Justice minister apologizes for comments that 'potentially eroded' trust with Indigenous peoples
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The issue has emerged in light of Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan to introduce legislation that would fast-track approvals for major energy and infrastructure projects by cutting the timeline to two years, down from five.
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The Assembly of First Nations, a national advocacy organization representing more than 600 First Nations across the country, has expressed concerns that, from what they have seen of the forthcoming bill, it 'suggests a serious threat' to First Nations treaty rights.
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In a recent letter to Carney, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak cited the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which outlines the principle of obtaining 'free, prior, and informed consent' regarding laws and decisions that affect Indigenous peoples.
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When asked about that principle on Tuesday, Fraser outlined his interpretation of it, telling reporters that it demands 'a very deep level of engagement and understanding of the rights that may be impacted.'
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On Wednesday, Fraser apologized for those comments, saying it gave some the impression of the government wanting to 'work unilaterally, not in partnership,' with Indigenous people.
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'Despite innocent intentions, I think my comments actually caused hurt and potentially eroded a very precarious trust that has been built up over many years to respect the rights of Indigenous people in this country,' he said on his way into the Liberal caucus meeting.
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The minister said that after he made those remarks he received a call from the national chief, 'expressing her frustration.'
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
What should we make of Carney's foreign policy outlook?
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CTV News
7 hours ago
- CTV News
First Nations fishers hit the water as Fraser River sockeye return in big numbers
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Toronto Sun
7 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Letters to the Editor, Aug. 7, 2025
ASSISTING AID This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Re 'Israel is losing the propaganda wars' (Warren Kinsella, July 29): Powerful prose by Warren Kinsella! Is this a case of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' or is Israel intentionally starving civilian Gazans. From the onset on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas has lied about every issue from lack of aid to the source of a bombed hospital. But this is war. No doubt there is a shortage of food. It appears that Israel is taking no chances by air dropping aid and opening the corridors for other agencies to truck in supplies. A defensive combatant that warns civilians regarding any attack in a war that was started in a treacherous massacre, holding civilian hostages after two years, deserves the benefit of any doubt. Larry Sylvester Acton, Ont. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. (Hamas takes the aid being delivered and then in turn withholds it from the people in Gaza. These terrorists continue to terrorize their own people) TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE Can somebody please tell me how much money the government has thrown away, thus far, prosecuting Tamara Lich and Chris Barber for standing up to Liberal tyranny on behalf of all Canadians who value their Charter rights and freedoms? The amount will surely be in the multiple tens of millions of dollars. As near as I can tell, citations for parking violations would have covered it. And all of this could have been avoided had our evil former prime minister (whose name I can't even stand to say) met with them in the first place. Why aren't more people speaking up about this travesty of justice? Were it not for them, our rights and freedoms would still be under attack. Rather than continuing down this path of political persecution, the government should nominate these two people for the Governor General award for their bravery and selflessness. I, myself, am most grateful to them. Rick Mailloux Windsor (It will be millions — but we will ask these questions. It is appalling this is still going on) Editorial Cartoons World Canada Celebrity World
