United for Progress: Canadians Standing Behind Minister Anandasangaree

By Wimal Navaratnam, Human Rights Activist

 


Edited by: Wimal Naavaratnam, Human Rights Activist, July 29, 2025

📌 Disclaimer

The views expressed in this statement reflect a collective appeal for unity and support toward Minister Gary Anandasangaree's work. They do not necessarily represent the views of any specific organization, media outlet, or political party. This statement is intended to encourage civic engagement and respectful dialogue across partisan divides.

📝 Editor’s Note

This message was composed with the intention of highlighting Minister Anandasangaree's role in advancing inclusive policies and social justice efforts across Canada. It seeks to inspire cross-party support and national unity by focusing on the values that Canadians share rather than the divisions that separate them. It may be periodically updated as political and social developments unfold.

🔍 Methodology

The following process was used in developing the statement:

  • Contextual Awareness: The statement considers Minister Anandasangaree’s known public initiatives and reputation, particularly in areas such as reconciliation, human rights advocacy, and community empowerment.
  • Non-Partisan Language: Care was taken to avoid partisan bias. The language promotes collaboration and collective civic responsibility.
  • Audience Consideration: The tone and content are designed to resonate with both the general public and political stakeholders across all parties.
  • Ethical Framing: The statement emphasizes values such as fairness, inclusiveness, and truth—principles deeply rooted in Canadian democratic discourse.
  • AI Assistance: Microsoft Copilot assisted with drafting and organizing the statement based on input and guidance from the user.

A Cross-Party Call to Champion Justice, Inclusion, and the Minister’s Continued Leadership in Building a Stronger Canada

Introduction

Gary Anandasangaree is a Canadian lawyer-turned-politician known for his advocacy on two major fronts: advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada and championing human rights for Tamils in Sri Lanka and the diaspora. A Tamil-Canadian who arrived as a refugee from Sri Lanka’s civil war in 1983, Anandasangaree’s personal experience with conflict and colonial legacy has shaped his commitment to justice and reconciliation (Parliament of Canada, 2023). First elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2015, he became the first Tamil Canadian to hold a federal Cabinet position in 2023. Anandasangaree has since played a key role in the Canadian government’s efforts to address historic injustices against Indigenous peoples and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), while also leveraging his platform to seek recognition and accountability for the mass atrocities committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Championing Indigenous Reconciliation

From Advocate to Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

Anandasangaree built substantial experience in Indigenous issues before becoming a minister. He served on the House of Commons Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee for six years and was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations from 2019 to 2021 (Canadian Press, 2023). In July 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed him Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, tasking him with advancing the government’s reconciliation agenda. Indigenous leaders noted that Anandasangaree, a human-rights lawyer by background, was already familiar with the reconciliation files and had a “monumental task” ahead in building on his predecessor’s work (Needham, 2023). Upon taking office, Anandasangaree emphasized that he would continue efforts to repair trust with Indigenous communities—for example, he committed on “day one” to support searching Winnipeg-area landfills for the remains of murdered Indigenous women in cooperation with victims’ families (Needham, 2023). This hands-on, empathetic approach was seen as consistent with the relationship-building ethos his predecessor Marc Miller was praised for.

Fulfilling Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

A central part of Anandasangaree’s mandate has been implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s Calls to Action. In 2024, he oversaw the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation, an independent, Indigenous-led body to monitor progress on reconciliation (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada [CIRNAC], 2024). The enabling legislation, fulfilling TRC Call to Action #53, came into force in July 2024 and created a permanent council that will report annually on Canada’s implementation of all 94 Calls to Action. “Today marks a significant milestone in our shared journey toward reconciliation,” Anandasangaree said, noting that the new Council will hold Canada accountable and help “ensure lasting reconciliation, healing, and cooperation” between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples (CIRNAC, 2024). He has also invoked Canada’s UNDRIP commitments (see later section) as part of this roadmap, reaffirming the government’s “unwavering commitment” to align its laws and policies with Indigenous rights (CIRNAC, 2024).

