Annex C: Legislation, regulations and legislative and regulatory amendments advanced during the reporting period
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
Statutes and Bills
An Act to amend the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and to make a clarification relating to another Act
Royal Assent June 20, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34)
Description: Among other things, the Act updates and modernizes the mandates of the First Nations Financial Management Board and the First Nations Tax Commission, stabilizes the operation of the regime and the institutions, and establishes a fourth institution under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA), the First Nations Infrastructure Institute.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: CIRNAC and the First Nations-led institutions under the FNFMAhave established a strong working relationship over the past two decades. The legislative amendments were co-developed with the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board. They originate from enhancements to the regime proposed directly by the institutions and the feedback of the First Nations who have chosen to participate under this Act, in order to address some of the institutional and regulatory gaps that First Nations are facing, and to improve their operations.
Amendments to the Yukon Act
Royal Assent June 22, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32)
Description: The Yukon Act was amended to authorize the Minister of Northern Affairs to take any measures on certain public real property that the Minister considers necessary to prevent, counteract, mitigate or remedy any adverse effect on persons, property or the environment. The Amendment ensures that the federal Minister has the same powers related to the remediation of the Faro Mine as the provincial Minister does.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Consultations on the proposed amendments to the Yukon Act concluded in December 2020. Consultations took place with all Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Government. The Indigenous groups consulted were all supportive of the transfer of the Faro Mine site and the proposed amendments.
An Act to Give Effect to the Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and to Make Consequential Amendments to Other Acts
Royal Assent June 22, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights (Articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36); Cultural, religious and linguistic rights (Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 25, 31); Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); Education, information and media (Articles 14, 15, 16); Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32); Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34)
Description: This legislation gives effect to a self-government treaty as negotiated with Whitecap Dakota Nation.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, CIRNAC consulted with Indigenous Governments and treaty organizations who are understood to represent their community members as their governing body.
Bill C-29 - An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation
Royal Assent April 30, 2024
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Participation in decision-making and Indigenous Institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34)
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP074 - Advancing economic reconciliation
Description: The National Reconciliation Council Act has the effect of establishing an independent, non-profit organization led by Aboriginal people (the Council). This body is responsible, among other things, for monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress made in reconciliation in Canada.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Consultations with selected groups conducted prior to fiscal year 2024-2025 and others to be scheduled as required.
S-16 – An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation (Haida Nation Recognition Act)
At third reading in the Senate
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights (Articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36); Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34); Self-determination, self-government and recognition of treaties (Articles 3, 4, 37)
Description: S-16 implements certain sections of the agreement entitled “Nang K̲’uula • Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement”.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: The agreement given effect by this Bill was negotiated with the Haida Nation.
Regulations
Order Amending the Order Prohibiting Certain Activities in Arctic Offshore Waters, 2022: SOR/2023-268
Regulations came into force on December 8, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); Environment (Article 29)
Description: Under the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act, the Order Prohibiting Certain Activities in Arctic Offshore Waters was extended to December 31, 2028. The purpose of this order is to freeze the terms of existing oil and gas licences in the Arctic offshore and to suspend any oil and gas activities for the duration of the Arctic offshore oil and gas moratorium.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, CIRNAC consulted with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. who supported the Order while the moratorium is maintained.
Orders Amending the Schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act: SOR/2023-164, SOR/2023-225, SOR/2023-259 and SOR/2024-2
SOR/2023-164: Order came into force on July 20, 2023, SOR/2023-225 came into force October 24, 2023; SOR/2023-259: Order came into force on December 5, 2023; SOR/2024-2 Came into force January 15, 2024
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Description: These orders add specific First Nations to the schedule of the FNFMA: Batchewana First Nation (Ontario);Eskasoni (Nova Scotia); Lyackson (British Columbia);Nation Huronne Wendat (Quebec); Prophet River First Nation (British Columbia);Tahltan (British Columbia); Fox Lake (Manitoba), Louis Bull Tribe (Alberta) and Natoaganeg (New Brunswick); Liard First Nation (YT), Loon River Cree (AB), Pabineau (NB) and Wolf Lake (QC); and Binche Whut’en (British Columbia), Gitanyow (British Columbia) and Mikisew Cree First Nation (Alberta).
