Discussion · Oral Questions
Leah Gazan NDP
“The new water bill only covers reserve lands. Indigenous rights apply to all traditional lands, not just reserves. Will the minister confirm that these rights apply across all traditional territories?”
“Mr. Speaker, the minister tabled Bill C‑37 yesterday, yet its definition of “First Nation lands” is limited to reserve lands under section 91(24) of the BNA Act. While the bill repeatedly references UNDRIP’s application, it appears restricted to reserves. Indigenous peoples have rights that extend beyond reserve boundaries into their traditional territories. Can the minister confirm that UNDRIP, including article 25, applies throughout indigenous peoples’ traditional territories and not just on reserve, yes or no?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, the minister tabled Bill C‑37 yesterday, yet its definition of “First Nation lands” is limited to reserve lands under section 91(24) of the BNA Act. While the bill repeatedly references UNDRIP’s application, it appears restricted to reserves. Indigenous peoples have rights that extend beyond reserve boundaries into their traditional territories. Can the minister confirm that UNDRIP, including article 25, applies throughout indigenous peoples’ traditional territories and not just on reserve, yes or no?