Ouellette backs NDP bill on Indigenous rights

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This article was published 10/11/2017 (2907 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA — A Winnipeg MP has stuck out his neck by supporting legislation that would put his government’s feet to the fire because of how it would implement an international treaty on Indigenous rights.

“I’ve been shaking the tree quite a bit behind the scenes,” said Robert-Falcon Ouellette, a Cree MP who represents the city’s downtown. “I’m just trying to help those discussions along, in a public way.”

In May 2016, the Liberal government adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada was one of four holdouts when the declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. The former Tory government was in power at the time.

The declaration recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ basic human rights, as well as rights to self-determination, language, equality and land — but it is non-binding.

NDP MP Romeo Saganash has suggested Parliament hold the government to its pledges. In April, he tabled Bill C-262, which would compel Ottawa to “take all measures necessary” to ensure Canadian laws abide by the declaration, by implementing a national action plan that requires annual reports for 20 years, detailing the government’s progress.

Ouellette appears to be the sole MP outside of the NDP to speak in favour of the bill, at least publicly.

“It’s great to make a policy announcement, but a policy can be changed (just) like that,” Ouellette said.

The Liberals say the declaration has the party’s “unequivocal support,” and ministers must consult with Indigenous groups and review how it fits with laws and federal policies.

Still, the bill could be a test of how much independence the party gives its MPs. Ouellette said he’s aware of “many” Liberals who support the bill, or have wondered why the government doesn’t have a similar bill in the works.

Ouellette spoke passionately this spring against the government’s move to narrow Bill S-3, which would restore Indian Act status to First Nations women who lost it through marriage, along with their descendants.

Yet, Ouellette said his government hasn’t been dragging its feet on Indigenous issues. “We’re two years in. I think we’re doing quite a bit; I think there’s a lot to do.”

Kathleen Davis, a spokeswoman for Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, said the party has no policy on the bill, suggesting there won’t be any repercussions for those who support it.

“We will ensure that the implementation of the declaration goes beyond just words. It must be translated into practical benefits on the ground,” Davis wrote.

Private member’s bills don’t generally become law unless the ruling party supports them.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca