A/HRC/11/17* 8. In Canada, there is ongoing public discussion of human rights, within government, in the courts and administrative tribunals and in public commissions of inquiry. Canadians from all sectors of society are actively engaged and help shape approaches to the advancement of human rights. 9. Canada views the participation of civil society as an important aspect of the UPR process, and acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by civil-society representatives regarding the timing and nature of its UPR consultations. Canada is committed to engaging with civil society and intends to hold further consultations in follow-up to the UPR. 10. Reconciliation work between Aboriginals and the rest of Canadian society is ongoing. Canada acknowledged the particular challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples and welcomed the opportunity to highlight progress and the need for improvement. Reconciliation and a renewed partnership with Aboriginal people are key pillars in Canada’s Aboriginal Agenda. In June 2008, the Government offered a historic formal apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement includes compensation to former students and the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Closing a long-standing legislative gap the Canadian Human Rights Act was amended in 2008 to allow addressing of issues of discrimination arising under the Indian Act. 11. Violence against Aboriginal women is of significant concern. Canada is working with Aboriginal women and organizations on family violence prevention programmes and services on reserves. The Government supports the Sisters in Spirit initiative undertaken by the Native Women’s Association of Canada to better understand and define the problem of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. 12. Canada seeks to reconcile the rights of Aboriginal peoples over traditional lands with the sovereignty of the Government, including the recognition of existing treaties, and the negotiation of new land and self-government agreements. The Government seeks to balance the rights and interests of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians in a manner consistent with the Constitution. Canada recognizes the collective nature of Aboriginal peoples’ interest in lands and resources and that the nature of this collective interest may vary. 13. While unable to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples because the text failed to address Canada’s key concerns and lacks clear guidance for States in several areas, including lands and resources, the concept of free, prior and informed consent and self-government, Canada remains committed to fulfilling its existing human rights obligations and commitments to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and is active internationally in working to improve the situation of indigenous peoples. 14. Regarding the issue of homelessness and its many causes. Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy to prevent and reduce homelessness invests in community priorities and encourages collaboration among federal, provincial or territorial and municipal governments. Other substantial investments in housing include the federal-provincialterritorial Affordable Housing Initiative, and low-income housing programmes. 15. Regarding counter-terrorism, Canada is committed to preventing and combating terrorism in a manner that fulfills its international obligations, including its human rights obligations. Canada’s counter-terrorism laws include safeguards for the protection of human rights. Any Government actions under them are subject to review by Canada’s system of independent courts. 16. Canada has adopted new procedures in cases where the need to protect secret information must be balanced against an individual’s right to due process. Special advocates are now appointed to act independently of the government on behalf of persons 4 GE.09-15299