Latest news with #AlvinFiddler
CBC
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Inside Indigenous backlash to fast-tracking mega projects
Many First Nations leaders across Canada are furious about two laws just passed by both the federal government and Ontario's provincial government. The Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act and the federal Building Canada Act, better known as Bill 5 and Bill C5, are meant to fast-track large development projects and have faced similar criticisms. Many Indigenous people say the bills stomp on treaty rights and ignore the need to get their consent for development in their territories –– and this could shape up to mean some big battles across the country. Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a political organization that represents 49 Ontario First Nations, joins the show to unpack the controversy.
Globe and Mail
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Chiefs criticize Indigenous advisory council for Bill C-5 projects after meeting with Carney
Two First Nations chiefs are voicing concerns over a proposed Indigenous advisory council that will work with Bill C-5's major projects office, with one saying he has little faith that it will have any impact. Part of the recently passed legislation allows the federal cabinet to deem projects to be of national interest and then exempt them from various laws in order to speed up approvals and construction. The co-ordination of potential projects to be considered on the national-interest list will be done by the major projects office, which will work closely with an Indigenous advisory council announced last month. Both the office and the council are expected to be up and running by Labour Day, the Prime Minister's Office said. The council will be comprised of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representatives, as well as modern treaty and self-government delegates, to help ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are integrated at each stage, the PMO added. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in Northern Ontario, said he has not yet seen a mandate or terms of reference for the council, but he doesn't 'really have too much faith in' it. 'We've seen advisory committees before on other issues and in different ways,' he said. 'They can provide all the advice that they want, it doesn't necessarily mean that their advice will be heeded or actioned on.' When asked what could give him faith, Mr. Fiddler said the government could amend Bill C-5 to explicitly include that First Nations will have to consent to major projects taking place in their territory. Why First Nations are clashing with Ontario and Ottawa over bills aimed at speeding up megaprojects The law has sparked worry from Indigenous leaders, who have said they are not against development but are concerned their treaty rights will be violated. The federal government has repeatedly said Indigenous people will be consulted at key stages. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with First Nations leaders on Thursday after facing significant pushback from Indigenous leadership on how Bill C-5 was introduced and then sped through Parliament in under a month. At the meeting, Mr. Carney said projects under the legislation will be built with Indigenous communities. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine also levelled heavy criticism at the proposed council. He called it a 'colonial construct' and said it will be used to 'manufacture consent on legislation and policies that affect all Indigenous people, including treaty nations.' 'A small group of hand-selected advisers cannot speak on behalf of hundreds of distinct nations with sovereign governance structures,' he said at a press conference after Thursday's meeting. Chiefs gave the meeting mixed reviews. Overall, Mr. Fiddler described it as 'a bit of a gongshow,' citing a last-minute agenda and First Nations' support staff needing to watch online owing to capacity limits at the venue. Mr. Carney committed to regional dialogues. Mr. Fiddler said he told Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty that he is willing to be flexible with the dates of a fall grand assembly to accommodate Mr. Carney's schedule. Mr. Fiddler said he also told Ms. Gull-Masty that there needs to be a forum for youth to voice their concerns directly to government, after youth protesters from Nishnawbe Aski Nation were not allowed into the meeting – a move he called 'very concerning.' 'When we talk about lands and resources and waters, we're talking about our young people and their future,' he said. Mr. Fiddler added he expects to see more protests. His First Nation is monitoring a court challenge filed by nine Ontario First Nations on Bill C-5 and Ontario's similar Bill 5, he said. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, took a more positive view of the meeting, saying it was a 'good first step.' She reiterated her call to have Mr. Carney meet with First Nations annually, on top of the regional discussions. 'He stayed in the room with those chiefs. He listened to them. He talked to them one-on-one, plus as a group, took lots of questions,' she said, adding she thinks he gained some friends from across the country. She noted the relationship Mr. Carney's government has with First Nations will be determined by actions it takes this fall. She has called on the Prime Minister to address the First Nations infrastructure deficit, and to ensure there are no budget cuts to First Nations, among other asks. Thursday's meeting was the first of three to be held between the Prime Minister and First Nations leaders on Bill C-5. Mr. Carney is set to meet with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee next week in Inuvik, N.W.T., according to the PMO, and with Métis leadership later on in the summer. Meanwhile, Mr. Carney is also scheduled to meet with Canada's premiers next week to discuss next steps.
CBC
17-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
More 'action' promised against major projects law: Chief Alvin Fiddler
Following the prime minister's Thursday summit with First Nations leaders to discuss the major projects law passed last month, Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Alvin Fiddler tells Power and Politics that protesters won't be satisfied with the discussion: 'There will be an escalation of action on the ground.'
