NDP Leader @avilewis and I joined the @BCAFN Annual General Meeting to discuss how Bill C-39 violates the right to free, prior and informed consent, and Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. The @NDP stands in solidarity with First Nations leaders, who are sending a clear message that we will not stay silent where our constitutional rights are being compromised. @UBCIC @terry_teegee

It was great to speak at the Rehumanizing Wellness Methods & Indigenous Legal Orders Conference in Edmonton, discussing Indigenous laws, rights, and the Carney Liberal government's current legislative agenda. What a treat to reconnect with some of the strong matriarchs who were the founders of the Idle No More Movement.

Bill C-39 violently attacks Indigenous rights by allowing the government to bypass their constitutional obligation to obtain free, prior and informed consent. This legislation builds on the human rights violations of Bill C-37 which does not respect First Nations' right to clean safe drinking water as a human right. This week, I joined @NDP Leader @AviLewis at the @BCAFN Annual General Meeting, where Avi reiterated that respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples is not optional. While the Liberals are flooding the zone and pushing legislation that will line the pockets of their billionaire class friends, the NDP remains steadfast standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, workers, and climate activists to protect constitutional rights in Canada. All this government is doing is building a pipeline to the courts.

Water is life, and life is not negotiable. Neither are Indigenous rights. As the Liberal government tries to deny the basic human right to water, undermine Constitutional rights and eliminate critical environmental protections, it is time for all Indigenous peoples, all labour organizations, environmentalists and Canadians who believe in justice to come together to uphold our rights and our democracy.

Last week, the Liberals and Conservatives joined forces to send Bill C-39 to committee for further study. I, along with my @NDP colleagues, voted no on Bill C-39 because of its violations of Indigenous, workers', and environmental rights. All Carney’s Liberals are doing is building a pipeline to the courts. Click here to see the factsheet, and learn how C-39 will violate Indigenous rights, environmental protections, workers’ rights, and the rule of law. leahgazan.ca/bill_c39