Bill C-262, also known as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, aims to bring Canadian laws in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The bill states that the Government of Canada must take the steps needed to make sure Canadian laws follow UNDRIP. It recognizes UNDRIP as a universal international human rights document that applies to Canadian law.
The bill says that it doesn't take away from the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights already protected in the Constitution. It also says that the bill shouldn't delay putting UNDRIP into practice in Canada. The bill requires the government to create a national action plan, in partnership with Indigenous peoples, to meet the goals of UNDRIP.
Furthermore, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is required to provide an annual report to Parliament. This report will detail the progress made on making Canadian laws consistent with UNDRIP and on the implementation of the national action plan. This reporting is required every year between 2017 and 2037.
The schedule of the bill includes the full text of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, outlining specific rights related to self-determination, culture, lands, resources, and more. This declaration is presented as a standard to work towards with partnership and respect.