Another noteworthy initiative has been the creation of a permanent Indigenous space in Ottawa’s Parliamentary precinct. In March 2025, Anandasangaree joined First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders in signing a framework to develop 100 Wellington Street (the former U.S. embassy) into a national space for Indigenous peoples’ governance and cultural exchange (CIRNAC, 2025). He hailed this dedicated space—located across from Parliament Hill—as “more than just a building” but rather “about honouring the cultures, voices, and histories” of Indigenous peoples and “ensur[ing] a permanent Indigenous presence on the grounds surrounding Parliament Hill, amplifying Indigenous voices at the heart of Canada’s democracy” (CIRNAC, 2025). This initiative, long called for by Indigenous organizations, symbolizes the nation-to-nation partnership and respect that Anandasangaree has pledged to advance in his role.

Addressing Historic Injustices: Apologies and Settlements

Anandasangaree’s tenure has been marked by a series of official apologies and compensation settlements for historical injustices, as the government seeks reconciliation through concrete acts of redress. Since 2023, he has traveled to Indigenous communities to acknowledge and apologize for several dark chapters in Canada’s history (Mach, 2025). Key examples include:

  • Nunavik Inuit Sled Dog Killings (1950s–60s): In November 2024, Minister Anandasangaree formally apologized to Inuit in Nunavik (northern Quebec) for the federal government’s role in the mass killing of their sled dogs decades ago (CBC News, 2024). From the mid-1950s to late 1960s, over 1,000 Inuit sled dogs were shot by authorities, a traumatic campaign that devastated Inuit livelihoods. At a ceremony in Kangiqsujuaq, Anandasangaree acknowledged this “horrendous betrayal” and said, “On behalf of the government of Canada and all Canadians, I am sorry…Please forgive us”. The apology, which was received with a standing ovation from survivors, was accompanied by a federal $45 million commitment to support healing and cultural revitalization programs for Nunavik Inuit (Nunatsiaq News, 2025).
  • Manitoulin Island Land Funds Mismanagement: In October 2024, Anandasangaree apologized to five Anishinaabeg First Nations on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, for the Crown’s mismanagement of their trust funds in the 19th century (Canadian Press, 2024). Under an 1862 agreement, proceeds from the sale of Indigenous lands were supposed to benefit these First Nations, but instead the colonial government used the money to build roads and settle the island, violating treaty commitments. At a gathering in Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Anandasangaree acknowledged that “the Crown failed to act honorably and uphold its relationship,” breaking its promises and causing harms still felt today. The apology coincided with a C$447.9 million settlement to compensate the five communities for this historic wrong, a deal overwhelmingly approved by the communities’ members in March 2024.
  • Dundas Harbour Inuit Relocation (1930s–40s): In February 2025, Anandasangaree traveled to Arctic Bay, Nunavut, to apologize for the forced relocation of Inuit families from Kinngait to the remote Dundas Harbour between 1934 and 1948. He recognized that relocating 52 Inuit to an isolated, harsh environment in the name of Arctic sovereignty inflicted enduring harm, and he told survivors that their resilience and advocacy had led to this apology (Larocque, 2025). “It’s ultimately about acknowledging the harm and making sure survivors and descendants have some closure, but also to rebuild that trust that was lost,” Anandasangaree reflected (Larocque, 2025). Along with the apology, the government announced $4.5 million for a community-driven fund to support families affected by the relocations. Indigenous leaders like Nunavut MP Lori Idlout welcomed the gesture as “a first small step towards reconciliation”, while noting that the pain from these “genocidal” relocation policies persists as intergenerational trauma. (Anandasangaree had delivered a similar apology in 2019’s Labrador Inuit relocation settlement as well, prior to his ministerial role, reflecting his long-standing involvement in such files).

Through these and other actions, Anandasangaree has attempted to couple words with deeds in advancing reconciliation. Each apology – whether for stolen childhoods, lost livelihoods, or broken treaties – has been made in partnership with compensation or concrete measures to support healing. Indigenous observers note that acknowledging the truth of past abuses is necessary for rebuilding trust. “You have carried the weight of these relocations…your perseverance ensures these stories are not forgotten,” Anandasangaree told the Dundas Harbour survivors (Larocque, 2025), underlining the importance of remembrance and accountability. His willingness to confront painful history on behalf of Canada has been praised by many Indigenous leaders as an important step toward justice and closure.

