Statement by Minister Valcourt on the Passage into Law of Bill C-428, the Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act

OTTAWA, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:

"The Government of Canada welcomes the passing into law of Private Member's Bill C‑428, the Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act, brought forward by Rob Clarke, the Member of Parliament from Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River.

Our Government has recognized that the Indian Act is an impediment to the success of Canada's First Nations. In addition to removing outdated provisions of the Indian Act, Bill C-428 includes a number of concrete actions that give First Nations greater responsibility over day-to-day affairs, such as the enactment and coming into force of bylaws. 

This is consistent with our Government's approach of taking incremental, concrete steps to create the conditions for healthier and more self-sufficient First Nation communities. The amendments also deliver on a commitment of this Government by repealing all references to residential schools as well as removing unnecessary schools-related provisions from the Indian Act.

The amendments to the Indian Act are consistent with steps being taken by the Harper Government to unlock the economic development potential of First Nation communities and to give First Nation citizens greater access to the same rights as all Canadians. Specifically, the amendments complement work by the Government, including the expansion of the First Nations Land Management Regime and election reform through the First Nations Elections Act, to remove barriers posed by the Act."

Associated Links

Bill C-428, Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act
Backgrounder - Attempts to Reform or Repeal the Indian Act

This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Government of Canada