This bill was last introduced in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session, which ended in August 2021.
Marco Mendicino Liberal
This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament often publishes better independent summaries.
This enactment amends the Citizenship Act to include, in the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, a solemn promise to respect the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, in order to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 94.
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Madam Speaker, I support the indigenous people and their rights. That is why I am here, and that is what I am fighting for. It is time for us to honour their rights.
Han Dong Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Madam Speaker, I will be splitting my time today with the member for Labrador.
I would like to first acknowledge that the House of Commons where this debate is taking place today is on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation.
I am pleased to discuss the amendments to Canada's citizenship oath that our government is proposing to Parliament.
The history of first nations, Inuit and Métis is the very history of our country. Indigenous people in Canada are the descendants of the original inhabitants of this land. There are three distinct groups that are recognized in Canada's Constitution: first nations, Inuit and Métis. Indigenous people in Canada are critical in our country's development and our future. Indigenous peoples are very diverse, with many distinct heritages, languages, cultures, practices and spiritual beliefs. Reconciliation with indigenous people remains a central priority of this government, and we will continue to move forward as a committed partner in renewing our relationship with indigenous peoples.
It is important to acknowledge the contributions that indigenous people have continued to make in building a stronger and more inclusive Canada. With strong indigenous institutions, we will begin the important work of closing the socio-economic gap and fostering strong indigenous communities for future generations. All Canadians are responsible for participating in the ongoing process of reconciliation. This brings us to the changes the government has proposed, to change the current wording of the oath of citizenship.
Through these proposals, our government is addressing one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action that pertains to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's mandate. Call to action 94 calls on the government to amend the oath of citizenship and to add reference to include treaties with indigenous peoples. Our consultation with national indigenous organizations clearly indicated that the phrase “treaties with indigenous peoples”, as recommended by the commission, is not relevant to all indigenous peoples and therefore not inclusive of varied indigenous experiences.
The amendment of the oath in this bill expands the commission's wording to be more inclusive of varied indigenous experiences. This responds to what we heard in the consultations and reflects the spirit of this particular call to action. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has consulted with other government departments and national indigenous organizations on the wording of the oath of citizenship. Therefore, to address the commission's calls to action as well as the commitment made in the 2019 Speech from the Throne, the bill would modify the wording of the oath of citizenship as follows:
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.
The revised text of the oath uses wording that reflects the broader range of rights held by diverse indigenous people. Any change to the oath of citizenship requires amendments to the Citizenship Act and is subject to the parliamentary process. As the minister has often noted, the government is committed to completing legislative work on the changes that reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. This explains the changes we proposed today.
Let me close with these thoughts for my hon. colleagues to consider. The histories of the indigenous peoples in Canada are rich and diverse. They stretch far into the past since time immemorial, before oral and written history. I would impress on my hon. colleagues that we need to take this opportunity to both acknowledge our country's past and to move toward a renewed relationship with the indigenous peoples based on the inherent rights, respect and partnership.
The changes to the citizenship oath would be an important step in this pursuit. Through this and other actions, all Canadians can continue to move forward together on the road to reconciliation so we can leave a proper legacy for our future generations.
Eric Melillo Conservative Kenora, ON
Madam Speaker, when we are talking about reconciliation, it is important to talk about all aspects of it and mention some of the things the Liberal government has failed to do. The government has taken some positive steps, which I will acknowledge. All parties have taken some positive steps, and they have all had some missteps and frankly some failures on this file.
Today, earlier in the House, I brought up an issue from my riding with regard to the Neskantaga First Nation. The community is being evacuated because it has no access to water right now and has been on a drinking water advisory for decades. Instead of addressing the situation, the government is choosing to play politics, point fingers and talk about past governments and how much better it believes it is than Stephen Harper, Mulroney, Diefenbaker and Macdonald. The government is doing this instead of taking action right now and recognizing it is the one in power that can address a lot of these concerns.
I am wondering if the member can speak to that and tell us when the government is going to stop playing politics with these issues and is going to take meaningful action in reconciliation.
Han Dong Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Madam Speaker, I heard many times during question period and other occasions where, for example, the Minister of Indigenous Services responded by saying that the government is looking into this problem or that it is working to make sure the advisory ends as quickly as possible.
We are putting all the resources in place to support Canada's indigenous communities. I welcome the question, will certainly bring this up, and I look forward to more action from this side.
Lindsay Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON
Madam Speaker, one of the issues we heard about today and that is certainly talked about from this side of the House is the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The government, again, has talked about its relationship-to-relationship importance but has shelved this report. It has taken no action. It has provided no action plan.
I would like to hear from the hon. member when we can expect to hear about a missing and murdered indigenous women and girls action plan.
Han Dong Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Madam Speaker, as a parent, I can only imagine what a horrific experience it would be for anyone who was affected in this situation. As a former member of the provincial legislature, it was an issue I participated in debates on, as well as pushed more action on.
