Proposed Amendment to Controversial Bill Aims to Address First Nations’ Concerns on Economic Zones
Victoria, Canada — A proposed bill has raised significant concern among First Nations and Indigenous stakeholders due to its lack of explicit language addressing the government’s obligation to engage in consultations regarding regulatory impacts. Discussion of the amendment is anticipated today, which aims to clarify that regulations under the new Act must align with the acknowledgment and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights as outlined in Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982. This includes the government’s duty to conduct consultations with Indigenous communities. Critics, including legal representatives for Indigenous groups, argue that … Read more