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, CIRNAC consulted with Indigenous Governments and Treaty Organizations who are understood to represent their community members as their governing body. Participation in the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) is optional. In order to participate, a First Nation must submit a Band Council resolution to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations requesting that they be added to the schedule of the FNFMA.
Order Bringing Individual Agreements with First Nations into Effect SOR/2023-128
Order came into force on July 1, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Cultural, religious and linguistic rights (Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 25, 31); Education, information and media (Articles 14, 15, 16); Self-determination, self-government and recognition of treaties (Articles 3, 4, 37)
Description: Sectoral self-government jurisdiction over education. Recognizing the authority of Squamish Nation, Ditidaht First Nation, and Canim Lake to make laws related to primary and secondary education on reserve, including education curricula, graduation requirements, teacher certification, and school certification. These education jurisdiction agreements will help ensure that the participating First Nations have the tools and authority they need to develop and deliver culturally relevant and community-tailored education programs.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: CIRNAC has an active negotiation and implementation relationship with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Education Authority regarding the education jurisdiction initiative to support participating First Nations in assuming jurisdiction over education. Engagement with these organizations is ongoing pertaining to this initiative which will see additional First Nations signing Education Jurisdiction Agreements in subsequent years.
Regulations Amending the Preliminary Screening Requirement Regulations and the Exemption List Regulations of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act
Regulations came into force June 24, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Environment (Article 29); Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32)
Description: The Preliminary Screening Requirement Regulations list the provisions of federal and territorial acts that require a regulatory authority or designated regulatory agency to undertake a preliminary screening of a proposed development when they receive an application for a permit, licence or other authorization. A preliminary screening is conducted to determine if a proposed project might be cause for public concern or might have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The preliminary screening will determine whether the project should proceed without environmental assessment or if it will be referred to environmental assessment. When a proposed development’s impact on the environment in the Mackenzie Valley would be insignificant, an exemption from preliminary screening may apply. The Exemption List Regulations specify the types of proposed developments that would not require a preliminary screening.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, CIRNAC consulted with Indigenous Governments and organizations and Modern Treaty partners with rights in the Mackenzie Valley region.
Department of Justice Canada
Statutes and Bills
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform)
Royal assent December 5, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights (Articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36)
Description: Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), made targeted amendments to the bail provisions of the Criminal Code to enhance public safety and public confidence in the administration of justice. The amendments included changes at the bail stage to address serious repeat violent offending involving firearms, other dangerous weapons, and intimate partner violence. The legislation also added a requirement for courts to state on the record for any bail decision how they have considered the particular circumstances of Indigenous accused persons or accused persons who are members of vulnerable populations, as required by section 493.2 of the Criminal Code.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: The office of the Minister of Justice discussed the subject of bail in meetings with representatives from National Indigenous Organizations. This engagement underscored the importance of ensuring that the changes in the legislation took into account the potential impacts on Indigenous peoples, who are overrepresented in Canada’s criminal justice system.
Bill S-13 – An Act to amend the Interpretation Act and to make related amendments to other Acts
At second reading in the House of Commons
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights.
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP 2 non-derogation clause in the Interpretation Act
Description: A non-derogation clause (NDC) is a statement in legislation that indicates the law should be interpreted to uphold, and not diminish, the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The addition of a NDC in the federal Interpretation Act has long been a priority for many Indigenous partners. The Bill was introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2023.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Justice Canada consulted with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Modern Treaty partners, and Urban / Off-reserve organizations prior to the introduction of the bill.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Statutes and Bills
An Act respecting early learning and child care in Canada (short title: Canada Early Learning and Child Care Act)
Royal Assent March 19, 2024
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24), Education, information, and media (Articles 14, 15, 16)
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP103 - Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework
Description: This legislative measure marks a historic milestone in the Government’s commitment to ensuring families in Canada have enduring access to affordable, inclusive and high-quality early learning and child care – and will help further the progressive realization of Canada’s human rights commitments, including those outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Ongoing implementation of the Canada-wide ELCC system includes the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care initiative which is guided by partnership tables with representatives nominated by respective leadership from First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation at national and regional levels. The tables work in collaboration with federal partners to facilitate Indigenous-led planning, priority setting, and decision-making. The tables include early learning and child care experts, program administrators, and regional or community technicians who are mandated by Indigenous leadership to work with the Government of Canada on strengthening early learning and child care for Indigenous children.
