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“New Canadians, when they take that oath, it means so much to them,” Hussen told reporters Tuesday.

“The changing of the oath to reflect Call to Action No. 94 will embed in them an understanding of just how important it is for Canada to recognize and for new Canadians to recognize both the treaties and the recognition of Indigenous peoples.”

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said the change demonstrates to all Canadians, including the country’s newest citizens, that Indigenous and treaty rights are an essential part of the country’s character.

The commission delivered its calls to action in December 2015, which included a recommendation to update the language of the oath of citizenship to include a recognition of Indigenous treaty rights.

When asked why the change was so long in the making, Hussen said he did consider it a priority, but that it took time to consult with all Indigenous partners and parliamentarians to ensure broad consensus on the wording.

“The issue was we needed to take the time to do it right and to get the right language, to get the most inclusive language available.”

Sen. Murray Sinclair, who chaired the commission, says he welcomes the government’s legislation to change the oath, saying it reflects a “more inclusive history of Canada.”

As for whether the bill will pass in the brief time left in the parliamentary calendar before this fall’s election, Hussen acknowledged it would require co-operation from all parties in the House of Commons and Senate to allow for speedy passage.