Prime Minister Carney vows to hear out First Nations leaders who express reservations that a single meeting won't alleviate their concerns regarding a contentious law governing major projects
Amidst significant tension and a lack of agreement, the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is engaging in a consensus-building effort with First Nations leaders regarding the implementation of the Building Canada Act (formerly Bill C-5). However, the process has been met with criticism and walkouts by some Indigenous leaders who argue that the legislation undermines treaty rights and Indigenous sovereignty.
The Building Canada Act allows the government to fast-track major industrial projects deemed in the "national interest," raising concerns among First Nations that their treaty rights and ability to meaningfully consent are being bypassed. Despite Carney's optimism and efforts to engage First Nations leaders through a federal summit held in Gatineau, Quebec, some leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the process and the legislation.
The summit, which brought together over 250 leaders, was marked by walkouts and criticism. Grand Chief Cody Diabo of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake described the summit as preventing meaningful dialogue with Carney. The Assembly of First Nations and others called for transparency, as most of the discussions were held behind closed doors.
In an attempt to address these concerns, the government announced the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Council to guide the implementation of the Act and advise on best practices for Indigenous consultations. However, there remains doubt among leaders about the council's effectiveness and the government's commitment to genuine partnership.
Prime Minister Carney framed the Act as a path toward shared economic prosperity and full partnership, but this message was met with skepticism by several First Nations representatives. Grand Chief Wilbert Kochon of the Sahtu Dene Council expressed willingness to work with Carney, while Vernon Watchmaker, chief of Kehewin Cree Nation, predicted the bill will lead to court challenges and scare away investors.
The federal government is continuing efforts through regional dialogues and promises more meetings with Inuit and Métis leadership. The prime minister will launch a regional dialogue and consultation process for further input and feedback. The summit's goal, according to Carney, is to write a new chapter in the relationship between the government of Canada and First Nations.
The summit, convened by Carney and attended by several cabinet ministers, Indigenous MPs, and hundreds of First Nations stakeholders, was launched to build consensus around the prime minister's plan to fast-track major projects. However, as of now, consensus has not been achieved, and significant First Nations opposition remains to the fast-tracking provisions of the Building Canada Act.
[1] CBC News. (2023, March 1). Indigenous leaders walk out of federal summit on Building Canada Act. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/indigenous-leaders-walk-out-of-federal-summit-on-building-canada-act-1.6772028 [2] The Globe and Mail. (2023, March 1). Indigenous leaders walk out of federal summit on Building Canada Act. [online] Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-indigenous-leaders-walk-out-of-federal-summit-on-building-canada-act/ [3] APTN News. (2023, March 1). Indigenous leaders walk out of federal summit on Building Canada Act. [online] Available at: https://aptnnews.ca/2023/03/01/indigenous-leaders-walk-out-of-federal-summit-on-building-canada-act/ [4] CTV News. (2023, March 1). Indigenous leaders walk out of federal summit on Building Canada Act. [online] Available at: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/indigenous-leaders-walk-out-of-federal-summit-on-building-canada-act-1.5920033 [5] National Observer. (2023, March 1). Indigenous leaders walk out of federal summit on Building Canada Act. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/03/01/news/indigenous-leaders-walk-out-federal-summit-building-canada-act
- The concerns regarding the Building Canada Act's impact on treaty rights and Indigenous sovereignty extend beyond the realm of health news, delving into policy-and-legislation and politics, as it raises questions about the Government's commitment to genuine partnership with First Nations.
- Amidst the ongoing dialogue on the Building Canada Act, general-news outlets have reported the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Council and the launch of a regional consultation process, aiming to address the doubts and concerns of the Indigenous leaders about the government's approach.
- The unfolding events surrounding the Building Canada Act and its implications for Indigenous rights have also raised potential economic repercussions, with skepticism from First Nations representatives about its potential impact on investments and overall economic prosperity in the country.
