C-15

Details

Full Title

An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

First Reading

December 3, 2020, Parliament 43, Session 2

Type

House Government Bill

Full Content

https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/43-2/c-15

Summary

Bill C-15, also known as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, makes sure that Canadian laws are in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The bill says the Canadian government needs to take action to make sure Canadian laws follow the Declaration. It also requires the government to create a plan to reach the goals of the Declaration.

The bill includes a plan to deal with past unfairness, fight prejudice, and end violence and racism against Indigenous people. This includes elders, youth, children, women, men, people with disabilities, and people with diverse genders and two-spirit people. The plan will also promote respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

The Minister must work with Indigenous peoples and other federal ministers to create and implement the action plan. The plan should also have ways to check on its progress and make changes if needed. The plan has to be finished within two years of the bill becoming law. Once the plan is ready, it will be presented to Parliament and then made available to the public.

Also, the Minister needs to prepare a report each year on the steps taken to follow the Declaration and put the action plan in place. This report must be created with help from Indigenous peoples. The report will be presented to Parliament and then shared with the public. The report will then be reviewed by a committee in each House of Parliament that deals with Indigenous issues.

Issues

Social Justice

• Reconciliation

  This bill is centered around Indigenous reconciliation. It requires the government to align Canadian laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It also commits to creating an action plan, in partnership with Indigenous peoples, to address injustices, combat prejudice, and eliminate discrimination. It also aims to promote mutual respect.

• Gender and Sexuality

  The bill specifically mentions the need to address discrimination against gender-diverse persons and two-spirit persons within Indigenous communities. This indicates an effort to promote inclusivity and equity for LGBTQ+ individuals within the context of Indigenous reconciliation.

• Racism

  The bill aims to combat prejudice and eliminate all forms of violence, racism and discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination, against Indigenous peoples. The action plan that is created must include ways to address injustices.