Ongoing Challenges and Commitments

Despite these efforts, the scope of Canada’s outstanding commitments to Indigenous peoples means Anandasangaree faces significant challenges. Socio-economic gaps in areas like housing, clean water, and health services remain severe in many First Nations and Inuit communities. Additionally, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action are still far from fully implemented years after their issuance – progress trackers indicate that dozens of calls (for example on justice reform, child welfare, and education equity) are incomplete or stalled. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) has also issued 231 Calls for Justice that require sustained action. Upon Anandasangaree’s appointment, opposition critics stressed that momentum on these files must not slow. “This Liberal government has broken far too many promises to Inuit, First Nations and Métis,” warned NDP MP Lori Idlout in 2023, citing “slow” movement on UNDRIP implementation and unmet pledges to improve infrastructure (Needham, 2023). “Minister Anandasangaree has a monumental task ahead of him,” Idlout said, urging tangible improvements under his watch.

Anandasangaree has acknowledged the weight of these expectations. He has stated that reconciliation must be pursued “earnestly” and continuously across government (Tamil Guardian, 2025). As minister, he expressed that his own background—as an immigrant from Sri Lanka, a country colonized by the British—fuels his resolve to support Indigenous self-determination and healing from colonization’s legacy (Mach, 2025). “I have full faith in the new minister,” one Métis leader said upon his appointment, noting his familiarity with the issues (Canadian Press, 2023). Anandasangaree has promised to “hit the ground running” by engaging directly with Indigenous communities, listening to survivors and leaders, and accelerating the work already begun. The broad consensus is that while symbolic gestures like apologies are important, reconciliation will ultimately be measured by concrete outcomes – closing socio-economic gaps, respecting treaty rights, returning lands, and seeing Indigenous nations exercise greater self-governance. These are long-term endeavors, but Anandasangaree’s early actions (from legislative reforms to heartfelt apologies) suggest a determination to press forward on Canada’s “shared path” with Indigenous peoples.

Tamil Canadian Advocacy and Recognition of the Tamil Genocide

Before and alongside his ministerial work on Indigenous issues, Gary Anandasangaree has been a leading advocate for Tamil Canadian issues and international human rights, drawing on his own heritage. Born in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, Anandasangaree lived through the early years of the Sri Lankan civil war. In 1983, during the “Black July” pogroms when thousands of ethnic Tamils were targeted and killed, his family fled Sri Lanka and resettled in Canada as refugees (Parliament of Canada, 2023). This lived experience of persecution and displacement became a driving force in his life. Even prior to entering politics, Anandasangaree established himself as an international human rights lawyer and community activist in Toronto. He regularly represented Canadian NGOs at United Nations human rights forums, drawing attention to Sri Lanka’s civil war atrocities and other global issues (Parliament of Canada, 2023). During the final years of Sri Lanka’s conflict and its aftermath, he emerged as a vocal critic of the Sri Lankan government’s human rights record. He attended sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to advocate for war crimes investigations, and consistently called for justice for Tamil victims of the war (Wikipedia, 2021). His outspoken stance against the Rajapaksa regime’s abuses even led Sinhalese nationalist groups to smear him as a supporter of the Tamil Tigers – a charge he has firmly rejected while maintaining his push for accountability.

As a Canadian MP from 2015 onward, Anandasangaree championed several Tamil diaspora causes. He has frequently spoken in Parliament and at community events about the legacy of Sri Lanka’s civil war (which ended in 2009 with tens of thousands of Tamil civilians killed in the final months). He highlighted issues such as the plight of the families of the disappeared, the need for de-militarization of Tamil-majority areas in north-east Sri Lanka, and the demand for an international mechanism to prosecute wartime atrocities. In February 2021, Anandasangaree delivered a statement of solidarity with a major Tamil civil protest in Sri Lanka – the “P2P” (Pottuvil to Polikandy) march – where Tamils were walking across the island’s north and east to demand justice. Acknowledging the protesters’ goals, he stated their purpose was “to seek accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Tamil people by the Sri Lankan state” (Tamil Guardian, 2021). He implored the international community to act with urgency so Tamils in Sri Lanka could live with “peace, justice, and self-determination” (Tamil Guardian, 2021). Such statements from a Canadian official were unprecedented and signaled strong support for the Tamil struggle for justice.

