Fredericton – David Coon, Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick and MLA for Fredericton South made the following statement in recognition of Canada Day:

“For many today is a day of celebration: families and friends will gather over the long weekend to celebrate the day, 150 years ago, that New Brunswick and Nova Scotia agreed to join with the Province of Canada to establish a country, where people of different cultures could live in harmony. This vision goes back to what has been called Champlain’s dream, the dream of a society based on peace and tolerance.

These ideals are at the centre of our peace and friendship treaties with the Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy and Mi’kmaq – the original peoples of this part of Canada. However, we have not lived up to the treaties, causing much suffering for indigenous people and their communities. My wish is that we see Canada 150 as the point at which we decisively move toward reconciliation, redress past injustices, and restore title to indigenous lands as was contemplated by the Royal Proclamation of 1763 that was enshrined in our constitution 150 years ago.”