Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs concerned about passing of Bill C-5
CTV News political commentator Tom Mulcair reacts to the passage of Bill C-5 through the Senate, saying he's not surprised there were no amendments to the bill.
A First Nations organization in Manitoba is concerned about the speedy passage of federal legislation.
Bill C-5, also known as the Building Canada Act, became law on Thursday. The act is controversial as it gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects meant to boost the national economy, allowing them to sidestep environmental protections and other legislation.
The bill has been praised by business groups, such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, who believe it will help boost Canada's economy.
Multiple Indigenous groups have criticized the bill in the leadup, saying their concerns were not addressed in the discussion of the bill, and it was fast-tracked.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said the bill doesn't respect First Nations' laws or jurisdiction.
'First Nations are not stakeholders – we are sovereign Nations with inherent rights and sacred agreements with the Crown,' Wilson said in a statement. 'This legislation shows exactly how structural inequities are embedded into the development of Canada's legislative and economic policies when First Nations are excluded from the process.'
Wilson added that First Nations in Manitoba are not opposed to projects that boost the economy but are opposed to 'compressed timelines and federal overreach.'
-With files from The Canadian Press
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