May 2, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples is our most important one. As partners with the original inhabitants and stewards of Canada’s lands and waters, we know that we need to make good on our commitments and responsibilities. This starts with trust, transparency, and accountability.
As part of Canada’s constitutional framework, Modern Treaties have been fundamental to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples for almost half a century. They promote strong and sustainable Indigenous communities, while affirming Indigenous rights over lands, waters, and resources. For over 20 years, Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners have been calling for improved independent oversight so that the federal government is held accountable for its obligations under Modern Treaties.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined by Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments at the second Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum, to announce the creation of an independent oversight body headed by a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation.
The creation of this new role is a major milestone and transformative shift in the Crown-Indigenous Modern Treaty relationship. The Commissioner will work to hold the Government of Canada accountable for its Modern Treaty obligations and advance key priorities. Additionally, the Commissioner will help ensure the federal government is held accountable for living up to the commitments in Modern Treaties and, more importantly, the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government relationships they embody. Budget 2024 will be providing $10.6 million over four years to support the functions of the Commissioner and to stand up the office.
Today’s announcement will help to ensure lasting accountability and fairness for Indigenous Peoples. We are learning from the mistakes of the past and creating a strong foundation for our ongoing work together to address challenges faced by Indigenous Modern Treaty and Self-Government Partners across Canada. Everyone deserves what they need to grow and succeed on their own terms. Reconciliation will remain at the forefront of everything we do and will continue to be a key pillar of our work to build a fairer Canada for everyone.
Quotes
“We’re listening to our Modern Treaty Partners. To honour our agreements with Indigenous Peoples, we need to ensure that trust, transparency, and accountability remain at the heart of our efforts to build renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships. By implementing our commitments, we’re taking an important step on the path of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Modern Treaties and Self-Government Agreements are delivering real results for communities – I have seen that power firsthand. But Canada still has work to do to live up to our promises. The creation of a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation as an Agent of Parliament will hopefully be a transformational shift toward a future where partners can be assured Canada will fulfill all of our treaty obligations, in the spirit of reconciliation.
The Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick Facts
- The Intergovernmental Leaders’ Forum is comprised of the Prime Minister, ministers, and leadership from 30 Modern Treaty holders and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments.
- Participants at today’s meeting included:
- Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
- Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
- Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
- Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
- Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
- Following consultations with partners, concluding June 28, 2024, the legislative proposal to establish the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation will be introduced in Parliament.
- The proposed Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation would take shape as an Agent of Parliament. The Commissioner’s role was co-developed with Modern Treaty Partners to ensure independent, credible, effective, and sustainable oversight of Modern Treaty implementation, and hold the federal government accountable to Parliament for Modern Treaty objectives, obligations, and relationships.
- The Commissioner must hold the confidence of Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners and thus consultation with Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners will be an integral part of the legislative and appointment process.
- The Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation will:
- Conduct independent and expert oversight of any activity carried out by the Government of Canada that relates to the implementation of Modern Treaties.
- Seek to ensure the timely and effective implementation of Modern Treaties.
- Report to Parliament to hold the Government of Canada accountable for its Modern Treaty obligations.
- Be independent, objective, and impartial in the discharge of their mandate, and have expert knowledge of Modern Treaties.
- Have the authority to require departments to provide the information necessary to carry out its mandate.
- Commit to uphold the spirit and intent of the agreements.
- The establishment of the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and advances implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.
- In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada proposed a $9.4 billion package of measures to create jobs, unlock opportunities, and build more housing and infrastructure for Indigenous Peoples. Learn more.
Associated Links
- Canada's Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
- Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation
May 1, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, to discuss the ongoing political, security, and humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
The leaders welcomed the establishment of the new Transitional Presidential Council. They expressed hope that this development will pave the way for the restoration of democratic order in Haiti, facilitate the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to help the Haitian National Police, and bring long-term stability to the country. Prime Minister Trudeau recognized the role of Barbados and its fellow members of the Caribbean Community in supporting these efforts by fostering inclusive political dialogue to advance Haitian-led solutions.
The prime ministers also highlighted the importance of mobilizing financing for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including through multilateral development banks, and agreed to continue working together to this end.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mottley looked forward to continuing to advance shared priorities anchored in our strong bilateral relationship, and they agreed to remain in close contact as the situation in Haiti continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Barbados relations
- Canada's response to the crisis in Haiti
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in High-Level Meeting on Haiti convened by CARICOM Heads of Government
April 30, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President-elect of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to congratulate him on his recent victory in Indonesia’s presidential elections. He also applauded the Indonesian people for their strong turnout and continued commitment to democracy.
The two leaders discussed areas of common interest and the growing bilateral relations between Canada and Indonesia, including strong economic ties. They reaffirmed their support for ongoing negotiations around the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and looked forward to the Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia later this year. The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s leadership as the 2023 Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and underscored his steadfast support for the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister and the President-elect discussed the continued implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. They also discussed opportunities to co-operate on critical minerals, and emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen support for the rules-based international order.
Prime Minister Trudeau looked forward to further strengthening the partnership between Canada and Indonesia after President-elect Prabowo Subianto takes office in October. He also thanked outgoing President Joko Widodo for his partnership and contributions over the last years.
Associated Links
- Canada-Indonesia relations
- Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
- Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Prime Minister visits Indonesia, welcomes a new chapter in the Canada-ASEAN relationship
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
April 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis.
The Prime Minister and the President welcomed the close co-operation between Canada and Romania as partners and Allies, including in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank, and looked forward to continuing to deepen the strong ties between our two countries.
The two leaders looked forward to constructive engagement between Canada, Romania, and other members of the Alliance at the upcoming NATO Summit, which will take place in Washington, D.C., in July.
Associated Links
April 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The Prime Minister congratulated the President on his recent election and reaffirmed Senegal’s importance as a model of democracy on the African continent.
The Prime Minister noted Canada’s desire to work with the new government of Senegal to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared priorities, notably through their shared membership in La Francophonie. The two leaders discussed the strengthening of democratic institutions and the importance of building a stronger future for younger generations, including by addressing climate change.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Faye looked forward to seeing each other during multilateral events taking place later this fall.
