MONTREAL — Quebec’s premier said he agrees with the assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that Canada’s aboriginal peoples were victims of a cultural genocide.
Philippe Couillard said the residential schools regime could “certainly” be described as a cultural genocide of the First Nations.
READ MORE: Canadians urged to confront ugly truth of residential schools
Couillard shared the view of the commission, which this week described cultural genocide as the destruction of structures and practices that allow the country’s aboriginals to continue as a group.
WATCH: Quebec’s Native affairs minister on Truth and Reconciliation report
While refusing to criticize the attitude of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who has avoided using the two words, Couillard said he is hoping for greater awareness in Canada about the aboriginal question.
Couillard also said in Quebec City on Thursday that he would like the history of First Nations and their contribution to the building of Canada to be taught in Quebec schools.
READ MORE: Canada’s aboriginal residential school system was ‘cultural genocide,’ report says
The commission’s report made 94 broad recommendations — everything from greater police independence and reducing the number of aboriginal children in foster care to restrictions on the use of conditional and mandatory minimum sentences.
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