I agree with the member. This is an important issue facing Canadians, and we have to pull together all the resources and work together to come to a good solution.
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague opposite for his speech.
When it comes to the indigenous file, I have the impression that the Liberal government tends to take symbolic rather than concrete action. It often drags its feet when it is time to take concrete action. Examples that come to mind are the Wet'suwet'en crisis and the drinking water crisis that is still affecting so many indigenous communities in this country. Apologizing is not always easy, but it is not difficult as long as it does not tarnish the history of the Liberal Party too much.
Does my colleague think it might be time to act faster and dedicate more time to all the recommendations, rather than dealing with them one by one and choosing only those that are more symbolic than concrete?
Han Dong Liberal Don Valley North, ON
Madam Speaker, what we are discussing today is a proposed amendment to the oath of citizenship. I was just reading the proposed oath of citizenship, and it still gives me the chills, just as it did 20-plus years ago when I first became a new Canadian.
It is very important for new Canadians to not just understand but also remember what they read, to do so under the witness of fellow new Canadians and judges, and to recognize what it means to them as new Canadians. This is an essential step we have to take so that new Canadians can appreciate the contributions of indigenous peoples.
Citizenship ActGovernment Orders
November 2nd, 2020 / 5:30 p.m.
See
context
Labrador Newfoundland & Labrador
Liberal
Yvonne Jones LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs
Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to speak today. I would like to acknowledge that the House of Commons, where this debate is based today, is on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation. I am speaking today from my riding of Labrador, which is the traditional homeland of Inuit and Innu. We are very proud of the culture that we share together in this big land.
The story of indigenous peoples in Canada is a history that stretches far into the past, before the arrival of the European newcomers to Canada. Indigenous peoples have a fundamental role in Canada's past and are a strong pillar of our society. Those are words people hear at many citizenship ceremonies across Canada. Taking the oath of citizenship is a vital step in the process of becoming a Canadian citizen, and it is recited as the final legal step to becoming a Canadian citizen, which is important to note.
During the ceremony, participants accept the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by taking the oath of citizenship, after which they become Canadian citizens and receive a certificate to mark that particular designation. It is important for both new Canadians and those who are born here to learn about indigenous people and the rich history of indigenous culture. This legislation, an act to amend the citizenship act, proposes to change Canada's oath of citizenship to include clear reference to the constitution, which recognizes and affirms the aboriginal and treaty rights of first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The proposed amendment to the oath reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. It is part of the government's ongoing response to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Of the 96 calls to action, 70 are within the Government of Canada's purview. We are working very hard to deliver on those recommendations because we believe that it is the right path and it is the true path to reconciliation.
The changes are an important and necessary step to advance Canada's broader agenda for reconciliation and to strengthen the country's valued relationship with indigenous peoples. The government's proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act would allow new Canadians to fully appreciate and respect how indigenous peoples are a critical part of our country's history and our country's identity. The new citizenship oath will also reflect our expectations that new Canadians demonstrate an understanding of indigenous peoples and their constitutional rights.
Canada must continue to stand up for the values that define this country, whether that is welcoming newcomers, celebrating our LGBTQ2 communities or embracing our two official languages.
Put simply, the walk toward reconciliation includes the need to address systemic racism in Canada. No relationship is more important to our government than the one with indigenous peoples, and we continue to forge a renewed relationship with them based on the recognition of rights, trust, respect and a true spirit of co-operation. That is why across the country we have worked together to close the quality of life gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people. We have made important progress on this. The last three budgets alone provided $16.8 billion in new funding for indigenous peoples, an increase in planned spending for 2021 of 34% over what was budgeted in 2015.
All children in Canada deserve a real and fair chance to reach their full potential, no matter where they live. By continuing to collaborate with first nations and with Inuit partners, the government is working to eliminate barriers to quality health care and to foster the culturally relevant, social supports that children need in order to succeed. Bill C-92 helped reform the indigenous child care and child welfare in this country. We know from our co-operation with indigenous governments, from learning from them and taking their advice that we can lead in a better direction for all indigenous people.
When we look at distinctions-based funding for post-secondary education, we know it is helping first nations, Inuit and Métis students access better education and succeed in their studies. We have seen it over and over again.
In addition, the government has taken action to help communities reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen indigenous languages and to sustain their important cultural traditions and histories. By promoting indigenous entrepreneurship and business, the government will help first nations, Inuit and Métis people. It will help them fully contribute to and share in Canada's economic success. This is a critical part of advancing reconciliation and self-determination.
While the path to reconciliation is long and we know it is challenging and will often be met with difficulty in different aspects, as a government, we will continue to walk that path with all first nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and with all Canadians. We will do so in our actions and interactions.
As I mentioned earlier, the proposed changes to the oath that we are talking about today are an important and necessary step to advance Canada's broader agenda for reconciliation with indigenous people in this country. These changes demonstrate to new Canadians and, in fact, all Canadians a deep respect for indigenous peoples, and they recognize that the histories of first nations, Inuit and Métis people are a vital part of Canada's fabric and identity.