Canada Disability Benefit Act
Royal Assent on June 22, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24), Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34)
Associated Action Plan Measure: IN15 - Supporting Inuit with disabilities; SP085 - Equality rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities
Description: The Canada Disability Benefit Act (full title An Act to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit and making a consequential amendment to the Income Tax Act), which sets out the framework for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), paving the way for its development and eventual future delivery, with details such as eligibility and benefit amount to be in future regulations. The aim of the CDB will be to supplement, not replace, existing federal, provincial and territorial supports with a goal of reducing poverty and improving financial security for working-age persons with disabilities.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: During the 2023-2024 reporting period, the Office for Disability Issues engaged with National Indigenous Organizations and thirty-three holders of Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreements in the pre-regulatory phase of the Canada Disability Benefit via letters, emails and an online engagement tool. In early 2024, a discussion guide was provided to all National Indigenous Organizations with Engagement Protocol Agreements and with holders of Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreements. Bilateral meetings were held with Pauktuutit, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, the Assembly of First Nations, and Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; and with the Tlicho Government. As of early 2024, Métis National Council (MNC), Pauktuutit – Inuit Women of Canada and National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) have signed amendments to EPAs. Agreements and funding will be in place this fiscal year 2023-24 to support their engagement on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) and the National Autism Strategy (NAS).
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Statutes and Bills
Bill C-61 – An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands
At second reading in the House of Commons
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Self-determination, self-government and recognition of treaties (Articles 3, 4, 37); Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34); Cultural, religious and linguistic rights (Articles 8, 11, 12, 13, 25, 31); Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32); Economic, health and social rights (articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24); Environment (Article 29)
Associated Action Plan Measure: FN017 – First Nations drinking water and wastewater legislation
Description: Bill C-61 (short form title: the First Nations Clean Water Act) aims to address key concerns expressed by First Nations about the now repealed 2013 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act. The Bill will do the following:
- recognize and affirm the existing inherent right of First Nations to self-government, including jurisdiction in relation to water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands;
- strengthen funding commitments through best efforts to provide adequate and sustainable funding for water services on First Nation lands comparable to services received in non-First Nations communities;
- establish minimum national standards for the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services on First Nation lands, based on First Nation choice;
- facilitate transboundary source water protection agreements;
- provide pathways for ongoing engagement, including through consultation and cooperation on federal regulations.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Since 2018, Indigenous Services Canada has been engaging First Nation rights-holders and First Nation organizations on legislative reform related to safe drinking water. Beginning in 2022, Indigenous Services Canada worked with the Assembly of First Nations to develop legislation to replace the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act (which was repealed on June 23, 2022). In the development of water legislation, ISC reached out to all 634 First Nations in Canada, and First Nation organizations. ISC met with over 100 First Nations and First Nation organizations as part of the process. Two consultation drafts of a legislative proposal were shared with all First Nations communities and posted online to support broad public review. Since summer 2022, hundreds of engagement sessions have taken place virtually or in-person, with groups of First Nations or individual First Nations, based on partner preferences.
Bill C-38 – An Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements)
At second reading in the House of Commons
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights (articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36)
Associated Action Plan Measure: FN007 - Indian Act registration and membership amendments through Bill C-38
Description: Addressing remaining inequities in registration and First Nations membership under the Indian Act.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, Indigenous Services Canada consulted and cooperated with the Assembly of First Nations, Congress of Aboriginal People, Native Women’s Association of Canada, Feminist Alliance for International Action, Ontario Native Women’s Association and Indigenous Bar Association, Métis National Council and 395 First Nation communities.
