Ottawa, ON – Today, the House of Commons passed Vancouver-East NDP MP Jenny Kwan's amendment calling for explicit inclusion of Indigenous peoples as part of a motion requesting the federal government present a full economic update or budget before Parliament rises for the summer recess.
Kwan’s sub-amendment seconded by Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout, called for explicit inclusion of Indigenous peoples in any economic planning or fiscal accountability measures, emphasizing that economic justice and reconciliation must go hand in hand.
"It is unacceptable to leave Indigenous peoples out of conversations that have significant financial, and policy implications on their communities," said Kwan. "Any economic update or budget must include targeted measures to address the ongoing social and economic disparities with respect to funding, infrastructure or social services facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.”
Kwan’s sub-amendment strengthened the motion by mandating the economic update or budget to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's economic future and accountability measures.
Kwan’s proposal aligns with long-standing NDP calls for reconciliation through action. By embedding Indigenous rights and needs into fiscal planning, the sub-amendment aims to hold the government accountable to its commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Recommendations and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice.
"Economic planning that excludes Indigenous voices is unjust, and out of step with Canada’s stated values," Kwan concluded. "This sub-amendment ensures that reconciliation is reflected in the decisions that shape our country’s future. This is what the NDP can do in Opposition even with just 7 members without party status - fight for you and your community and hold the government to account.”
