Do you welcome members of all political backgrounds and beliefs?
Whether you voted NDP, Liberal, Conservative, Green, an independent candidate, or just didn’t vote at all, anyone who is interested in advancing reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of this country, as well as with each other, will be welcomed with open arms to the Reconciliation Party. Furthermore, as per our party’s charter, you are free to register as a member and even be considered to stand as a candidate to represent our party.
Why shouldn’t I just vote for an existing party with Reconciliation plans?
Have you read our platform? The other parties just don’t go far enough! Unfortunately, their principles, as well intended as some of them may be, are simply too performative, unimpactful, or fiscally irresponsible. The Party for National Reconciliation allows for dissent, but we also care about sovereignty and the right to self-determination for ALL nations and peoples.
Do I have to be an Indigenous person to become a member, or to run as a candidate?
We welcome with open arms all those who desire to work towards a brighter future with more positive outcomes for all. While we certainly encourage as many Indigenous candidates as possible to come forward, we are not a racist party and are happy to include our beloved allies from all walks of life. After all, we are interdependent, so let us seek each other’s shelter while respecting our uniquely different backgrounds.
Don’t Indigenous people not have to pay taxes?
Status Indians (those registered under the Indian Act) are exempt from paying income tax on income earned on a reserve. This exemption is based on Section 87 of the Indian Act, which provides that the personal property of an Indian situated on a reserve is exempt from taxation. Status Indians are also often exempt from paying GST/HST on purchases made on a reserve. Some provinces have agreements with Indigenous bands that provide exemptions from provincial taxes in certain circumstances.
However, out of 1,048,405 First Nations people, the 753,115 identified as having Registered or Treaty Indian status in 2021, leaving 295,290 First Nations people without status, along with 624,220 Métis, and over 200,000 non-Status Indians living in Canada in 2021. Many of these people lost their status due to racist and sexist policies which disenfranchised Indigenous women who married non-Indigenous men, but granted status to non-Indigenous women who married Indigenous men, and retained their status even after divorce.
This means that the majority of Indigenous people in Canada, over 1,119,190, pay income and sales tax just like any other Canadian citizen. Furthermore, social stigma and other personal reasons mean this number is likely even higher.
Why can’t I get a tax receipt at this time?
Despite our registration with the CRA, unfortunately we cannot issue tax receipts at this time. We are working to strengthen our organization before applying for formal registration with Elections Canada. Rest assured 100% of all funds are used directly for our activities as we must undergo a strict auditing process of all of our finances upon our registration as an official political party with Elections Canada. We will also voluntarily release all financial information, as our party strongly believes in transparency in governance.
How can I become a party member, and how much does it cost?
The Party for National Reconciliation has no membership dues. This is to ensure that anyone can become a member without having to worry about their financial situation. That said, we sincerely appreciate each and every donation, no amount is too big or too small to make a difference.
Why should I donate to the Reconciliation Party?
The Reconciliation Party is the only political party in Canada that can guarantee that your dollar will go farther in our party than in any other. We sincerely appreciate each and every one of our generous donors. No amount is too big or too small to make a difference. We could not thank you enough for considering to make a contribution to our cause. If you choose to give, your remarkable altruism will go a long way, and it will certainly not be forgotten.
Why don’t you sell Every Child Matters shirts?
Our organization does its utmost to source all of our materials from Indigenous artists and manufacturers, failing this, we will ensure to purchase only materials with a “Made in Canada” label. Our party would much rather the public buy these shirts from authentic Indigenous vendors who have our full support.
Does Land Back mean Indigenous people want to kick out all non-Indigenous people?
Absolutely not! “Land Back” means Indigenous people are recognized as having a stake in what happens on their traditional territories, and the right to have not only a final say, but also the power to veto or approve any regulation regarding the area’s future.
Your party is seeking autonomy for all Nations and peoples. Does that mean we can’t work together?
The Reconciliation Party of Canada recognizes the right to self-determination, whether it is autonomy, sovereignty, or otherwise. This will increase cohesion across the country as we all fight our one struggle. We have no hate for any Canadian, nor for anyone who rejects that label. Reconciliation means being able to sit down with multiple people who may have drastically different viewpoints, but ultimately find a worthwhile solution that will improve the situation for everyone.
If you are against tax increases, where will the money come from for the projects your party wants to implement?
The Governor General of Canada makes almost $300,000.00 annually, not including extras such as a $93,117.89 in-flight catering bill from a single flight. Governor General Mary Simon spent over $3,000,000.00 during her first year in office on travel alone. This is all used from public funds, money you and I have contributed through our hard work and taxes.
By eliminating the Governor and Lieutenant General systems, the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the Privy Council Office, and the Monarchy of Canada alone, we will save well over $50,000,000.00 per year.
Imagine the good we can do with this kind of money. It is, without question, blood money. We must use this wisely. Our ancestors bled for this. They fought and they died, but we’re still here for them; we’re still here to live out their lives that were taken from them. There are some things we can just never get back. We must remember that even if we are alone in this world, we must fight to defend our oral histories, archaeological sites, our languages, and our cultures, as so much as been erased. There is so much we will never get back. This kind of loss is incalculable. We must do all we can to fight corruption and bad actors who siphon aid off for themselves, and ensure everything is accounted for down to the last penny. This way, every dollar we spend is used in the most effective way possible, maximizing value without tax increases.