Tories Willing To Extend Bill C-44 Lead Time

Tories Willing To Extend Bill C-44 Lead Time

Monday, July 23, 2007 at 14:28

CanWest News is reporting that the Tory government is thinking of giving First Nations more time to adjust to proposed human rights legislation.

The Indian Act is currently exempted in the Canadian Human Rights Act — meaning reserve residents currently can’t file discrimination complaints against their band councils.

But if Bill C-44 is eventually passed, that exemption would be removed.

As it currently stands, the legislation would give band six months to prepare for the expected flood of complaints that would follow.

But the House of Commons Aboriginal Affairs Committee is recommending an adjustment period of 18 to 30 months.

According to CanWest News, the Tories are signalling that they’re willing to be flexible on how soon the bill is implemented after it’s passed.