Reconciliation Implementation Act Petition

Bill 209 - Reconciliation Implementation Act Petition

Alberta's New Democrats are proud to introduce Bill 209, the Reconciliation Implementation Act, as part of our commitment to meaningful action with Indigenous peoples across our province.

We believe Alberta can and must do better than the current government's insufficient approach to reconciliation. Other provinces have moved forward with similar legislation while Alberta continues to lag behind.

Bill 209 represents our vision for a structured, accountable approach that centers Indigenous voices, respects treaty rights, and creates lasting change through concrete requirements rather than empty promises.

By signing this petition, you're joining Alberta's New Democrats in calling on the government to support this crucial legislation. Together, we can send a powerful message that Albertans expect their government to take reconciliation seriously and move towards genuine partnership with Indigenous peoples.

Your voice matters in this important conversation about our province's future.

THE PETITION:

WHEREAS Alberta is home to over 258,000 Indigenous people yet remains one of the few provinces without a comprehensive reconciliation strategy;

WHEREAS 81 of 94 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action remain unfulfilled, with no progress made in 2023;

WHEREAS current consultation practices often fail to respect Indigenous traditional processes and treaty rights;

WHEREAS other provinces including Manitoba and the Northwest Territories have already enacted similar reconciliation legislation;

WE, the undersigned residents of Alberta, petition the Legislative Assembly to pass Bill 209, the Reconciliation Implementation Act, which would:

• Require the development of a provincial reconciliation action plan in genuine partnership with Indigenous peoples
• Establish clear government accountability through mandatory annual progress reports
• Ensure Indigenous languages are respected through translation of key documents
• Mandate meaningful consultation with Indigenous Nations on decisions affecting their communities
• Create a framework for lasting reconciliation in Alberta

Please note: The name and contact information of the persons who sign this petition may be made available to the public if the petition is tabled in the Legislative Assembly.