Good afternoon from the Kitsumkalum nation.
Smgigyet, sigidm hanaa'na̱x, chiefs and matriarchs, my name is Chief Troy Sam from Kitsumkalum. We're one of 14 tribes of the Tsimshian nation, and we are the third in B.C. to ratify our treaty, in 2025. We are working hand in hand with the K'ómoks First Nation and our sisters and brothers from Kitselas.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Bill C-10.
Kitsumkalum ratified our treaty on November 1, 2025, with overwhelming support from our members: 90% voter turnout, 90% approval of the treaty and 90% approval of the Kitsumkalum Constitution. That strong mandate reflects unity within our nation and confidence in the work ahead.
Modern treaties are constitutionally protected agreements. They represent negotiated, legally binding commitments between indigenous nations and the Crown. However, across Canada, there has been a persistent implementation gap—a gap between what is promised in the treaty and how promises are carried out in practice.
Bill C-10 is designed to close that gap. If the office is set up, it would help collaboration with the other modern treaty nations and with consistencies across election cycles. The office would also be able to help with identifying gaps between the legislation and case law. I see more efficient use of time, where the proper delegations to the proper departments can be made.
For Kitsumkalum, effective implementation is not theoretical. It affects jurisdiction over lands and resources, environmental decision-making, fiscal arrangements and the ability of our government to exercise authorities as negotiated. Too often, implementation challenges arise because responsibility is fragmented across federal departments. One ministry may interpret an obligation differently from another. Timelines can stretch. Coordination can falter. Nations are left navigating administrative processes, rather than engaging in true nation-to-nation governance.
That is not how constitutional agreements should function. Bill C-10 would establish an independent commissioner whose sole mandate is to review and audit the federal implementation of modern treaties, and that focus matters. Unlike broader oversight bodies, this commissioner would concentrate specifically on whether federal institutions are fulfilling treaty obligations as intended, systematically and consistently.
Public reporting to Parliament changes the accountability dynamic. Implementation becomes visible. It becomes measurable. It becomes subject to scrutiny beyond internal department reporting. For Kitsumkalum, structural oversight reinforces a simple but essential principle: Treaties are binding commitments requiring measurable performance.
Implementation affects economic opportunities. It affects how lands are managed. It affects how regulatory powers are exercised. When obligations are delayed or inconsistently applied, it impacts real outcomes for our community. Some examples are forest management and dealing with naturally occurring problems such as mountain pine beetle or root rot. We can manage our forests to be fire-safe and protect our communities and other infrastructure.
Bill C-10 would create a mechanism to examine patterns, not just isolated disputes. If there are reoccurring administrative bottlenecks, unclear policy interpretations or inconsistent application across departments, those systemic issues could be identified and addressed.
This is not adversarial oversight. This is structural accountability. It is fair treatment of all parties. It supports better governance on all sides by clarifying expectations, reinforcing standards and encouraging federal institutions to approach treaty obligations with coordinated, whole-of-government discipline.
Most importantly, this legislation would protect the implementation of treaty rights. For the Kitsumkalum, that protection is critical as we continue strengthening our governance institutions and exercising jurisdiction responsibly. Constitutional recognition must be matched by operational follow-through.
Bill C-10 affirms that modern treaties are not symbolic milestones. They are enduring frameworks that require consistent oversight to function effectively. Supporting this bill is a statement that implementation matters as much as negotiation. It affirms that commitments made in a treaty must be honoured in practice and not only in principle.
Kitsumkalum supports Bill C-10 because it strengthens accountability, reinforces constitutional integrity and promotes measurable follow-through in modern treaty implementation.
Thank you.