Question Period Note: Litigation - Treaty Annuity Indexation

N.A.

• Several First Nations have brought litigation seeking compensation related to the indexation of annuity payments under the Numbered Treaties.
• The Government of Canada is committed to renewing relationships with Indigenous peoples to advance on our shared priorities, including a path forward to self-determination.
• Honouring treaty relationships and working together in partnership are key to advancing reconciliation.

N.A.

If pressed on the pace of annuities settlements
• The issue of Treaty annuities has been raised both inside and outside of the courts.
• Crown – Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) recognizes that more needs to be done in renewing the Treaty relationship and we remain open to looking at ways to advance this important work with our Treaty First Nation partners.
• While this work is ongoing, Treaty annuity payment amounts will remain the same and payments will continue to be made in keeping with the current processes. If pressed on the Restoule/Whitesand litigation and if Canada will negotiate Treaty annuities with Numbered Treaty First Nations as Canada is doing with Ontario and the Robinson Huron and Robinson Superior Treaty First Nations
• Honouring the Treaty relationship and working together in partnership with First Nations is key to advancing lasting reconciliation.
• The Government of Canada welcomed the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision, which provided clarity on the Treaty promise made in the Robinson-Huron Treaty and Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
• Next steps on Treaty annuities will be informed by future decisions of the courts.