Editor: For the past two years I’ve been watching the progress of Bill C-262, The United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous People, work is way through the house and senate. Bill C-262 was approved overwhelmingly by the House of Commons in May 2018.
For ten months it has been delayed in the Senate. Only six weeks remain before Bills, which have not been approved will die on the order papers. After three readings, Bill C-262 will not go to the Senate committee stage until May16th.
What the Bill does is set out a framework for the federal government to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to implement standards set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It would not directly change any current laws but it would require governments to work collaboratively with indigenous people.
I urge all citizens of the Bow Valley to contact our political leaders and senators and urge them to do the right thing. Canada is one of the last countries in the world to officially recognize this legislation. This Bill must be passed before this session of Parliament ends. Reconciliation is too important for an opportunity like this to be wasted.
Mary Shearer,
Canmore
