why was it significant for Métis peoples in Canada?

Answers

1. The Meech Lake Accord was a constitutional package proposed in 1987 that aimed to gain Quebec’s formal acceptance of the Constitution Act of 1982. It included provisions recognizing Quebec as a distinct society and granting certain powers to the provinces. However, it failed to be ratified by all provinces by the deadline in 1990. Its failure was primarily due to opposition from Indigenous groups, women’s rights advocates, and some political leaders who felt excluded from the negotiations and believed it did not adequately address their concerns.
2. The Charlottetown Accord was a proposed constitutional agreement in 1992 aimed at addressing various constitutional issues, including Indigenous self-government, Quebec’s status, and democratic reforms. It included a range of amendments to the Constitution Act of 1982. However, it failed to gain popular support in a national referendum held in 1992. It faced opposition from various groups, including Indigenous peoples, Quebec nationalists, and some conservative factions who disagreed on specific provisions and the overall balance of powers.
3. The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples was established in 1991 with the goal of addressing the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. It aimed to provide recommendations on land claims, self-government, economic development, social issues, and cultural preservation.
4. The key recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples included recognizing Indigenous self-government, establishing new treaty relationships, providing compensation for past injustices, supporting economic and social development, preserving Indigenous languages and cultures, and addressing the issues of land claims and resource management.
5. The Kelowna Accord was a 2005 agreement between the Canadian government and Indigenous leaders aimed at closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It included commitments to improve education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Despite being a significant step forward, the Kelowna Accord was never fully implemented as a change in government leadership led to its cancellation in 2006.
6. The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, signed in 1993, aimed to establish the territory of Nunavut in Canada’s eastern Arctic and provide Inuit with autonomy and control over their lands and resources. It created a new political entity, the territory of Nunavut, with a government system that reflects Inuit cultural values and practices. The agreement also addressed land and resource rights, cultural preservation, wildlife management, and financial compensation.
7. The Manitoba Métis Federation v. Canada decision, also known as the Powley decision, was a 2003 Supreme Court of Canada ruling. It recognized Métis rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The decision established a test for defining Métis rights, based on factors such as self-identification, ancestral connection, and community acceptance. It was significant for Métis peoples as it affirmed their constitutional rights and provided a legal framework for future claims and negotiations.