First Nations Meet Carney Over Controversial Major Projects Law

Prime Minister Mark Carney convened a summit with First Nations leaders to address concerns over Bill C-5, legislation that fast-tracks major projects deemed in the national interest but has sparked significant Indigenous criticism for bypassing consultation and potentially infringing on their rights. While Carney emphasized the bill's focus on Indigenous economic growth, many First Nations leaders expressed skepticism, viewing the summit and the bill's rushed passage as inadequate and exclusionary, with some calling the process exploitative rather than reconciliatory. The summit, held with limited time and media access, revealed deep divisions among Indigenous communities, with some leaders advocating for swift project approvals and others demanding respect for free, prior, and informed consent and greater control over their lands. The Assembly of First Nations highlighted the need for genuine dialogue and commitment from the government to listen and incorporate Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing that this summit should be the beginning of ongoing consultations rather than a final say. The constitutional challenge launched by several First Nations underscores the legal and political tensions surrounding Bill C-5, while further summits with Inuit and Métis peoples are planned to continue these critical discussions. Experts noted the complexity of Indigenous consent and the necessity for tailored, regional approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions in these negotiations.