The Honourable Carolyn Bennett and Honourable Jane Philpott Recognize United Nations Human Rights Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (December 10, 2017) – The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett and the Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott issued the following statement today:

“Every Canadian deserves to have their rights recognized and respected. For too long, Indigenous peoples in Canada have been denied their inherent and Treaty rights. This must end.

Human rights are universal and the Government of Canada is committed to recognizing and upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples, and to working in partnership to address socio-economic disparities wherever they exist.

Our government has committed to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We affirm that the rights contained within it constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.

Today, on United Nations Human Rights Day, we reiterate our commitment to recognize rights and to improve the day-to-day quality of life for Indigenous peoples.”


For more information, media may contact:

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

Andrew MacKendrick
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott,
Minister of Indigenous Services
819-956-5372

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160