Thank you.
The proposed framework, Bill C-69, integrates the government's commitments to reconciliation. As part of the specifics of what will change, the proposed legislation would require earlier and more regular engagement and partnership with indigenous communities and a deeper level of collaboration and respect for indigenous rights and jurisdiction throughout the process.
For example, the new framework specifically requires consideration of impacts on rights and indigenous culture. It requires indigenous engagement and partnership early and throughout the process, mandatory consideration of indigenous knowledge and provides new provisions that would allow more collaborative arrangements with indigenous groups to exercise powers and duties under the framework.
It also specifically advances the government's commitment to aim to secure the free, prior and informed consent throughout the impact assessment process, based on principles of mutual respect and dialogue.