Canada Names 11 Indigenous Leaders to Advise Major Projects Office

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed an Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) consisting of 11 leaders from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to guide the newly established Major Projects Office (MPO). The council's role is to ensure meaningful Indigenous participation in major infrastructure and resource projects across Canada, fostering equity ownership and responsible resource management. The appointments come as part of the government’s Building Canada Act, which streamlines federal approvals for projects deemed of national interest while upholding Indigenous rights and environmental standards. Notably, Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, a vocal critic of the major-projects legislation, was appointed to the council, highlighting the government's intent to include diverse perspectives on the law’s implementation. The MPO aims to accelerate regulatory approvals and coordinate financing for transformative projects that support economic growth and Indigenous prosperity. The government emphasizes that meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples and adherence to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior, and informed consent, are embedded in the process.