Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNGREC) recognizes that Canada’s proposed Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act , is intended to strengthen border security, disrupt organized crime, prevent fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering by expanding the powers of the Canada Border Services Agency.
“These are important objectives. However, Bill C-2 was developed and introduced without engagement or consultation with Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR) or other First Nations. Excluding First Nations diminishes Nation-to-Nation relationships, perpetuates lack of trust, and leaves uncertainty that protections for our inherent rights will be included in this Bill.
Through the legislative process, Canada has an opportunity to ensure that our rights are respected, preserved, and explicitly protected by engaging directly with First Nations rights holders, including SNGR.”
As the most populous First Nation in Canada, SNGREC shares the same safety and security issues as outlined by Canada. As written, Bill C-2 risks undermining our inherent rights and cannot advance without meaningful consultation and explicit protection for those rights. SNGREC calls on Canada to engage with SNGREC as our unique experiences around community safety will strengthen this legislation.
