Moving Forward to Reconciliation

Bill C-5: The One Canadian Economy Act, A Message from the United Church of Canada’s Living into Right Relations

Bill C-5 has been forced through the House of Commons without adequate consultation and discussion with First Nations and is in violation of Canada’s UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and constitutional obligations. Bill C-5 gives the government extraordinary powers to approve major projects without consultation.
The Prime Minister met with Chiefs to discuss the bill July 16-17, but there remain many questions. First Nations youth in particular are organizing around the bill, and were in fact blocked from the meeting by the RCMP. The Chiefs of Ontario have made clear that summits such as this “cannot replace formal, nation-to-nation processes required by law and the honour of the Crown.” Chief Archie Wabasse of Wunnumin Lake First Nation stated that “if reconciliation is real, then laws like this cannot stand. If consultation is sincere, then it must start when the idea is forming, not when the ink has dried. And if Canada truly respects our treaties, it must sit with us not only in ceremony, but in Parliament, in legislation, and in decision-making.” Nine Ontario First Nations have issued a legal challenge to Bill C-5 and Ontario Bill 5. You can follow this ongoing story at APTN News.

The United Nations marks International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples each year on August 9. This year’s theme is “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” There will be a virtual commemoration on Friday, August 8 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern. For more information on the program and how to connect, please visit the IDWIP website.