OTTAWA - The NDP's critic for intergovernmental indigenous affairs has tabled a bill designed to ensure Canada respects the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Romeo Saganash, a residential school survivor, worked for more than two decades to craft the declaration.
The legislation he tabled this morning is similar to a proposal he put forward in the previous Parliament, which the Liberals supported.
Saganash notes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated he will move forward on all recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including a pledge to fully adopt and implement the UN declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
He considers his bill to be a national action plan that will ensure progress is made by the federal government.
Former TRC chairman turned senator Murray Sinclair says he supports Saganash "wholeheartedly in this endeavour" and pledges to do what is necessary to ensure the bill passes if it makes it to the upper chamber.