CBC
19-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
First Nations urge Governor General to delay — or even reject — Bill C-5
Social Sharing The Assembly of First Nations national chief is among a chorus of First Nations leaders urging Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to intervene in the federal government's major projects legislation being "rammed through" Parliament. "First Nations are united," said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "They want prosperity, but they don't want it at the expense of our rights." Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, will likely pass in the House of Commons on Friday with support from the Conservatives. Some First Nations leaders say that shouldn't happen until Simon, the first Indigenous person appointed to the role, addresses their concerns. "She is the Crown representative and I think she should be involved," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario. "I'm hoping she's paying attention to what's happening here so that she can think about intervening." WATCH | 'It's her responsibility to hear us': Grand chief wants Governor General to 'think about intervening' in Bill C-5's passage 2 hours ago Duration 0:38 The federal government says Bill C-5 will strengthen Canada's economy, as the country fights a trade war and tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The first part of the legislation aims to eliminate all remaining federal barriers to domestic free trade, which is something Prime Minister Mark Carney promised by Canada Day. The second would grant sweeping powers to the government to speed up approvals for infrastructure and energy projects deemed in the national interest. 'Not a good way to start' Woodhouse Nepinak said some First Nations fear the bill will allow the government to trample treaty rights and override environmental assessments. C-5 says the government must consult Indigenous people whose rights may be adversely affected by a fast-tracked project. But it also allows cabinet to overrule any act of Parliament for certain major projects. The AFN national chief is calling for Simon to step in, and for the bill to be split so First Nations can have more time to review the major projects section. "Things are being rammed through and that's not a good way to start a new government, a new relationship," she said. The Governor General's office told CBC News that since C-5 is still moving through Parliament, it is not yet under consideration for royal assent. "All questions on legislation in development should be directed to government," said Rideau Hall spokesperson Marilyne Guèvremont. The bill was moving through the House of Commons committee stage on Wednesday. "Proponents who don't engage with Indigenous people before bringing their projects forward for consideration under this legislation will be given a lower evaluation," Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told the House transport, infrastructure and communities committee. "We'll be looking for projects that have Indigenous support and, even better, Indigenous equity." Sol Mamakwa, NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong in northwestern Ontario, said First Nations have heard promises before — only to see them broken. He wants Simon to refuse giving the legislation royal assent. "[Governments] think it's their land. But it's our land," said Mamakwa, member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation. "We're supposed to share the benefits." Avoiding a constitutional crisis Eric Adams, professor of law at the University of Alberta, said Simon can't intervene in legislation without triggering a constitutional crisis. But Adams said she can listen to First Nations' concerns. "She can be a conduit for conversations," he said. "She can sometimes give some quiet advice to the prime minister behind closed doors." He said that advice must be delivered without "looking like she's taking particular sides or that she's acting inappropriately in a political manner." WATCH | Can C-5 bring economic reconciliation?: What First Nations want to see before major projects bill proceeds 2 hours ago Duration 1:09 "But her office is not meant to be a turret in a castle high on the hill," Adams said. "She's meant to be available for Canadians to meet with and to consult. So she has to walk that line carefully." He said the courts are a more appropriate venue to contest C-5. "The Governor General is not the place," Adams said. Major projects bill is about 'enhancing economic opportunity': Kody Blois | Power & Politics 10 hours ago Duration 9:27 Parliamentary secretary to the prime minister Kody Blois tells Power & Politics Bill C-5, the major projects legislation the government wants to fast-track through the House of Commons by Friday, is 'not about short cuts,' will uphold Indigenous rights and will enhance 'economic opportunity for all Canadians.' The bill also contains provisions to remove domestic trade barriers. Ontario First Nations chiefs organized a demonstration on Parliament Hill Tuesday against the proposed legislation. Scott McLeod, Lake Huron regional chief of the Anishinabek Nation, is vowing more action. "I think what we're going to see from today on is a grassroots movement that they can't ignore," said McLeod. "First Nations have the ability to shut down the economy.… we're going to fight." When asked if the resistance to Bill C-5 could turn into a movement like Idle No More in 2012 — which triggered countrywide protests including road and rail blockades — McLeod said: "I believe it already is."
CTV News
15-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Chiefs of Ontario decry lack of consultation on Bill C-5
The Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council at the Chiefs of Ontario Special Chiefs Assembly in Toronto on October 10, 2024. From left to right: Grand Chief Joel Abram, Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Anishinabek Nation, Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River, Chief Shelly-Moore Frappier, Temagami First Nation, Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Council Treaty #3, and Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Chiefs of Ontario (Supplied/Chiefs of Ontario)
