discrimiNATION Introduction - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples - Representing the rights and interests of off-reserve people living in urban, rural, and remote areas across Canada

Introduction

In 1977, Parliament passed the Canadian Human Rights Act in order to ensure that all areas of federal jurisdiction are free from discrimination on the basis race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, disability or pardoned conviction. In 1996, sexual orientation was added by Parliament to the list.

There was one notable exception to the application of the Canadian Human Rights Act and that is the Indian Act, and all activities of the federal government and Band Councils that originate from the Indian Act. This exception, known as Section 67, was granted in recognition of the fact that there was already court action underway related to women’s rights, and to accommodate the need for consultation and the development of transitional provisions related to Indian Act matters.

On December 13, 2006, the Hon. Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development introduced legislation into the House of Commons to repeal Section 67. The legislation was known as Bill C-44. That Bill died on the order paper when the House of Commons prorogued on September 14, 2007.

On November 13, 2007, the Hon. Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, introduced a new bill to the House of Commons, Bill C-21, which replaces Bill C-44.

Continue to Next Section

discrimiNATION : Introduction

discrimiNATION