Renew relationship with Indigenous Peoples without trying to 'cancel' Canada: O'Toole

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole says he's committed to a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, but stands firm against so-called activist efforts to ``cancel'' Canada, particularly on July 1.

O'Toole offered his insights on the moment the country finds itself in to members of his caucus and staff gathered in Ottawa before the House of Commons breaks for summer.

He called the discovery in British Columbia of what are believed to be the remains of 215 Indigenous children from a former residential school ``a necessary awakening for our country.''

O'Toole pledged that a government led by him would be dedicated to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, as speculation swirls that the minority Parliament may be headed toward an election.

The Conservative leader says the road to repairing the country's relationship with Indigenous Peoples doesn't involve attempts to destroy Canada.

He spoke out against calls from some to cancel Canada Day celebrations and singled out the actions of activists and those ``always seeing the bad and never the good.''