Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 43: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (43-44)

Bill 29 amends the Interpretation Act

November 17, 2021

BC Government – Tabled Bill 29 which amends the Interpretation Act to make it clear that all provincial laws uphold, and do not diminish, the rights of Indigenous people protected under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. This is known as a universal non-derogation clause.

The amendments to the Interpretation Act, developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous representative organizations, also add an interpretive direction that all provincial acts and regulations must be read so as to be consistent with the UN Declaration.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AG0073-002191