The Indigenous recognition of rights framework is a centrepiece promise for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who announced the initiative in a February speech before the House of Commons. The framework would enshrine section 35 of the Constitution — which affirms Indigenous rights — in federal law and aim to fill the gap between federal government policies and multiple court decisions on Indigenous rights. Bennett said the framework would create a "code" that would restrict Canada from infringing on Indigenous rights. "The framework will not define and limit the rights of Indigenous people." Coldwater First Nation Chief Lee Spahan doubts framework work can be done within Ottawa's time frame.

Source: CBC News September 11, 2018 22:18 UTC