Research publications

The Library of Parliament’s research publications provide non-partisan, reliable and timely information and analysis on current and emerging issues, legislation and major public policy topics.

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HillNotes

Quick reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians

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HillStudies

In-depth reads on topics of interest to parliamentarians (formerly Background papers and In briefs)

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Legislative summaries

Concise analyses of certain bills before Parliament

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Trade and investment profiles

Fact sheets on Canada’s trade and investment relationship with selected countries and regions

Archived research publications are available in our catalogue.

  1. The Rights of Nature: Canadian and International Developments in Granting Legal Rights to Rivers

    HillNote
    In February 2021, the Quebec municipality of Minganie and the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit adopted resolutions asserting legal personhood for Muteshekau-shipu (or the Magpie River). The specific rights asserted for the Magpie River include the right to maintain its natural biodiversity, to perform essential functions within its ecosystem, and to have legal standing in courts. This assertion is the first of its kind in Canada. Over the past several years, some ecosystems – especially rivers – have been granted rights and legal personhood in several countries. Although the context varies, the aim of these developments is generally to allow a river to bring cases – through a legal guardian – to a court on its own behalf. For example, a river with legal personhood could seek a court order to stop actions that cause it harm, such as excessive pollution, regardless of whether a human being’s rights or legal interests are engaged. This Hill Note examines the rights of nature and the assertion of legal personhood for rivers in Canada and abroad.
    Environmental law
    Environmental protection
    Flowing water ecosystems
    Indigenous legal traditions
    Indigenous peoples
    Juridical personality
    Legal rights
    Watercourses

  2. Putting Indigenous Perspectives on the Map: Indigenous Mapping and Place Names

    HillNote
    For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, communities across Canada will hold events to celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions to Canada. Indigenous peoples are working to put Indigenous perspectives on the map of Canada. This HillNote will describe initiatives by Indigenous people and communities with respect to mapping and renaming initiatives in their homelands, sometimes through participatory mapping.
    Indigenous knowledge
    Indigenous languages
    Indigenous peoples
    Toponymy

  3. The Arctic Council: The Involvement of Indigenous Peoples

    HillNote
    The Arctic Council is a forum for Canada and the other Arctic states to advance and help shape international public policy relating to the Arctic. The member states of the Arctic Council, which was founded in 1996 with the signing of the Declaration on the establishment of the Arctic Council (Ottawa Declaration), are Canada and the seven other Arctic states: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. The Arctic Council also includes six Indigenous organizations as permanent participants.
    Arctic
    Indigenous knowledge
    Indigenous peoples
    Northern Canada
    Relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons

  4. Shining in the Spotlight: Indigenous Theatre in Canada

    HillNote
    On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities in Canada hold events to celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions. To mark the occasion, this HillNote provides an overview of the history of Indigenous theatre, highlights the contributions of Indigenous playwrights, and provides information about the development of companies, collectives and organizations that support Indigenous theatre.
    Indigenous peoples
    Theatre

  5. Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada

    HillNote
    On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events to celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions. To mark the occasion, this HillNote provides information about Indigenous-women-owned businesses in Canada, the challenges they face and the available programs and supports.
    Indigenous peoples
    Women

  7. Celebrating Indigenous Leadership in Elementary and Secondary Education

    HillNote
    On 21 June, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events that celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions. To highlight this special day, the following HillNote focuses on examples of Indigenous leadership in elementary and secondary education, as well as some current issues. Across Canada, Indigenous people are regaining control over the education of their children. Through Indigenous leadership in elementary and secondary education, Indigenous students are connecting with their culture, language and perspectives, both in the classroom and on the land.
    Educational institutions
    Indigenous cultural rights
    Indigenous governance
    Indigenous knowledge
    Indigenous languages
    Indigenous peoples
    Language
    Language education
    Thematic events

  8. Celebrating Indigenous Leadership in Post-Secondary Education

    HillNote
    On 21 June, National Indigenous Peoples Day, communities across Canada hold events that celebrate Indigenous cultures and achievements. The year 2026 represents the 30th National Indigenous Peoples Day. To highlight this special occasion, this HillNote focuses on examples of Indigenous leadership in post-secondary education, as well as some current issues. Indigenous Peoples are taking charge of their future education by developing new institutions adapted to their needs.
    Educational institutions
    Indigenous cultural rights
    Indigenous governance
    Indigenous knowledge
    Indigenous languages
    Indigenous peoples
    Language education
    Post-secondary education
    Thematic events

  9. The Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples

    Background paper
    2019-17-e.pdf (606.62 KB)
    First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada1 have unique rights that are guaranteed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 recognizes and affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. As a way to protect these rights, the doctrine of the duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups, was developed by Canadian courts. Furthermore, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, endorsed by Canada in 2010, provides that member states must consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples on certain matters, such as “legislative or administrative measures that may affect them,” in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent. As stated by the Supreme Court of Canada (Supreme Court), the general purpose of the duty to consult is to foster reconciliation. Thus, the duty to consult doctrine is of fundamental importance to Indigenous communities and Indigenous governments, as well as to federal, provincial and territorial governments, private industry stakeholders and Canadian society as a whole. This paper examines the origins and evolution through the courts of the duty to consult. It first provides background information on the duty to consult. It then discusses, at a more practical level, who is involved in consultations, how and when the duty is engaged, the scope and requirements of consultation and accommodation and the circumstances in which consent is required. It further examines whether the duty to consult applies in the context of legislative processes. It concludes by providing information on guidelines that have been developed and updated by Indigenous communities and organizations and federal/provincial governments in response to emerging case law and that inform the implementation of the duty to consult.
    Aboriginal and treaty rights
    Duty to consult
    Indigenous peoples
    Indigenous policy
    Judgments of the Supreme Court of Canada
    Legislative process
    Right to consent