Bill C-6 explained in plain English

On February 24, 2020, the House of Commons began the second reading debate on Bill C-6, which aims to amend the Citizenship Act. The bill proposes to change the oath of citizenship to include a reference to Aboriginal and treaty rights, in line with Call to Action #94 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino, introduced the bill, emphasizing its role in reconciliation and acknowledging the history of Indigenous peoples. Members from various parties, including the NDP, Bloc Québécois, and Conservatives, participated in the debate, offering support, criticism, and amendments. The debate touched on the effectiveness of symbolic gestures versus concrete actions in reconciliation, the historical context of Indigenous relations in Canada, and the perceived delays in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action. The Conservative Party proposed an amendment to decline the second reading, arguing the bill was tokenism and that other calls to action, particularly those addressing social and economic issues, should be prioritized.

On February 24, 2020, the House of Commons debated Bill C-6, which proposes to amend the Citizenship Act. The bill aims to change the oath of citizenship to include a reference to the recognition and affirmation of Indigenous peoples' Aboriginal and treaty rights. The sponsor of the bill, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, stated that this amendment fulfills a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and is a step towards reconciliation. Various members from different parties participated in the debate, expressing support, opposition, and concerns about the bill's wording, its effectiveness, and the government's broader actions on reconciliation. Some members argued that the existing oath already covers these concepts and that the focus should be on more substantive actions. Others emphasized the importance of acknowledging Indigenous history and rights in the oath as a step in the reconciliation process.

During this debate at the second reading stage of Bill C-6, Members of Parliament discussed proposed changes to the oath of citizenship. The main goal of the bill is to amend the oath to include a reference to the recognition and affirmation of Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Several members expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a necessary step towards reconciliation, while others raised concerns about the wording, the timing of the bill, and whether it would adequately address broader reconciliation efforts.

This document contains the transcript of a debate in the House of Commons on Bill C-6, an act to amend the Citizenship Act. The bill proposes to change the oath of citizenship to include a reference to the recognition and affirmation of Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Members from various parties debated the bill, with most supporting its intent but some questioning the government's approach, the specific wording, and the pace of reconciliation efforts.

During a House of Commons debate on Bill C-6, which proposes to amend the Citizenship Act, Members of Parliament discussed the addition of a reference to Indigenous peoples' rights in the oath of citizenship. The bill aims to implement Call to Action #94 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Various perspectives were shared, with some members supporting the bill as a step towards reconciliation and acknowledging Canada's history, while others questioned the timing, the specific wording, and whether it was a substantive measure or mere symbolism. Concerns were also raised about the government's broader record on Indigenous issues and the pace of implementing all Calls to Action.