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29/05/2008

CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF C-21 THROUGH COMMONS

OTTAWA, May 29, 2008 – Aboriginal people in Canada are one step closer to full access to Canada’s human rights system, according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

The Commission was commenting on the passage of Bill C-21 in the House of Commons.
 
“This is a milestone piece of legislation,” said CHRC Chief Commissioner Jennifer Lynch, Q.C., “How appropriate that this historic step forward by Parliament is being taken now, as today is the National Day of Action.”
 
The legislation would close a 30-year gap, which limited human rights protection on matters relating to the Indian Act. Once passed in the Senate, the Bill would repeal section 67 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. The Commission has urgently recommended repeal in its two reports, A Matter of Rights and Still A Matter Of Rights.

Repeal of this section is just a first step. The real work for the Commission and for First Nations — building effective human rights protection — is just beginning. The Commission anticipates close collaboration with First Nations organizations to build a human rights system that reflects and respects Aboriginal peoples’ cultures and traditional laws.

Ms. Lynch applauded the cooperation shown by Parliamentarians in working to reach a consensus on the legislation. 

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Canadian Human Rights Commission
Tel.: (613) 943-9074 or (613) 297-9928