Skip to main content
Parliament returns Wednesday, May 20
Back to Bills
C-10At third reading in the House of Commons

Bill C-10 — Law Creates Watchdog for Indigenous Treaties

Treaty Watchdog Law

Introduced Sep 25, 2025·Last discussed Apr 21, 2026
Summary

This proposed law aims to improve how the Canadian government follows through on modern treaties with Indigenous groups. It would create a new, independent "Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation." This person would be responsible for checking if government departments are meeting their promises and goals outlined in these treaties. The Commissioner could conduct reviews and audits, and then make recommendations for improvements. This change would directly affect government departments and Indigenous groups who are part of modern treaties. It would also indirectly affect all Canadians, as these treaties deal with important issues like land rights, resource management, and self-government. The Commissioner would report to Parliament, making the treaty implementation process more transparent. This matters because modern treaties are crucial for reconciliation and building strong relationships between the government and Indigenous peoples. By having someone specifically focused on making sure these agreements are respected, the proposed law hopes to ensure that the promises made in these treaties are actually kept. This could lead to better outcomes for Indigenous communities and a more fair and equitable relationship with the government.

What MPs Are Saying
Conservative
Todd DohertyConservativeOpposes

I do not think we need another office in Ottawa. It won't fix the real problems between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. We need real action and partnership, not more red tape and empty promises from the government.

Liberal
Rebecca AltyLiberalNeutral

I moved to bring in a bill about the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation.

Bloc Québécois
Jean-Denis GaronBloc QuébécoisWants Changes

I am worried the government will make the commissioner's job political, like they are doing with the Parliamentary Budget Officer. I want to know how the minister will make sure the government does not control who gets to be commissioner.

Bill Timeline
Introduced in the House
Sep 25, 2025
Approved in principle (House)
Feb 9, 2026
Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Set your 3 priorities to see how this bill aligns with what you care about.

Sign up free — 30 sec
Bill Quality
Solid

This proposed law creates a Commissioner to check if the government is meeting its promises in modern treaties with Indigenous groups. It's good because it creates an independent watchdog, but it doesn't cover how the Commissioner's recommendations will be enforced.

Things to Watch For

  • The law does not guarantee that the government will act on the Commissioner's findings.
  • The Commissioner's powers do not extend to treaties signed before 1974.
  • The law doesn't specify how Indigenous groups can trigger a review by the Commissioner.
  • The Commissioner's office location is decided later, which could affect accessibility.
  • It is unclear how the Commissioner will handle disputes between different Indigenous groups.
Progress

Click any step to learn what it means

What Do You Think?

Loading...

Discussion

Sign in to join the discussion.

Loading comments...