Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marco Mendocino has introduced a bill that would change Canada’s oath of citizenship to include references to the rights of Indigenous People.
The move is a call to action listed as number 94 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. “The Government of Canada remains committed to walking the shared path of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act is one more vital step towards reconciliation, and demonstrates the government’s commitment to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” Mendocino said.
The wording would change to the following:
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
The legislation was first introduced October 22, 2020. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was created as part of the settlement for the Residential schools.
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