Canada’s Recognition of the Tamil Genocide

Anandasangaree’s most noted achievement on Tamil issues came in 2022, when Canada became the first country in the world to formally recognize the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka. For years, Tamil Canadians had been campaigning for official recognition that the mass killings of Tamil civilians, especially in 2009 at the end of Sri Lanka’s war, constituted genocide. While some Canadian provinces (notably Ontario in 2021) had already proclaimed Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, the federal parliament had yet to do so. On May 18, 2022, Anandasangaree rose in the House of Commons and introduced a unanimous consent motion declaring that Sri Lanka committed genocide against the Tamil people and designating May 18th of each year as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day (Canadian Press, 2022). The motion was timed to coincide with the 13th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal massacre of May 2009, when Sri Lankan government forces shelled tens of thousands of civilians gathered in a supposed “no-fire zone”. Parliament adopted the motion unanimously, thereby acknowledging the genocide of Tamils and committing to annual commemoration (Canadian Press, 2022). “Canada’s Parliament has created a day to recognize the genocide of Tamil people in Sri Lanka,” reported the Canadian Press, noting that Canada thus became “the first national Parliament in the world” to do so.

For Anandasangaree and the Tamil community, this was a landmark moment many years in the making. “The motion passed today is the culmination of years of hard work and advocacy by so many members of the Tamil community – survivors, family members of survivors, and others,” Anandasangaree said in a statement after the vote (Canadian Press, 2022). He hoped the recognition would “give some solace to those who are impacted and traumatized by the genocide” while emphasizing that “much work lies ahead” to hold the perpetrators accountable (Canadian Press, 2022). Indeed, the motion was a symbolic parliamentary statement and not a judicial verdict, but its unanimous support signaled Canada’s alignment with what many Tamils and human rights experts have long argued. Tamil Canadians across the country welcomed the decision. On Parliament Hill in Ottawa that day, community members lit candles and observed a moment of silence at 18:18 (6:18 pm) in memory of the lives lost, as part of a solemn ceremony of resilience (Ottawa Tamil Association, 2022). Tamil organizations thanked all parties in the House of Commons for supporting the motion and noted that Canada had set an example for other nations (Ottawa Tamil Association, 2022). The National Council of Canadian Tamils called the recognition “an important step in the right direction” and urged countries around the world to follow Canada’s lead in naming and seeking justice for the Tamil Genocide.

The Sri Lankan government, however, reacted angrily to Canada’s parliamentary motion. Just days later, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “categorically rejected” the recognition of a Tamil genocide, calling the allegations “blatantly false” and politically motivated (Tamil Guardian, 2022). In a statement, Colombo pointed out that no UN body has formally used the term “genocide” for the Sri Lankan conflict and dismissed Canada’s move as the work of “a minority of politically motivated anti-Sri Lanka elements in the diaspora”. Despite this denialism, human rights officials have continued to highlight Sri Lanka’s failure to ensure accountability for wartime atrocities. (In fact, just months before Canada’s motion, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had warned of the “continued lack of accountability” in Sri Lanka and urged member states to explore universal jurisdiction cases against alleged perpetrators.) Anandasangaree has underscored that recognizing the truth of what happened in 2009 is only a first step: “it doesn’t stop there…we need to double down…to ensure those who perpetrated these crimes are held to account,” he said on the day of the motion. He and other Canadian MPs have since pressed the government to implement concrete measures — such as targeted sanctions on Sri Lankan human rights violators and support for international accountability mechanisms — in line with the motion’s spirit of justice (Ottawa Tamil Association, 2022).

Anandasangaree’s dual role as an advocate for Tamil human rights and a minister for Indigenous reconciliation might seem like separate endeavors, but they are connected by a common commitment to justice for marginalized communities. In both arenas, he has navigated complex historical traumas: one involves confronting Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples; the other involves acknowledging a foreign state’s mass violence that deeply affects a diaspora community in Canada. By pushing Canada to recognize the Tamil genocide, Anandasangaree effectively expanded Canada’s human rights leadership globally, aligning with diaspora communities’ calls for recognition and redress. This mirrors his work domestically in answering Indigenous peoples’ calls for truth and reconciliation. In a sense, Anandasangaree has used his platform to ensure Canada faces difficult truths – whether about its own colonial past or about atrocities abroad – and to encourage meaningful action in response.

Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

One of the cornerstone efforts in Canada’s reconciliation journey, which Gary Anandasangaree now helps oversee, is the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UNDRIP is a comprehensive international instrument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007 that affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, lands, resources, cultures, and equality. Canada initially opposed UNDRIP at the UN in 2007, but later endorsed it in principle. In June 2021, the Canadian Parliament passed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (sometimes called UNDRIP Act or Bill C-15), which commits the federal government to align Canada’s laws with UNDRIP and to develop an action plan for implementation in consultation with Indigenous peoples (Cameron, Shoemaker, & Buchmayer, 2023). This legislation marked a historic step, formally binding Canada to the Declaration’s objectives and establishing a framework for turning UNDRIP’s principles into practice domestically.

