Thank you, minister, for being with us here today. My question concerns the citizenship study guide Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. This study guide is used by all newcomers for their citizenship test, yet in many instances it is their first introduction to Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 93 calls upon the government to work with national Indigenous organizations to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Indigenous peoples of Canada.

A quick reading of the guide finds the use of outdated terminology, provides an incomplete picture on the role of Indigenous peoples in Canadian history and provides scant information on the impact of colonization, including the legacy of residential schools.

In January of this year, your office responded back to my letter on this matter. Minister, can you please provide an update on the status of this work and efforts to fulfill —

Thank you, Senator Greenwood. I suspected what the question would be. I would like to see that come out as soon as possible. It is something that is still ongoing. Clearly, some of the terminology and references generally in the guide are ones that are outdated. It is not the beginning or the end of any particular newcomer’s journey of understanding and knowledge of Indigenous peoples or of other elements that are in need of an update, but it is an important tool in framing what we expect new citizens to do when they get to this country. I have seen dramatic changes in the citizenship ceremonies, obviously in the oath, which is critical. It’s something that everyone is waiting for. I don’t have an update as to when that will come out, but I hope to do it in short order.

Could you perhaps then also include clarification around the rules of national Indigenous organizations in its development beyond consultation?

When I have spoken to the national Indigenous organizations, I have understood there has been strong participation in this guide. That is something that is ongoing. As time goes on, there is sometimes a need to update as well. My understanding, and because the preparation of this guide was done before I was put into this position, is it’s something that was done thoroughly.