Since Liberals became government in 2015, we have invested more money historically than any government before us to address the significant challenges that have faced indigenous peoples in Canada. We are very proud of the reform that we have done around the child welfare act. We are very happy with the progress that we have been able to make in so many different indigenous communities across Canada.
We were the first government to commit to addressing the issues of clean water, housing and so many other pieces of important infrastructure, where we knew there were huge gaps. However, we did not do it alone. We did it with the support, guidance and input of indigenous governments through the Crown-Inuit partnership table and through the partnership tables with first nations and Métis. We heard first-hand from national leaders, band councils and heads of governments in indigenous communities what was important to them, what they wanted from government and how we should move forward in partnership with them.
Out of that, we have seen a lot of investments that were directly needed, important and critical at the time, along with longer-term strategies: strategies to eradicate tuberculosis over a 10-year period, strategies to deal with mental health and addictions in indigenous regions, strategies that looked at their own education systems and how they could play a more critical role in the delivery of health care and social welfare programs on reserve.
We have continued to work with leadership because we know that they know it better. As the Government of Canada, we are here as a true and full partner at the table not only to listen and learn but also to walk the path of reconciliation and make the tough choices that have to be made on that path to reconciliation. The Government of Canada and the Prime Minister have stood up and apologized for the past wrongs that have been done to indigenous peoples in this country, to make amends. It is all part of our walking together in reconciliation as a country.
Reconciliation is not just with indigenous people; it is with all Canadians. I have heard that statement many times. I have heard many members in the House of Commons make that statement, and no words could be truer.
We all have a job to do and a role to play. What members are seeing today with the calls to action under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is just one other way the Government of Canada is stepping up to do what is right and what should have been done for a long time—
The Assistant Deputy Speaker NDP Carol Hughes
Unfortunately the hon. member's time is up. I know there is a bit of a delay in the reception at this point.
Obviously, this is an issue that I hear a lot in my riding, the access and reliability of the Internet. I do not know if it is the cold where the member is, but it is freezing quite a bit at this end. The screen is freezing, not the weather. Well, the weather is cold out there today as well, but I know that there is a delay. I just want to ensure that when members are asking their questions they are patient with the answers, because it may come up a little slower than usual.
We will go to questions and comments.
The hon. member for La Pointe-de-L'Île has the floor.
Mario Beaulieu Bloc La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC
Madam Speaker, in its report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada appeared to lament the fact that the guide for aspiring Canadian citizens does not mention indigenous peoples and their role as a source of law. The guide, entitled Discover Canada, talks about British laws and the civil code of France, but there is no mention whatsoever of the treaties with indigenous peoples and their inherent rights.
I would like to hear the member's thoughts on this. Does she think this should be included in the next guide for new citizens?
Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL
Madam Speaker, hopefully members can hear me. I think I got most of the question. Unfortunately I do have some Internet issues here in Labrador. In fact, right across the riding we have Internet issues, which are not uncommon in the north, so it is always much more challenging to participate in the parliamentary process.
The proposed amendment to this oath really demonstrates the government's commitment to advancing the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It reflects the commitment to reconciliation and a renewed relationship with indigenous people in Canada, which is a path that we started as a government and one we will continue on.
Taylor Bachrach NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Madam Speaker, the parliamentary secretary mentioned the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action. Last year the Yellowhead Institute released a report estimating that, at the current rate of implementation, it will be 2057 before all 94 calls to action are completed. I know that the parliamentary secretary represents a part of our country with a high percentage of indigenous people, as do I in the northwest of B.C., where about a third of constituents are indigenous.
I am wondering if the parliamentary secretary could explain to the House how she explains to her constituents the shockingly, devastatingly slow pace of implementation.
Yvonne Jones Liberal Labrador, NL
Madam Speaker, as members know, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission does call upon the Government of Canada to make changes in terms of its relationship with indigenous people, but it also calls upon other stakeholders, including provinces and territories, religious entities and many, many others across this country. However, as the Government of Canada, what falls within our purview are the issues that we have continued to focus on, but we have also reached out to those external to government to ask them to respect and take responsibility to implement those recommendations of the TRC.
We will continue to do that and, as the government, we will continue to work harder to ensure that the recommendations that fall within the purview of the federal government continue to be implemented.
Kirsty Duncan Liberal Etobicoke North, ON
Madam Speaker, my thanks to the member for the work she does each and every day. Reconciliation is the responsibility of everyone in Canada. We all need to recognize the harm, the atrocities of residential schools, and the impact they had on first nations, Inuit and Métis people. We have been given a plan, with the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We cannot ignore what indigenous people have told us. We have to listen. We need to understand in our hearts and understand viscerally what this has done.
What does my colleague think each of us can do in our communities to advance reconciliation?