However, passing the law was only the beginning; the harder work is actual implementation. The UNDRIP Act required the government to create a detailed National Action Plan within two years. After extensive consultations, Canada unveiled its 2023–2028 UNDRIP Action Plan on June 21, 2023 (the National Indigenous Peoples Day) (CBC News, 2023). The final Action Plan contains 131 measures (or initiatives) that the federal government pledges to take, in coordination with Indigenous partners, to advance the rights and objectives set out in UNDRIP (CBC News, 2023). These measures span a broad range of areas reflecting UNDRIP’s articles. For example, the plan includes commitments to co-develop an anti-racism strategy to tackle systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples, and to create guidance for federal agencies on obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from Indigenous communities before proceeding with resource projects on their lands (CBC News, 2023). Other measures address closing socio-economic gaps, such as ensuring equitable access to services, protecting Indigenous languages and cultural rights, and advancing self-government agreements. The Action Plan is organized into distinct sections highlighting First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and shared priorities, recognizing that different Indigenous peoples have unique needs and aspirations (Cameron et al., 2023). Notably, the plan also underscores the importance of educating Canadians about Indigenous rights and the UN Declaration itself, and commits to annual progress reporting.

The rollout of the Action Plan was met with both optimism and criticism. Indigenous leaders generally welcomed the plan as a significant step, but some felt that the process left out important voices or that the commitments were too vague. For instance, when a draft of the plan was shared with Chiefs in early 2023, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) asked for further consultation and described some language as “too noncommittal” (CBC News, 2023). The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) – an organization representing off-reserve and non-status Indigenous people – publicly objected that it had been excluded from the planning process, writing an open letter to the Justice Minister criticizing the government for not being fully inclusive (CBC News, 2023). These groups urged stronger, more specific actions and broader input. In response, federal ministers acknowledged the critiques. Then-Justice Minister David Lametti conceded that the timeline to draft the plan was “ambitious” and the initial draft “not perfect”, but he characterized the final plan’s release as “a historic moment” that would evolve over time (CBC News, 2023). “This represents only the beginning of a process,” added Crown–Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller, tempering expectations that the plan alone could resolve generations of issues. In other words, the Action Plan is seen as a living document – a starting framework that will require updates and, importantly, financing to implement effectively. (Notably, when unveiled, the plan did not come with new funding earmarked, which raised concerns about its practical impact (CBC News, 2023). Budget allocations are expected to be determined as specific initiatives move forward.)

Structurally, implementing UNDRIP in Canada faces some jurisdictional complexities. The UNDRIP Act applies only to the federal government, so it mandates federal laws and policies be aligned with UNDRIP, but it does not directly bind provincial or territorial governments (Cameron et al., 2023). In a federation like Canada, this means there could be gaps in areas where provinces hold power (such as natural resource management on provincial lands, which falls under provincial jurisdiction). For example, one of UNDRIP’s key tenets is Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for projects affecting Indigenous lands. While the federal government can strive to uphold FPIC on projects it authorizes, provinces might not adopt the same standard, potentially leading to uneven application (Cameron et al., 2023). Some critics worry that without provincial buy-in, Canada’s implementation of UNDRIP will be partial. (British Columbia is currently the only province with its own UNDRIP law, passed in 2019, to harmonize provincial laws with the Declaration.) Additionally, the Canadian legal system is still interpreting how UNDRIP principles, like FPIC, interact with existing Canadian law (especially the Supreme Court’s established duty-to-consult framework). Courts have yet to determine to what extent UNDRIP can create new enforceable rights or if it mainly guides policy (Cameron et al., 2023). These uncertainties underscore that implementing UNDRIP is a complex, long-term project requiring cooperation across all levels of government and Indigenous nations.

