Working towards change

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/12/2017 (2866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Our government is committed to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) contains 46 articles, which characterize the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples of the world. 

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice, announced government support for Bill C-262, which is a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by NDP Member of Parliament Romeo Saganash. Bill C-262 states the need for achieving consistency between UNDRIP and the laws of Canada through the creation of a federal action plan. This also includes emphasis on our Government’s stated intention to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to implement comprehensive legislative and policy changes  through a recognition of rights framework.

I am honoured to be a part of the Working Group of Ministers for the Review of Laws and Policies, which was formed by our government earlier this year. We also released the Principles Respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples. 

Bill C-262 is a good next step in the on-going work of transforming the relationship with Indigenous peoples. At the same time, we acknowledge that far more must be done to fully implement UNDRIP and to meet the promise of Section 35 of our Constitution.

Our government has made progress in addressing the pressing day-to-day social, economic, and cultural needs of Indigenous peoples. Since announcing a historic investment of $8.4 billion over five years in Budget 2016, more than 29 long-term drinking water advisories have been eliminated, the two per cent funding cap on First Nations education has been removed, and legislation for Indigenous languages is being co-developed.

In the upcoming months, our government will work with Indigenous peoples to bring forward further legislative and policy shifts that effect a change to relations based on recognition of rights.