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October 24, 2019
VICTORIA—Unifor applauds the leadership of the John Horgan government for introducing a bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“The UNDRIP is important to reconciliation and helps build a legal framework to let Indigenous communities thrive,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
The B.C. bill ensures that provincial laws are consistent with the UNDRIP, including provisions to guarantee Indigenous peoples are part of provincial decision-making. It also includes an action plan and public reporting on progress.
In May 2018, the House of Commons passed a similar bill tabled by by Quebec MP Romeo Saganash. Unifor actively supported the Assembly of First Nations’ campaign to adopt the bill before the parliamentary session concluded.
A minority of Conservative Senators filibustered Saganash’s bill, ultimately leading to its failure to pass through the Senate to become law.
The UNDRIP has been adopted by 148 countries worldwide.
“It was shameful behaviour when Conservative Party Senators blocked Canada’s compliance with UNDRIP,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “We encourage the federal government and all other provincial governments to implement the 46 articles of the UN Declaration.”
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
