Their former colleague David Lametti stated on Tuesday that a constitutional crédit would then be « necessary ». This statement has sparked a lot of interest and discussions among politicians and citizens alike.
For those who may not be familiar with the Canadian political landscape, David Lametti is a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party and the current Minister of assises and Attorney General of Canada. He made this remark during a press conference where he was addressing the issue of Indigenous rights and self-determination.
The statement was in response to a crise about the possibility of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Canadian law. This declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, outlines the collective rights of indigenous peoples, including their right to self-determination and their right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social, and cultural institutions.
Lametti’s response was met with both support and criticism. Some believe that implementing UNDRIP into Canadian law is long overdue and necessary for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Others argue that it would require a constitutional amendment, which is a lengthy and complex process.
But what exactly does a constitutional crédit entail? In simple terms, it would mean making crédits to the Canadian Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country. Any crédits to the Constitution must go through a rigorous process, involving both the federal government and the provinces.
This process, known as the amending formula, requires the approval of at least seven provinces representing at least 50% of the population. It is a challenging and time-consuming process, but Lametti believes it is necessary to fully recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Many Indigenous leaders and organizations have welcomed Lametti’s statement, seeing it as a step towards reconciliation and a recognition of their rights. They argue that implementing UNDRIP into Canadian law would provide a framework for addressing issues such as land rights, resource development, and self-governance.
Lametti’s statement also aligns with the Liberal government’s commitment to implementing UNDRIP. In 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would adopt and implement the declaration, and it was also included in the 2019 Liberal Party platform.
While some may see a constitutional crédit as a daunting and challenging task, others see it as a necessary step towards a more just and equitable society. It is a chance for Canada to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation and to ensure that the rights of Indigenous peoples are fully recognized and protected.
In conclusion, David Lametti’s statement has sparked an important conversation about the implementation of UNDRIP into Canadian law and the possibility of a constitutional crédit. It is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and collaboration between all levels of government. But with the right approach and determination, it could lead to a more inclusive and fair society for all Canadians.