Manila – 30 June 2021: The President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham), Mr. Julian Payne, has issued the following public statement on the news of deaths of children in care of some residential schools for indigenous peoples’ children in Canada.
“The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines is shocked by what has been reported as taking place over many decades in the treatment of indigenous peoples' children in some of the residential schools in Canada. This reported treatment of the children of Canada's indigenous peoples, its First Nations in fact as well as name, is inexcusable and the deaths a tragedy. While we understand all these schools have been closed for some time, this tragedy will forever be a black mark in Canada’s history and to its reputation as a caring society that respects its First Nations. We extend heartfelt condolences to the surviving parents and relatives of the children and to the First Nations in Canada.
CanCham trusts that the belief of Canadians in and commitment to transparency as well as to constructively rectify historical and social injustices will ensure such unacceptable treatment for any, and all children will be rectified with measures taken to prevent any continuation anywhere, any time.
Each Canada Day marks a step in the history of Canada unfolding in both good and bad times. The year 2021 is no exception. We cannot change the past recent history of our country. But we can and should learn from the past to improve our country for its future and the benefit future generations of all people.
Canada Day in 2021 will be an occasion to reflect on Canada’s past and to look forward to its future. In this context the CanCham Board of Trustees decided to continue with CanCham's planned virtual event to mark Canada Day in 2021. The Board ardently hopes that Canada Day in 2021 will not be ignored but seen as a further step in the history of Canada endeavoring to improve the lives of all Canadians including recognition and acknowledgement of this recent tragedy in Canada's history that all agree should be acknowledged and addressed.”
For further information contact: president@cancham.com.ph