Regulations
Regulations Amending the Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations
The Amendments to the Regulations came into force on December 19, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP074 - Advancing economic reconciliation
Description: The Fort McKay First Nation Oil Sands Regulations (SOR/2007-79) came into force in 2007 under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA). The Regulations were developed at the request of Fort McKay First Nation to enable oil sands mining on Fort McKay First Nation Indian Reserve No. 174C. Updates to the Regulations were required to align with changes to Alberta legislation since 2007 so they can function seamlessly with the current provincial oil sands regulatory regime that applies to off-reserve lands. With provincial collaboration, these Regulations align laws and regulations governing the project lands on reserve with the laws and regulations of Alberta. The Regulations incorporate by reference essential elements of the provincial regime into federal regulations, which creates regulatory harmony between governments, as well as increased regulatory compatibility between similar projects on and off reserve. Multiple ministries within the Province of Alberta were involved in the development of the amended Regulations. A Fort McKay First Nation–Alberta– Canada agreement describes how the amended Regulations will be implemented.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: These regulatory amendments respond to a request made by the Fort McKay First Nation and support the needs and interests of the First Nation in relation to an oil sand mining project on their reserve lands.
Regulations Amending the Fort William First Nation Sawmill Regulations
Regulations enacted on November 24, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP074 - Advancing economic reconciliation
Description: The Regulations Amending the Fort William First Nation Sawmill Regulations were enacted on November 24, 2023, under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA) to incorporate by reference provincial laws and regulations that govern the operation of sawmills in Ontario. The Regulations create regulatory symmetry between governments and increases regulatory compatibility on and off reserve. Regulatory cooperation is exemplified through the tripartite agreement, which sets out a shared administrative framework. Multiple ministries within the Province of Ontario have been involved in the development of the Regulations and the tripartite agreement. A management committee, comprised of the Fort William First Nation, the Province of Ontario and Canada, is established through this agreement to ensure efficient implementation of the Regulations and to address any issues that may arise, including potential changes needed to the Regulations.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, Indigenous Services Canada consulted and cooperated with the Fort William First Nation. Other First Nations were not specifically consulted as the Regulations are only applicable to the Fort William First Nation project lands that are listed in the Regulations.
Squamish Nation Residential Tenancy Regulations
Regulations enacted on June 19, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Associated Action Plan Measure: SP074 - Advancing economic reconciliation
Description: A Band Council Resolution in March 2021 formalized the request for regulations to be developed under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA) to support the projects to address housing affordability issues and establish homes for the Squamish Nation. With provincial collaboration, the Squamish Nation Residential Tenancy Regulations were enacted on June 19, 2023, under the FNCIDA to incorporate by reference provincial residential tenancy regulations for both Sen̓ áḵw and Hiy̓ám housing projects on the identified Squamish Nation reserve lands in British Columbia. The Regulations incorporate by reference the provincial residential tenancy regime, which creates regulatory symmetry between governments and increases regulatory compatibility between residential tenancies on and off reserve. Regulatory cooperation is exemplified through the tripartite agreement, which sets out a shared administrative framework. Multiple ministries within the Province of British Columbia have been involved in the development of the Regulations and the tripartite agreement. A management committee, comprised of the Squamish Nation, the Province of British Columbia and Canada, is established through this agreement to ensure efficient implementation of the Regulations and to address any issues that may arise, including potential changes needed to the Regulations.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Over the fiscal year, Indigenous Services Canada consulted and cooperated with the Squamish Nation. Other First Nations were not specifically consulted as the Regulations are only applicable to the Squamish Nation project lands that are listed in the Regulations.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Statutes and Bills
Bill C-49 – An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts
At Committee in the House of Commons
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32)
Description: Bill C-49 proposes to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act in order to create the legislative framework necessary for offshore renewable energy development in the joint-management Canada-Nova Scotia and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Areas, as well as targeted amendments to the existing provisions in both Acts related to offshore petroleum.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: NRCan reached out to 59 Indigenous communities and organizations across Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, PEI, NB, and parts of QC) on two separate occasions to provide information and solicit feedback on the amendments proposed in Bill C-49. NRCan also met with two of those Indigenous groups in the 2023/24 fiscal year to provide information on Bill C-49; Sipekne’katik First Nation; Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council.
