Carney Engages First Nations Leaders at Development Law Summit

GATINEAU — A significant summit convened on Thursday between Prime Minister Mark Carney and representatives from hundreds of First Nations to discuss the Canadian government’s major projects law. Carney emphasized the importance of partnership, stating, “The economic value of these projects will be shared with First Nations as partners.” This gathering took place at the Canadian Museum of History, where many chiefs participated both in person and virtually.

The legislation under discussion, known as the Building Canada Act, was passed through Parliament last month as part of Bill C-5. It aims to address Canada’s trade challenges with the United States by granting Ottawa temporary powers to bypass existing environmental regulations for “nation-building” initiatives such as pipelines and mines. This approach has drawn significant criticism, with many voicing concerns that it might infringe on Indigenous rights and environmental protections.

By the end of the daylong event, Carney’s vision of collaboration was met with mixed reactions, ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism. The summit began with media access during Carney’s opening remarks, but journalists were later asked to leave, an action that drew criticism from First Nations leaders who wished to share their perspectives publicly. Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak expressed disappointment, stating, “I’m sorry you’re all out here. We should have been in (there), and you should have been able to hear my speech.”

Concerns regarding the summit’s agenda emerged, with some chiefs asserting it had not been developed collaboratively. Chief Phyllis Whitford of the O’Chiese First Nation described the event as “political theatre,” underscoring that the planning appeared rushed and lacked adequate input from First Nations representatives. “This legislation creates regulatory chaos. It will lead to more court battles, not fewer,” she warned.

The agenda featured various sessions, often moderated by government ministers rather than chiefs. The final session, titled “Working Together,” was led by Carney and six members of his cabinet. Discussions included the establishment of an Indigenous Advisory Council intended to ensure that national-interest projects align with the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples.

While some leaders acknowledged the significance of Carney’s willingness to engage with First Nations, they also called for concrete commitments. Woodhouse Nepinak indicated a desire for meaningful outcomes from the summit, stating, “We want the Prime Minister to come up with some commitments by the end of the day.”

Additional demands raised during the summit included the revival of a bill that aimed to ensure clean drinking water in First Nations communities, efforts to close the infrastructure gap affecting these communities, and improvements in First Nations policing services.

Before addressing the attendees, Carney acknowledged the importance of listening to First Nations perspectives. When asked about reaching a consensus regarding the new law, he expressed optimism, stating, “Yes, I do.”

Some chiefs, such as Derek Nepinak of Pine Creek First Nation, recognized the potential for a new direction under Carney’s leadership but stressed the importance of including diverse voices in the discussions. He highlighted concerns that some of the chiefs given speaking opportunities were historically supportive of federal projects, suggesting a need for broader representation.

At the conclusion of the summit, Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, noted the government’s readiness to engage on resource revenue-sharing proposals, though he expressed concerns about the Carney administration’s approach. “The Prime Minister has moved in a way that really concerns our chiefs,” Mercredi said, emphasizing that there is a chance to address past grievances.

Further, Chief Jeff Copenace of the Ojibways of Onigaming called for tangible investments in social infrastructure alongside promises of consultation. He remarked on the apparent contradiction between the Prime Minister’s assurances of consultation and the urgency to expedite project development.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, along with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, indicated that the next phase would involve establishing a Major Project Office, which will incorporate the yet-to-be-formed Indigenous Advisory Council by Labour Day. Plans for future summits with Inuit and Métis groups are also in the pipeline.

As discussions continue, the balance between development and the rights of Indigenous peoples remains a critical focus for both the government and First Nations leaders.