Statement - Joint Statement by Minister Lametti and Minister Bennett on the Senate Passing Bill C-15, An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

PR90147

OTTAWA, ON, June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of

Canada and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous

Relations, today issued the following statement:

"We are very pleased that the Senate has passed Bill C-15, United Nations

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We now eagerly await Royal

Assent.

"Today represents a critical step in recognizing, promoting, protecting and

upholding the human rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It marks another

important move forward in the evolving history of the Crown-Indigenous

relationship, one that will help forge stronger relationships and support the

path to self-determination for First Nations, Inuit and Metis while taking

action to advance reconciliation, together.

"The implementation of the Declaration through Bill C-15 is part of the

government's commitment to addressing injustices, combating prejudice and

eliminating all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including

systemic racism and discrimination, against Indigenous Peoples.

"This legislation will require the Government of Canada to examine federal

laws, policies, and practices and to take all measures, in consultation and

cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, to ensure consistency with the

Declaration. It provides the foundation for transformational change in Canada's

relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

"The legislation will complement other initiatives underway across Canada with

Indigenous partners to close socio-economic gaps, advance reconciliation and

renew relationships based on the affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation

and partnership.  

"The work to undo centuries of colonial policies could not be more urgent. The

horrific finding of unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential

School, as well as other possible graves, are yet another reminder of that

truth. The harms experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Metis families and

communities are real and ongoing and must be confronted.

"Through Calls to Action 43 and 44, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

called on all levels of government to implement the Declaration as the

framework for reconciliation, and develop an action plan, strategies and other

concrete measures to achieve its goals.

"Together, we must continue to walk the path of reconciliation to ensure that

the rights, languages, cultures, and identities of all Indigenous Peoples are

recognized, honoured, and respected. Bill C-15 provides a framework for the

federal government to move forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples for

the benefit of all Canadians."  

Associated Links

    -- Canada.ca/Declaration (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3198999-1&h=997972219&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canada.ca%2FDeclaration&a=Canada.ca%2FDeclaration

)

For further information, media may contact: Chantalle Aubertin, Press

Secretary, Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada,

+1-613-992-6568; Media Relations: Department of Justice Canada,

+1-613-957-4207, media@justice.gc.ca; Ani Dergalstanian, Press Secretary and

Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of

Crown-Indigenous Relations, +1-819-997-0002; Media Relations: Crown-Indigenous

Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, +1-819-934-2302,

RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

SOURCE Department of Justice Canada