Bill C-50 – Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act
At report stage in the House of Commons
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Participation in decision-making and Indigenous institutions (Articles 5, 18, 19, 34); Environment (Article 29); Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Description: The proposed sustainable jobs legislation will create a framework to allow for sustained and ongoing dialogue with Indigenous Peoples as part of Canada’s approach to sustainable jobs in a net-zero economy. The intent is to ensure that the Government’s sustainable jobs approach, grounded in the proposed legislation, is reflective of the views of stakeholders and partners, including Indigenous Peoples. The sustainable jobs bill makes reference to Indigenous Peoples within the guiding principles found in the preamble, in regard to ensuring a sustainable jobs approach is inclusive. Furthermore, across the bill, there is a broad commitment to ongoing social dialogue with all partners and stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples, who are specifically mentioned.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, proposed in this bill, will include three members who represent Indigenous peoples on a distinction basis. As part of this Council’s functions, it will undertake outreach across Canada, including with Indigenous groups and use the input received to provide independent advice to Government on the most effective measures to encourage the creation of sustainable jobs and to support workers and communities in the transition to a net-zero economy.
Regulations
Frontier and Offshore Regulatory Renewal Initiative (FORRI): Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations and Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Environment (Article 29); Lands, territories and resources (Articles 10, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32)
Description: Regulations pertaining to offshore petroleum safety, environmental protection and resource conservation
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: No, consultation and cooperation took place prior to the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year. The regulations were published in Canada Gazette Part II on February 28, 2024. Future consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Partners is scheduled for 2024 - 2025 Fiscal year and 2025 - 2026 Fiscal year.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Statutes and Bills
An act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder
Royal assent March 30, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Economic, health and social rights (Articles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Description: Under the Act, which came into force in March 2023, the Minister of Health must prepare a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder, which is to be developed in consultation with organizations that focus on autism spectrum disorder in Indigenous communities, representatives of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and other relevant stakeholders. The Framework for Autism in Canada (the Framework) is a national, multi-jurisdictional common policy direction for autism initiatives in Canada, with a limited number of federal measures to be implemented by the Minister of Health. It is intended to be a high-level, static document highlighting key findings from stakeholder consultations, as well as best practices and opportunities.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Since 2022, PHAC has been engaged with six organizations to facilitate an Indigenous-led approach to informing a National Autism Strategy. This work is ongoing and is expected to continue through to 2025. As engagement for the Strategy was already underway at the time the Act came into force, PHAC leveraged this ongoing work to also inform the Framework. Over the fiscal year, PHAC consulted with Assembly of First Nations; Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; Native Women’s Association of Canada; Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak; Metis National Council; Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; National Association of Friendship Centres; Pauktuutit – Inuit Women of Canada. The information gathered from these completed engagements have supported the development of the Framework. In keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, PHAC will continue to support Indigenous-led engagement with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban-Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations as we move forward with a co-developed approach to identifying distinctions-based autism priorities.
Public Safety Canada
Statutes and Bills
An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act
Royal assent October 26, 2023
UN Declaration alignment (thematic cluster): Civil and political rights (Articles 6, 7, 9, 17, 33, 35, 36)
Description: This legislation is a response to Supreme Court of Canada decision R. v. Ndhlovu, 2022 SCC 38. The legislation ensures continued and effective operation of the sex offender registry regime, enhances the response to sexual offending by improving the publication ban provisions and enhances victims’ right to information.
Indigenous consultation and cooperation: Public Safety Canada consulted and cooperated with Indigenous women’s groups in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Department of Justice Canada
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