Bill C-15 (Historical)

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

This enactment provides that the Government of Canada must take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and must prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

[Sébastien Lemire, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

Madam Speaker, my friend Richard Kistabish, also known as Ejinagosi, a former chief of Abitibiwinni nation, which is located in my riding, and a former Anishinabe grand chief, was recently appointed to the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages, 2022-32. I would remind everyone that the House is located on Anishinabe land.

I chatted with him about the bill yesterday, and he told me it was good news because it officially excludes the term “Indian”. He feels that is a starting point for dialogue because that recognition is a prerequisite for conversations about other issues. He sees the passage of Bill C-15 as nothing less than a signal to initiate dialogue. Ever since the Constitution was repatriated, Indians have lost their rights, and I want to point out to the House that the term “Indian” is pejorative.

What does the parliamentary secretary think about that perspective? Will there be next steps after the passage of Bill C-15 to initiate a nation-to-nation dialogue with indigenous peoples as equals?

[Arif Virani, Liberal, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Speaker, after this bill is passed, I am sure that we will begin a new chapter and open a new dialogue in good faith with all indigenous peoples, namely the first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

[Sylvie Bérubé, Bloc, Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, QC]

Madam Speaker, I have the great honour to finally rise in the House, virtually of course, to speak to Bill C-15, which seeks to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I am also very pleased to give this speech in support of Bill C-15 on behalf of some 20 Cree, Inuit and Algonquin communities in the great riding of Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou.

I said “finally” because we have waited for this bill for a long time. The United Nations declaration was adopted on September 13, 2007. It is now April 2021, nearly 14 years later, and the declaration has still not been enshrined in Canadian law. Fourteen years is a long time. That is four Parliaments. However, 14 years is just slightly less than the gap in life expectancy at birth between Inuit people and the rest of the Canadian population. In 2017, this gap was 15 years for men. A 15-year gap represents half a generation, or one-sixth of a century, which is a lot of years in a human life.

Time goes by and the world changes, but time stands still for indigenous peoples. Nothing moves, nothing changes because procrastination reigns supreme in the kingdom of Canada. It is time for that to change.

I am unfortunately running out of time, so I will talk about the history of our political party, the declaration, and the notion of free, prior and informed consent.

We believe—

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

I apologize for having to cut off the member, but it being 6:25 p.m., pursuant to order made earlier today, it is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith every question necessary to dispose of the second reading stage of the bill now before the House.

The question is on the motion.

If a member of a recognized party present in the House wishes to request a recorded division or that the motion be adopted on division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

The hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, I would like to request a recorded division.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

Pursuant to Standing Order made on Monday, January 25, the division stands deferred until Monday, April 19 at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Madam Speaker, I believe if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to see the clock at 6:40 p.m.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

Is it agreed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Mrs. Alexandra Mendès), Liberal, Alexandra Mendes]

It being 6:40 p.m., the House will now proceed to the consideration of Private Members' Business as listed on today's Order Paper.