Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Rob Clarke is preparing to debate a contentious bill tomorrow in Ottawa.
Bill C-428 is intended to amend the Indian Act and provide for its eventual replacement.
Several First Nations leaders have been vocal with their displeasure towards the idea.
Many say they don’t feel they’ve been properly consulted about the move, something they say needs to happen before it’s fully implemented.
For his part, Clarke says he spent much of the summer talking to grassroots First Nations citizens about the bill, while also gathering information of his own.
He stresses feedback will also be taken into account during the committee stage:
“But I want to make sure, and point this very out — make this very clear — the consultation process will start at the committee stage, where I’m open to amendments. That’s what I’m hoping to really obtain support from First Nations grassroots members.”
The debate will happen tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Saskatchewan time.