Bellegarde email urges MPs to support bill on UN Indigenous rights declaration

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde wrote an email to MP’s urging them to support Cree NDP MP Romeo Saganash’s private members bill

APTN National News
OTTAWA—Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde wrote an email to MP’s urging them to support Cree NDP MP Romeo Saganash’s private members bill to have UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People apply to new federal laws.

Bellegarde sent the email to MPs across party lines Tuesday urging them to support Bill C-641 during Wednesday’s House of Commons second reading vote.

If the bill fails to get enough votes it won’t go to committee for hearings and study.

“Statements that the declaration is incompatible with Canada’s constitution are untrue and undermine Canada’s standing and reputation in the international community,” wrote Bellegarde, in the email, which was obtained by APTN National News. “The declaration offers a road map to correct the entrenched patters of system discrimination and the many barriers to First Nations enjoying all fundamental human rights and freedoms.”

The Harper government is opposing Saganash’s bill arguing it is not compatible with the constitution and that it would give First Nations a veto over federal legislation.

“Adoption of Bill C-641 provides a crucial opportunity for the federal government to engage in genuine partnership with Indigenous peoples,” wrote Bellegarde. “I urge you to vote for Bill C-641 at (second) reading…and to provide your unequivocal support to its passage and fulfillment.”

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1 thought on “Bellegarde email urges MPs to support bill on UN Indigenous rights declaration

  1. Cindy Jacobs says:

    how can we vote on this?

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