Federal commissioner to hold government accountable for treaty obligations

New role announced Thursday at Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum

The federal government is creating a new independent oversight body headed by a Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation as part of its efforts toward reconciliation, the government announced Thursday. Pictured here is the celebration outside Parliament Hill on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in September 2022. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)

By Nunatsiaq News

The federal government is creating a new independent oversight body tasked with holding the government accountable for its Modern Treaty obligations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new role Thursday, following the Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum attended by several federal cabinet ministers and leaders from 30 Modern Treaty holders and self-governing Indigenous governments.

The oversight body will be headed by a Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation, who will help ensure the federal government is held accountable for living up to the commitments in Modern Treaties, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Historic treaties signed after 1763 provided large areas of land, occupied by First Nations, to the Crown.

Modern Treaties, however, recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples to ownership over 600,000 square kilometres of land, protection and revitalization of their culture, language and heritage, and participation in land and resources management decisions among several other guarantees.

Since 1975, Canada has signed 26 modern treaties.

The commissioner will be responsible for independent, expert oversight of activity by the Government of Canada relating to the implementation of Modern Treaties; be independent, objective and impartial in the discharge of their mandate; and have expert knowledge of Modern Treaties.

“For over 20 years, Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners have been calling for improved independent oversight so that the federal government is held accountable for its obligations under Modern Treaties,” the statement says.

The government will provide $10.6 million over four years to support the work of the commissioner, who must consult with Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners.

“We are learning from the mistakes of the past and creating a strong foundation for our ongoing work together to address challenges faced by Indigenous Modern Treaty and self-government partners across Canada,” Trudeau said in the statement.

The legislative proposal to establish the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation will be introduced in Parliament after consultations end June 28.

 

 

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