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Indigenous Affairs

During question period on Indigenous affairs, the NDP asked about Alberta’s premier’s suggestion to amend the Constitution regarding section 35 Indigenous rights, citing concerns over a pipeline plan, and asked whether the Prime Minister agrees with her or will speak against it. The Liberal reply was that the government will not be changing the Constitution, that section 35 must be respected, and that the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples will be followed when advancing major projects.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Leah Gazan

NDP
“Alberta's premier wants to change the Constitution to weaken Indigenous rights for a pipeline. The Prime Minister has stayed quiet. I want him to tell us if he agrees with her or if he will speak out against her plan.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, recently suggested that the Constitution be amended because she finds section 35 rights problematic for her pipeline dream. What is more troublesome, though, is that the Liberal Prime Minister has remained silent. However, that is not surprising, considering Amnesty International has confirmed that he has backslid on indigenous rights. Indigenous peoples want to know, does the Prime Minister agree with Premier Smith, or will he take the honourable stand and condemn this dangerous proposition?

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Rebecca Alty

Liberal
“We will not change the Constitution, and we will respect it. When we build major projects, we will consult with Indigenous peoples and address their concerns.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we will not be changing the Constitution. The Constitution must be respected, including section 35. When advancing on major projects, we will be ensuring that the duty to consult and accommodate will be followed.

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