Category: UNDRIP

Bill to Embed UN Declaration into Canadian Law May Do More Harm to Indigenous Economy: Experts

Experts on indigenous affairs voiced disapproval of a federal bill that would incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Canadian law, saying it has neglected the economic developments which indigenous communities need to further pursue self-determination. On Tuesday, the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois had worked in concert to…


First Nation’s Lawsuit to Block Gold Exploration at Ontario Site Threatens Prospector’s 35-Year Investment in Project

A First Nation in northern Ontario, citing infringement of sacred territory, has sued the province and a prospector for $80 million in damages and an injunction to stop further exploration work and commercialization of hard rock gold claims said to contain tens of millions of ounces. In response, the Ontario government cites support it’s provided…


Ottawa’s UNDRIP Legislation Draws Criticism From Different Camps

The federal government’s Bill C-15 is attracting criticism from a myriad of interest groups on public policy and legislation. Among them are advocates of more action on reconciliation, those wanting more resource sector development opportunities for indigenous communities, and those concerned about erosion of Canada’s sovereignty in seeking its own legislative and policy solutions. Bill…


‘Strictly UN Optics’: Quebec’s Magpie River Granted Personhood Status

A remote river in eastern Quebec has been granted personhood status, making it the first time in Canada that an entity of nature purportedly has the same legal rights as a human being. Bestowing legal personhood on the Magpie River, which spills into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is being lauded by the groups involved, but…