UNDRIP

Examining the key conerns and impacts of UNDRIP legislation

Reconciliation is an ongoing process, building relationships based on trust and respect.

Implemented properly, UNDRIP can help advance reconciliation in Canada and build economic prosperity for all.

Partnerships between industry and Indigenous communities are being created on a massive scale, and the relationships forged within these partnerships have helped to create not only significant economic opportunity but also greater independence and enhanced ability for Indigenous communities to shape their own futures.

And while we have made a lot of progress, there is much more work to be done.

Implementing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is a key part of that work.

In fact, it is central to fostering Indigenous participation and ownership in economic ventures—a form of “economic reconciliation” recommended in Call to Action (92) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

About the Task Force

The UNDRIP Task Force was launched to work with the Indigenous and business community to examine the key impacts and concerns around the lack of clarity the legislation in its current form presents and make recommendations to the federal government to ensure that policy supports business certainty, investment, and resource development to enable increase Indigenous participation and ownership.

To date, the Task Force has reviewed the draft legislation and submitted two briefs to the federal government—one to Natural Resources Canada and one to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

The work of the Task Force is ongoing. Implementing UNDRIP is a long-term objective that will require reviewing and changing existing legislation to ensure that it conforms with the declaration. The Task Force will continue to advocate for key positions and legislative changes on a case-by-case basis based on the recommendations submitted to date.  

Recent Work

The Task Force’s work is ongoing. Here you will find some of the recent work from the Task Force, including policy papers, podcasts, and commentaries.

Task Force Members

The Task Force was led by a coalition of Indigenous and business leaders and consulted with academics, subject matter experts, and other key stakeholders to inform its work.

Task Force Members

  • Amanda Sanregret, Senior Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement and Indigenous Relations, TransAlta
  • Lisa Mooney, Global Lead, Sustainability and Strategic Inclusion, Nutrien
  • Dale Friesen, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, ATCO
  • Mel Garner, Senior Manager, Indigenous Relations (Canada), TC Energy
  • Trent Zacharias, Director, Community and Indigenous Affairs, Cenovus
  • Trevor McLeod, Director, ESG and Public Policy, Enbridge
Task Force Advisors

  • Sharon Singh, Partner, Bennett Jones
  • Sheldon Wuttunee, President and CEO, Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence
Task Force Timeline

  • April 2021: BCA provides official submission on Bill C-15 to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs
  • March 2021: BCA participates in Bill C-15 Industry Roundtable hosted by Natural Resources Canada (with participation from Justice Canada)
  • November 2020: BCA meets with Natural Resources Canada on UNDRIP implementation
  • October 2020: BCA participates in federal government stakeholder engagement sessions (hosted by Natural Resources Canada, with involvement from Justice Canada) & presents submission on proposed UNDRIP legislation delivered to Justice Canada
  • June 2020: First meeting of the UNDRIP Task Force

Contact

For more information on this Task Force or its work, please contact:

Mike Holden, VP, Policy & Chief Economist
MHolden@businesscouncilab.com

Media Inquiries: media@businesscouncilab.com