Bill C-262 is an act asking the government to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We as a church want to join with other faith-based organizations, including Mennonite Central Committee Canada, and call on the Canadian Senate to pass the bill, which we believe is in accordance with “the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, the great reconciler” (MCC Canada). From MCC Canada:
“Previous Canadian governments have been reticent to implement the UN Declaration in its entirely, referring to it as an “aspirational” document. However, the current government has stated its recognition of and support for the implementation of the UN Declaration. Having passed all three readings in the House of Commons, Bill C-262 now faces further debate and vote in the Senate. Bill C-262, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (introduced by MP Romeo Saganash), is a private member’s bill that will ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the UN Declaration.”
More information can be found on MCC Canada’s advocacy page, where you can also access an electronic letter to send to Senators urging them to accept the bill. You can also stop by the church office or the church Welcome Centre to pick up a postcard to send to a Senator, with no postage required.