The Liberal government has proposed changes to the Citizenship Act that would see individuals who take Canada’s oath of citizenship state a commitment to Indigenous and treaty rights for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

"I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors,” the revised oath would read, “and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”

Interviewed in the House of Commons shortly after tabling the bill, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen told CBC News that the proposal was recommended by the country’s Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"Reconciliation is not only an Indigenous issue,” Hessen said. “It is a Canadian imperative and will take partners at all levels to advance this important journey.”

In response to the proposal, Murray Sinclair, a senator who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015, issued a statement describing the oath’s proposed rewording as reflecting “a more inclusive history of Canada”.

"Reconciliation requires that a new vision, based on a commitment to mutual respect, be developed,” he said. “Part of that vision is encouraging all Canadians, including newcomers, to understand the history of First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit, including information about the treaties and the history of the residential schools, so that we all honour the truth and work together to build a more inclusive Canada.”

It’s unclear if the legislation will pass during the current session of Parliament. While the proposal has not attracted any sort of substantial opposition, there are only a few days left when politicians sit in the legislature before they leave Ottawa for the summer.