Evolution of Bill C-8

House of Commons   

Oct. 22, 2020 – Introduction and First reading 

Dec. 10, 2020 – Second Reading and Referral to Committee

Feb. 5, 2021 – Standing Committee reported the Bill without amendment 

June 3, 2021 – Third Reading in House 

Senate

June 3, 2021 – First Reading in the Senate 

June 8, 2021 – Second Reading

June 10, 2021 – Third reading. Bill passed without amendment

June 21, 2021 – Receive Royal Assent and becomes law

The new Oath of Citizenship recognizes that Indigenous rights are both enshrined in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and that they derive from the historic use of this land by Indigenous peoples. As new Canadians recite the path, they will make a personal commitment to observe the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Dec. 19, 2019 – the mandate latter for the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino states: “Complete the legislative work on changes to the Canadian Oath of Citizenship to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action’.

Evolution of Bill C-99

Feb. 1, 2017 – The mandate letter for new Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen lists making the change to the swearing-in ceremony as one of his key priorities, along with enhancing refugee resettlement services and cutting wait times for application processing. According to the mandate letter, the proposed change is to reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

May 29, 2019 – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today introduced Bill C-99, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, to change Canada’s Oath of Citizenship to include clear reference to the rights of Indigenous peoples. The proposed amendment to the Oath reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. It also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to responding to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The new proposed language adds references to Canada’s Constitution and the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples

June 21, 2019: Bill C-99 died with the dissolution of parliament