Indigenous leaders on Trans Mountain lessons as Building Canada Act moves forward
Two former Indigenous leaders on both sides of the debate over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion say the federal government can't ignore First Nations on future infrastructure projects it seeks to approve. Their comments come as Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to fast-track major projects, such as pipelines and mines, through his government's newly adopted "Building Canada Act." Following years...
Consultation Summer: Is Mark Carney Closing the C-5 Gap with Indigenous Groups?
The Carney government’s promise to speedily build infrastructure and other projects in the “national interest” per the provisions of the One Canadian Economy Act is running into the predictable opposition and potential delays. The government’s fast-track infrastructure program combines the nationalist appeal of bolstering Canada’s economic and trade infrastructure — ports, transportation, pipelines, hydro, clean energy, critical minerals among others...
First Nations Warn Carney’s Push to Build Canada Could Tear It Apart
FROM THE MOMENT he took office, Prime Minister Mark Carney made moves to show his commitment to Indigenous peoples. In March, he met with the leaders of the three main Indigenous organizations: the Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. In May, amid US president Donald Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty, King Charles III delivered a...
Métis leaders strike note of optimism after meeting with Carney on major projects
Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States. "When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation...
Manitoba Metis Federation turns down Carney's invitation to talk major projects
The Manitoba Metis Federation is turning down Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to discuss his government's controversial major projects legislation, saying it won't attend the meeting alongside another Metis group it says has no reason to exist. The federation, which represents Red River Metis, says Carney's decision to include the Metis Nation of Ontario in Thursday's meeting undermines the integrity...
Inuit leader says he's been reassured Bill C-5 won't violate modern treaties
The president of the national Inuit organization says he's been given reassurances that Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan to fast-track major nation-building projects won't violate modern treaties and there will be "full partnership of the Inuit within these processes." The prime minister is meeting with Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and other Inuit leaders in Inuvik, NW.T., as...
Carney government cuts unfairly hit First Nations
On July 8, the Carney government announced sweeping budget cuts across all departments, totaling 15 per cent over three years. These cuts are also expected to hit Indigenous Services Canada, the federal department responsible for funding essential services for First Nations peoples. In this time of economic uncertainty, marked by increased defense spending, tariffs, and growing housing and climate crises...
The painful lack of urgency to end violence against Indigenous women and girls
Every May as red dresses and moose-hide pins appear, and families walk in memory of lost loved ones, a question hangs in the air. Why does the change they demand to end gender-based violence move so painfully slow? Statistics on abuse and murders of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people remain staggering.
Carney's meeting with First Nations on major projects leaves some chiefs frustrated
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was optimistic about finding consensus on the Liberals' major projects law as he met with hundreds of First Nations chiefs on Thursday, but by mid-afternoon some leaders had walked out of the summit. Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Grand Chief Cody Diabo says he took the microphone to express his frustration before leaving the meeting...
AFN chief hoping for ‘more listening’ from PM Carney at major projects bill summit
Ahead of the First Nations summit to discuss the federal government’s controversial major projects bill getting underway, Assembly of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is calling for “more listening” from Prime Minister Mark Carney. “We’re going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he produces tomorrow,” Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday. “I think that...
Chiefs of Ontario say Ottawa acting unfairly in major projects meeting Thursday
The Chiefs of Ontario say Ottawa is levelling an unfair playing field for chiefs in a meeting planned with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss the government's controversial major projects legislation. Carney promised in June that he would meet with First Nations after chiefs said their rights were not respected by the rush to push the bill through...
Ottawa tells chiefs to submit questions before meeting with PM on major projects bill
Ottawa asked First Nations chiefs to submit their questions in advance of their meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney next week to discuss his government's controversial major projects bill. Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big industrial projects like mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws. Carney promised to meet with...