PM Carney to address Indigenous leaders at Gatineau summit amid backlash over Bill C-5, which fast-tracks national projects without full Indigenous consent.
Summit Convenes Amid Legislative Tensions
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to speak Thursday at a two-day summit in Gatineau, Quebec, where First Nations leaders have gathered to voice serious concerns about Bill C-5, the federal government’s recently passed legislation on major project approvals. The summit, held at the Canadian Museum of History, aims to address frustrations over the lack of Indigenous consultation before the bill became law.
What the Legislation Does
Bill C-5 permits expedited approval of infrastructure projects—such as pipelines, ports, and mines—deemed nationally significant. While the legislation includes a requirement for provincial consent, it omits language ensuring free, prior, and informed consent from Indigenous communities, a key principle recognized in international law.
Leaders Say Consultation Came Too Late
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations criticized the process during a press conference Wednesday, stating that Indigenous rights cannot be respected “after the fact.” She emphasized the need for the federal government to bring meaningful amendments and address longstanding infrastructure disparities affecting Indigenous youth.
Summit Format Sparks Criticism
AFN regional chief Joanna Bernard of New Brunswick also challenged the nature of the summit itself, saying it lacks true consultation. “They’re deciding how this is going to proceed,” she said, arguing that Indigenous leaders should have a role in shaping the agenda rather than reacting to it.
Legal Pushback Already Underway
Earlier this week, nine First Nations from Ontario launched a legal challenge against both Bill C-5 and a related provincial law. They contend the laws violate constitutional protections around Indigenous rights and title, adding legal weight to the mounting political pressure.
Trust Deficit Over Government Promises
Although Prime Minister Carney has emphasized the importance of Indigenous consultation, First Nations leaders remain skeptical without explicit legislative safeguards. “Consent is not optional,” Woodhouse Nepinak reiterated, underlining the legal and ethical obligations of the federal government.
Broader Implications for National Projects
The debate around Bill C-5 raises significant questions about how Canada balances its infrastructure ambitions with its reconciliation commitments. As projects move forward under the new framework, Indigenous communities continue to demand a seat at the decision-making table—before shovels hit the ground.
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