I am proud to announce that my Private Member’s Bill, C-428, has received Royal Assent and has now become law.
My Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act was a long time in the making and I would like to sincerely thank all of those who helped me in the formation of the act and those who supported me and this bill every step of the way.
Certainly, there was a great deal of misinformation being floated about this act in the early stages with some individuals choosing to portray it as something it wasn’t.
This was bound to be the case, as the Indian Act always has been and always will be a contentious issue.
Luckily, the truth about my bill became clear to all and it has received broad support.
The Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act was never an attempt to eliminate the Indian Act, leaving nothing in its stead. Rather, this bill was intended to – and now will – lead us to a more modern and respectful version of the Indian Act. It will also, among other things, at last removes all references to residential schools.
The most important part of the bill is a mandate for collaboration between Canada’s First Nations and the Crown for the purpose of repealing and replacing the Indian Act.
The bill requires the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to make yearly reports to the House of Commons on the progress made toward the replacement of the Indian Act.
I believe that this action will keep us all on track for the abolition of this fundamentally racist and flawed piece of legislation and help us move forward with mutual respect.
Absolutely no one supports the Indian Act in its current incarnation.
I believe that Bill C-428 will help us to create new legislation that we can all get behind.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support in 2014. I hope that you will all enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015!
