Amnesty International is voicing strong concerns that Canada is "rolling back" its support for Indigenous rights under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The organization's annual global human rights report, released this week, highlights that new laws passed last year to expedite major projects are threatening Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination.
Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, stated in an interview that the organization is seeing a step backward, particularly concerning Indigenous rights. Amnesty International is lending its support to Indigenous nations and civil society groups opposing the federal government's Building Canada Act, as well as similar laws in Ontario and British Columbia.
The Assembly of First Nations is also raising concerns, with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak scheduled to address the United Nations this week about the situation in British Columbia. Woodhouse Nepinak stated that neither Canada nor British Columbia can infringe upon First Nations' human rights and still be considered a respected member of the international community. Her comments come as the B. C. government faces criticism for considering suspending key provisions of its own law implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The Amnesty International report does acknowledge Prime Minister Carney's call for middle powers to act together during a speech in Switzerland in January. However, Nivyabandi is cautioning the Liberal government against allowing respect for human rights to be sidelined as they increase defence spending and pursue economic expansion. She stressed the importance of Canada remaining strong on human rights and not prioritizing economic interests at the expense of marginalized groups.