Despite challenges, there have been some tangible advances in the first years of UNDRIP implementation. In June 2024, the government released its third annual progress report on the UNDRIP Act, outlining areas of progress and where more effort is needed (Department of Justice, 2024). For example, over 2023–24 the government began developing an Indigenous Justice Strategy to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in prisons and systemic racism in the justice system, fulfilling one measure in the Action Plan (Department of Justice, 2024). It also introduced new legislation (Bill C-61) focused on safe drinking water and wastewater management in First Nations communities, aiming to finally resolve long-standing boil-water advisories and give First Nations greater control over water resources. Additionally, federal agencies worked with Indigenous partners on issues like cross-border mobility rights (easing travel for Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories span the Canada–US border) and continued efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages, building on the Indigenous Languages Act (Department of Justice, 2024). These steps indicate that the UNDRIP Action Plan is being used to guide policy changes across multiple sectors.

At the same time, the 2024 progress report candidly noted key areas for improvement. It stressed the need for better coordination across the federal bureaucracy – essentially ensuring different departments work together and not in silos (Department of Justice, 2024). It also found that timelines for co-developing initiatives with Indigenous communities must be respectful yet efficient to maintain momentum. Importantly, the report called for developing clear performance indicators to measure outcomes, and for dedicating adequate funding to implement the Action Plan’s measures (Department of Justice, 2024). Without clear accountability and resources, the lofty commitments might not translate into real change on the ground. The tone of the report was that while progress has been made in year one of the Action Plan, “there is much more work ahead” and urgency is required to fully realize UNDRIP’s promise (Department of Justice, 2024).

Minister Anandasangaree has emerged as a key champion of UNDRIP within the federal government’s ranks. Though the UNDRIP Act was passed before he became Crown–Indigenous Relations minister, he is now centrally involved in its implementation. He frequently underscores that UNDRIP is foundational to Canada’s reconciliation agenda. “The UN Declaration Act and the related Action Plan are key parts of the roadmap to reconciliation,” Anandasangaree affirmed, highlighting that these tools guide Canada’s collaborative efforts with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to “address the harmful legacies of colonization” and build renewed government-to-government relationships (Department of Justice, 2024). He has committed to work “in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis” to ensure UNDRIP is fully implemented (Department of Justice, 2024). This echoes the principles of partnership in the Declaration itself. Under Anandasangaree’s watch, the government also formed an Indigenous-led advisory committee to help oversee the UNDRIP Act’s implementation, ensuring Indigenous experts help shape how the Action Plan is carried out (Department of Justice, 2025). By infusing the process with Indigenous leadership and oversight, Anandasangaree aims to fulfill not just the letter of UNDRIP but its spirit – which is empowerment of Indigenous peoples in decisions that affect them.

In summary, Canada’s implementation of UNDRIP is a work in progress that Anandasangaree is helping drive forward. The framework is in place (with the Act and Action Plan), initial steps have been taken, and Anandasangaree’s role involves maintaining momentum, securing needed resources, and persuading colleagues (and provinces) to embrace the changes that true implementation will require. Given his background in human rights and law, Anandasangaree approaches UNDRIP as both a legal commitment and a moral one – a blueprint for upholding the dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples that have too often been denied. Successful implementation will be measured in improved outcomes: stronger Indigenous self-governance, fewer rights violations, and more equitable participation of Indigenous communities in Canada’s socio-economic life. As Anandasangaree himself has noted, “equality and justice are strengthened when we uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples”, and fulfilling UNDRIP is essential to “build a more inclusive, harmonious and prosperous Canada for all” (Department of Justice, 2024). The coming years will test how Canada – with Anandasangaree’s stewardship – turns these commitments into reality, in partnership with Indigenous nations.

A United Call to Support Minister Gary Anandasangaree

Minister Gary Anandasangaree has shown an unwavering commitment to justice, reconciliation, and human dignity—whether by championing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, empowering marginalized communities, or giving voice to histories too long silenced. His work transcends partisanship; it is rooted in shared Canadian values of fairness, inclusivity, and truth.

Now is not the time to fracture around political lines. It is time to rally together.

We call on all Canadians—regardless of race, faith, or political persuasion—to stand firmly behind Minister Anandasangaree. We urge Parliamentarians from every party to recognize his principled leadership and affirm his continued place in Cabinet. This is not about partisanship; it is about the kind of country we choose to be.

Let us move forward, united in purpose, trusting that his ongoing service will carry us closer to a Canada that acknowledges its past, protects its people, and prepares all communities for a more just future.

Together, let us support the Minister so he can continue the vital work—not just for some, but for all.


     In solidarity,

     Wimal Navaratnam

     Human Rights Advocate | ABC Tamil Oli (ECOSOC)

      Email: tamilolicanada@gmail.com

 

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