I know we're all talking about a definition of FPIC. I have one from Justice, so I'm going to read it. It comes directly from the federal government's justice department.
It says the following:
References to “free, prior and informed consent” (FPIC) are found throughout the Declaration. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples and ensuring that there is effective and meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples in decisions that affect them, their communities and territories.
I want to say this is coming directly from the justice department:
More specifically, FPIC describes processes that are free from manipulation or coercion, informed by adequate and timely information, and occur sufficiently prior to a decision so that Indigenous rights and interests can be incorporated or addressed effectively as part of the decision making process—all as part of meaningfully aiming to secure the consent of affected Indigenous peoples.
We actually have a definition, currently. I'm reading it right off the Justice page. It continues:
FPIC is about working together in partnership and respect. In many ways, it reflects the ideals behind the relationship with Indigenous peoples, by striving to achieve consensus as parties work together in good faith on decisions that impact Indigenous rights and interests. Despite what some have suggested, it is not about having a veto over government decision-making.
FPIC is not a veto. It's all laid out by the justice department. It has a very clear definition of FPIC.
I want to add that we passed Bill C-15 in the last Parliament. Section 5 stipulates that all legislation, going forward, has to be compatible and consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The reason this legislation is taking so long is that the Liberal government has failed to do that. Now we are in a situation where only 30% of first nations have been consulted, meaning you have not met the FPIC standards outlined by your justice department, which the federal government must adhere to. Now we're here. We have the definition. I'm not sure what the issue is in terms of incorporating FPIC, when the justice department has defined it.
The other thing I'd like to point to is the UN expert instrument that clearly outlines UNDRIP. We are obliged to uphold international law.
I can read it:
Free, prior and informed consent is a manifestation of indigenous peoples' right to self-determine their political, social, economic and cultural priorities. It constitutes three interrelated and cumulative rights of indigenous peoples....
It goes on. It has a very clear definition, and it's consistent with the definition outlined by the federal justice department.
I'm sharing this because, even with the child care legislation, the Liberals pushed very hard not to include free, prior and informed consent on matters impacting our children. There seems to be a pattern of behaviour when it comes to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the very core of which is free, prior and informed consent and self-determination. The Liberals continually disrespect this. Now, I managed to work with the Conservatives on the child care legislation, and we got FPIC passed in that.
Using the excuse that we don't know what FPIC is is not accurate or honest. We have a definition at the federal justice department. It goes on. We can read it.
Thank you.