July 13, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced measures to strengthen Canada’s approach to the implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements.
Minister Valcourt made the announcement following a meeting with the Land Claims Agreements Coalition, whose ongoing work and engagement on strengthening modern treaty implementation has helped shape the initiative. Strong collaboration with Canada’s treaty partners will continue to be vital in implementing the initiatives moving forward.
The Whole-of-Government Approach puts comprehensive measures in place to manage the full scope of Canada’s responsibilities under these important agreements.
These measures include:
- Establishing of a Deputy Ministers’ Oversight Committee to provide ongoing, executive level oversight and accountability for modern treaty obligations and implementation.
- Creating a Modern Treaty Implementation Office within the department of AANDC to strengthen coordination and oversight across the federal government.
- Adopting a Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation to define the roles and responsibilities of federal departments.
- The Directive will require departments to assess all program, policy, regulatory and legislative proposals to ensure that the treaties are respected.
- Adopting a Statement of Principles on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation to strengthen policy guidance to federal departments and agencies in accordance with the shared values and objectives of treaty partners.
- Developing new tools, training and guidance for federal officials to better equip them to fulfill Canada’s responsibilities under the agreements.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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