Question Period Note: Recognition and Implementation of Indigenous Rights

• Our government is working to renew nation-to-nation relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
• We are at over 160 active negotiation tables, with over 500 Indigenous groups and involving over one million Indigenous people, to support Indigenous peoples in realizing their vision of self-determination.
• We are also committed to implementing treaties, self-government and other constructive arrangements.

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If Pressed on Reconciliation
• Over the last five years, we have advanced reconciliation through rights-based discussion tables, co-development of a new fiscal framework for self-governing Indigenous governments, and legislation on Indigenous languages and Child and Family Services.
• We are working to fully implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and are committed to the full an effective implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Redesign of the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right Policies
• Since 2015, we have been advancing interest-based discussions and ensuring that co-development is at the core of all negotiations.
• In September 2019, we co-developed the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia with the First Nations Summit and the British Columbia Government.
• We will continue working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to redesign the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies.
• Work is already underway in collaboration with the Assembly of First Nations on this issue.

If Pressed on The Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia
• In September 2019, the Government of Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit endorsed the co-developed Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia.
• This rights-based policy supports and enables approaches to the negotiation of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between Canada, British Columbia and participating Indigenous Nations in British Columbia.
• Canada is ready to explore the use of the approaches found in this policy with negotiation partners elsewhere in the country.

If Pressed on a National Treaty Commissioner’s Office
Our Government is committed to co-developing a process for the ongoing review, maintenance and enforcement of treaty obligations between the Crown and Indigenous communities.
• Advancing this commitment will involve meaningful engagement and partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.