Statement from National Chief Perry Bellegarde on Second Reading of Bill 262, An Act to Harmonize Canada's laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

OTTAWA, Feb. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde released the following statement following the second reading of Bill 262 ? an Act to harmonize Canada's laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

"Yesterday, a crucial step towards reconciliation was taken as Bill C-262 passed second reading in Canada's Parliament.

Reconciliation is a non-partisan issue. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a central part of reconciliation. First Nations and Canadians support legislation to implement the UN Declaration. All parliamentarians should be part of this act of reconciliation as a matter of human rights.

Bill C-262 would require the federal government to take concrete action with First Nations to co-develop a national action plan and work together to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration.

Bill C-262 is about working together to build a stronger country for all of us. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with First Nations and Canadians as we work towards the adoption of this Bill."

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations