Latest news with #FirstNations'
National Observer
22-07-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
First Nations call off talks on forestry bill, say Quebec disrespecting rights
First Nations in Quebec have walked away from talks with the provincial government on a forestry bill they say would pave the way to privatizing public land. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador says the province has not shown "genuine political will" to collaborate with Indigenous communities on the government's forestry reform, which they say does not respect their rights. "We cannot lend credibility to a process that fails to recognize our status and responsibilities as Indigenous governments," the assembly said Tuesday in an open letter. The Quebec government tabled a bill last spring aiming to protect communities that depend on the forestry industry. The legislation would divide public forests into zones designated for conservation, multi-purpose use or forestry. According to the bill, actions that "restrict the carrying out of forest development activities" would be prohibited in the forestry zones, as would conservation measures. Indigenous leaders were quick to criticize the bill, saying it infringed on their rights. But the assembly, which represents 43 First Nations communities in Quebec and Labrador, had agreed to consultations with the government on the new forestry regime. However, Sipi Flamand, chief of the Council of the Atikamekw of Manawan, said Tuesday that members of the assembly had to walk away. "The process doesn't respect our rights or our status as governments," Sipi Flamand, chief of the Council of the Atikamekw of Manawan, said in an interview. "We can't stay seated at a table that's going nowhere." "It wasn't a decision we took lightly. We went to the high-level table with a real desire to rebuild," Flamand said in an interview. "But the process doesn't respect our rights or our status as governments. We can't stay seated at a table that's going nowhere." In Tuesday's open letter, assembly Chief Francis Verreault-Paul and five members of the group's committee on forests, including Flamand, say the government has refused to engage on the zoning strategy, which they want scrapped. "The zoning principle, which lies at the heart of the current bill, would pave the way for a form of land privatization," they said. "This approach has been widely criticized — not only by us, but also by the scientific community, conservation organizations, and numerous actors in the forestry sector." Flamand said the assembly favours a "co-management" model that would see First Nations work with industry and government to determine which areas must be protected. But the chiefs say the government has refused to commit to the co-management of forests or to respecting First Nations' ancestral and treaty rights. "These principles are neither ideological nor symbolic," they said. "They represent the minimum legal standards required for a credible process." In an email statement, the office of Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina said the government is taking the summer to prepare amendments to improve the bill, particularly with regard to Indigenous communities. "We hope to continue discussions to work together on sustainable forest development and ensure economic benefits for all communities," the statement said. "We intend to continue our work in good faith and invite the (assembly) to the discussion table." Blanchette Vézina has said the bill is needed to bolster the forest industry in an uncertain economic environment, including the trade war with the United States. "Currently, communities need the forestry industry to regain its dynamism so that it can meet the many challenges they face," her office said. Flamand said the assembly is now waiting for the government to make the next move. "We could come back to the table, but it must be on a clear, respectful basis and with a real desire to build a balanced future for our forests," he said. He added that if the government pursues the zoning approach, the assembly could challenge the legislation in court.
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
First Nations launch legal challenge against Ontario, federal bills 5 and C-5
TORONTO - Nine First Nations in Ontario are asking a court to declare a pair of federal and provincial laws meant to fast-track infrastructure projects unconstitutional and are seeking an injunction that would prevent the governments from using some of the most contentious aspects. The Indigenous communities say in the legal challenge filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that the federal law known as Bill C-5 and the Ontario law known as Bill 5 both represent a 'clear and present danger' to the First Nations' self-determination rights to ways of life on their territories. 'While the laws do leave open or commit that there will be some First Nation consultation at the very first in that decision alone is a smoke and mirrors trick, deflecting attention from all the other ways the laws necessarily diminish the ability of First Nations to engage on the regimes' broader consequences,' they write in the court challenge. Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big projects deemed to be in the national interest such as mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario's bill allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones.' The First Nations are asking the court for an injunction prohibiting the federal government from naming national interest projects and prohibiting Ontario from implementing special economic zones. Both the federal and Ontario governments have said their laws are tools to counteract the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs by allowing Canadian development, such as natural resource development, to proceed more quickly. But this is not a battle of development versus no development, the First Nations argue. Rather, they advocate for 'doing it right' by ensuring that necessary information is gathered before proceeding and rights and protections are respected 'so the real costs of development do not end up far exceeding their asserted benefit.' 'Fragmentation and delay results from Crown choices and unwieldy bureaucracies, not from First Nations,' they write in the court document. 'Making changes now in some effort to 'streamline' (or ram through) projects, cannot be at the cost of First Nations, their rights, the Constitution and reconciliation.' The First Nations argue the laws are unconstitutional because they violate charter right to life, liberty and security of the person, as well as equality rights. Representatives of both governments have said they will respect the duty to consult Indigenous people, but the nine First Nations argue that rings 'hollow' because the laws authorize the opposite. Ontario has already started some consultations with First Nations who 'share our vision of unlocking economic opportunity and critical infrastructure in their community and will continue these consultations throughout the summer,' the premier's office wrote in a statement. 'We will continue to build consensus with First Nations on shared priorities including legacy infrastructure, all-season roads, and resource development, that support long-term prosperity.' One of the First Nations challenging the laws is Aroland First Nation. Premier Doug Ford used Chief Sonny Gagnon's name several times this spring in defence of Bill 5, saying some chiefs will always be anti-development but others are progressive thinkers like Chief Sonny. While Aroland has signed a shared-prosperity agreement with the province for major upgrades to roads that lead to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, Gagnon has come out against Bill 5. Aroland has never consented to mining the Ring of Fire, he said. The region is of particular importance in this case, the legal challenge says, since Ontario has said that it both wants the Ring of Fire to be a special economic zone and has asked the federal government to designate it as a nation-building project. Aroland sits outside the Ring of Fire region with access to the provincial highway system that ends near its territory. Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to meet with First Nations this week after chiefs said their rights were not respected by a rush to push the bill through Parliament. Chief Sylvia Koostachin-Metatawabin of Attawapiskat First Nation said in a press release announcing the court challenge that their way of life is not 'a pawn in some political game.' 'Rushing headlong into major projects without knowing the costs, means the governments are playing a dangerous game with our lands and futures,' she wrote. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.
Cision Canada
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations Hold Ceremony to Mark Next Step in Indigenous-Led Development at Ring of Fire
THUNDER BAY, ON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation have held a joint ceremony to take down a ceremonial teepee they erected last year. The act symbolizes a new phase in their partnership and a shared commitment to an Indigenous-led development process for the Ring of Fire, a significant mineral-rich region in Northern Ontario. Led by their respective Chiefs, Councils, Elders, and community members, the ceremony highlighted the joint and mutually respectful process required between the First Nations and development proponents. Leaders and staff from mining company Wyloo also attended to observe and note the need to continue strong consultation and engagement with both First Nations. The ceremony underscored the fundamental principles guiding the First Nations' approach: Acknowledgment of the traditional and ancestral lands they have stewarded since time immemorial. The necessity for deep and meaningful consultation that includes co-planning and co-development of the area, in accordance with the laws and governance of both First Nations. The fulfillment of the Crown's duty to consult, which brings both provincial and federal governments to their territory as partners. Bruce Achneepineskum, Chief of Marten Falls First Nation spoke of his Nation's deep connection to the land: "Our people have occupied the Muketei River area near Esker camp since time immemorial, which we call Wawangwajing. Canada has come to know the area as the Ring of Fire. This area is important to both of our communities. Marten Falls has worked on land use planning in this area for the past 15 years mapping sacred sites, birth sites, burial sites, culturally significant sites related to moose harvesting and fishing and other ecological sensitive areas that are known to our people. We want to see development that recognizes our special connection to this land and involves us in all aspects of the work. We want to ensure that future opportunities benefit our people, and that any work done in our ancestral lands happens with our complete involvement, in compliance with our ways and our laws." Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation echoed this vision for self-determination: "We share a common vision with Marten Falls to change how development occurs in our traditional territory. Today, we are leading the planning and assessment of the road projects in the region to ensure that environmental risks to our traditional ways of life are thoroughly assessed and mitigated, and that opportunities for First Nations people are maximized. Our people have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial, and that will not change through this process or the development of the Ring of Fire. We continue to lead the Environmental Assessments because we know that no one is in a better position than us to make informed decisions that protect our lands, our waters, and our inherent and traditional rights. We do this by leading with the voice of our community, our Elders, and through the use of our traditional knowledge and governance." The collaboration between Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation represents a landmark approach to resource development in Canada, prioritizing Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and shared prosperity. Just as they lead development of projects in their territory through which they have been leading consultation and conversations with neighbouring First Nations, the 2 First Nations also respect the inherent and treaty rights of First Nations across their neighbouring territories and continue to look for ways to collaborate in inclusive processes led by First Nations. About Marten Falls First Nation: Marten Falls First Nation (MFN) is an Anishinaabe First Nation located in northern Ontario, along the confluence of Albany River and Ogoki River. MFFN is committed to protecting its lands and waters while pursuing opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and community well-being for its members.
Politico
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Carney's reality check
Presented by Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Happy Friday! In today's edition: → What came of the MARK CARNEY-First Nations confab. → Trump's top trade rep reveals his priorities. → What keeps Cabmin PATTY HAJDU up at night. Trade war THE PRICE IS RIGHTS — Prime Minister MARK CARNEY was in listening mode at a high-stakes summit with Indigenous leaders on Thursday in Gatineau. The chiefs invited by his government had plenty to say. — Early reviews: Only midway through the First Nations Major Projects Summit, the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations circulated a sharply worded statement embargoed until later in the afternoon. The BC AFN appeared to have already drawn its conclusions about Ottawa's approach to resource and infrastructure development — a fast-tracked push motivated by DONALD TRUMP's trade war. 'The Government of Canada has been put on notice,' read the statement sent at 12:02 p.m. 'With or without you, First Nations will continue to exercise, assert, and implement our rights within our territories. We will exhaust every avenue necessary to ensure the federal government fully respects its own laws and upholds our legal orders.' → Call to action: 'We call on your government to stand in unity with First Nations across Canada and firmly commit to fully upholding First Nations' free, prior and informed consent within the One Canadian Economy Act.' Meanwhile, the reviews from chiefs poured in — and they were mixed. — Not a ringing endorsement: At 3:31 p.m., another statement came from Mikisew Cree First Nation in Alberta. 'This meeting is not consultation. There is a long road ahead for any meaningful consultation,' wrote Chief BILLY-JOE TUCCARO, who invited Carney to Fort Chipewyan in Treaty 8 territory — 'near where you were born in Fort Smith.' On that agenda: 'We can share with you how we have been severely impacted by the cumulative effects of virtually unmitigated development in our territory.' → Further reading: APTN's KARYN PUGLIESE received a leaked recording of the event's first day. — Baby steps: Chief KELSEY JACKO of Cold Lake First Nations, who told reporters he 'battled just to get speaking time' at Thursday's confab, said the trip to the nation's capital was worth his time because the PM promised to make a visit to Treaty 6 territory in Alberta. — The government's view: Indigenous Services Minister MANDY GULL-MASTY, the former Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, insisted on CBC's Power & Politics that First Nations buy-in is essential for big projects in the national interest. Gull-Masty said the chance of a project going ahead without Indigenous consent was 'very low' and 'almost nonexistent.' She acknowledged the frustration among some chiefs. 'It was clear that there were varying degrees of trust in the room,' the minister told DAVID COCHRANE. But she also referenced communities that wanted in — and suggested their stories would come out in the coming days. THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — PM Carney has no public events on his itinerary. — 11 a.m. Former Justice Minister IRWIN COTLER, former Foreign Affairs Minister JOHN BAIRD and Argentina's Ambassador to Canada MARTINEZ GRAMUGLIA host a virtual event reflecting on the 31 years after the deadly AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires. — 2:30 p.m. Emergency Management Minister ELEANOR OLSZEWSKI, Energy Minister TIM HODGSON, Minister of Indigenous Services MANDY GULL-MASTY and Environment Minister JULIE DABRUSIN will provide an update on the wildfire season. For your radar MISSILE DEFENSE — Defense Minister DAVID MCGUINTY has quietly removed all of Canada's restrictions on air and missile defense — a potential reversal of a decades-old policy of non-participation in that piece of continental defense. McGuinty's department snuck the change into a press release this week following the minister's first trip to NORAD HQ in his current role. — Argument in favor: 'This will enable Canada to strengthen its defence capabilities and better deter and defend against threats to our country's sovereignty, population, and critical infrastructure.' — Long time coming: Canada has in recent years tiptoed toward a policy shift. Former defense ministers ANITA ANAND and BILL BLAIR both opened the door to Canada's participation in ballistic missile defense. Prime Minister MARK CARNEY has also nodded to joining Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield project. But the government hasn't yet committed definitively. McGuinty's announcement appears to move the ball forward. But it's still unclear exactly what Ottawa is planning. — Stay tuned: We've asked the minister's office and the defense department what it all means. ALSO FOR YOUR RADAR JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU — Asked this week about the state of talks with Washington, the PM reported that Canada is 'in the midst of long now and tough negotiations.' Finance Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE told Bloomberg on Thursday that any deal is likely to feature tariffs — a flag Carney was first to raise. → The view from D.C.: Trump's chief trade negotiator said this week that reaching new trade agreements is not his top priority, POLITICO's DOUG PALMER reports. 'Sometimes you have a U.S. Trade Representative, and they say ... I want to have a trade deal with X country and X country by the time I've done,' U.S. Trade Representative JAMIESON GREER said at a manufacturing conference in Detroit. 'That's not how I think about it.' — Greer's goals: 'One, I want to reverse the trend of our global trade deficit in goods and keep it decreasing over time. Second, I want to increase real median household income in the U.S. And third, I want to increase manufacturing share of GDP.' — For the record: Palmer notes that Greer indicated a willingness to continue talking with countries seeking to reduce their tariff rates, but his overall theme was in line with a central belief of the Trump administration — that using tariffs to boost U.S. manufacturing will create a stronger and more stable economy. WHO'S UP, WHO'S DOWN Up: The number of candidates running for election in Battle River-Crowfoot. CBC reports that the Longest Ballot Committee is hoping to sign up 200. 'We have to take action because this is a scam,' Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE said during a visit to the Alberta riding he's expected to win on Aug. 18. Down: Gas prices, by 13.4 percent last month compared to June 2024 — largely thanks to the government's removal of the federal carbon price. CONVERSATION STARTER NORTHERN REFLECTIONS — DONALD TRUMP's steel and aluminum tariffs are biting into Northern Ontario's backbone, threatening to kill jobs and gut industries — and forcing businesses to consider packing up for the U.S. Jobs Minister PATTY HAJDU is trying to put a stop to that. 'If they lose their jobs, if the economy shifts, if there are wide swaths of sectors that are deeply impacted — that doesn't just impact that particular worker at that plant, that's their entire family and community,' she told Playbook over the phone Wednesday. Hajdu oversees economic development in the region, which is facing serious pressures as the impacts of U.S. tariffs take root. Indigenous workers are expected to be 'disproportionately affected given their strong representation in high-risk sectors such as forestry, mining, and oil and gas,' according to a June briefing note prepared for Hajdu on the regional impact of U.S. tariffs. — Lifelines: With anxiety mounting, Ottawa announced this week it's unlocking C$70 million to help northern Ontario workers, 'for the rapid reskilling of any workers that are impacted by changing economic realities, job losses, layoffs,' Hajdu said. The Liberal government is also taking a 'buy Canadian' approach to national projects and defense contracts to help stabilize the steel industry. Still, Hajdu says she lies awake at night, worried about what's ahead. — Regional snapshot: Around 140 manufacturers and fabricators from across Northern Ontario could be impacted by the steel and aluminum tariffs, the briefing note reveals. Nearly half the region's population lives in small, spread-out communities — 38 rely on a single industry to support their local economy. Of those, 28 are First Nations reserves. 'What I'm ultimately worried about is the entire supply chain across Northern Ontario,' Hajdu said. The briefing note for Hajdu said small- and medium-sized businesses in northern Ontario sell 91.9 percent of their products to the U.S., and 'providing vital goods and services to the steel industry' Hajdu said. 'This is a real threat to the Northern Ontario economy,' she said. — Feeling anxious: On Wednesday, Hajdu visited Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie. Industry Minister MÉLANIE JOLY is also planning a visit. The company is one of the largest employers in the region, supporting 2,700 jobs and 6,000 pensioners. Want more POLITICO? Download our mobile app to save stories, get notifications on U.S.-Canada relations, and more. In iOS or Android . MORNING MUST-CLICKS — The Globe's STEPHANIE LEVITZ and LAURA STONE report that Ontario Progressive Conservatives have scheduled a convention for the same January weekend as Poilievre's leadership review. — SARAH SPANIER, an independent candidate in next month's Battle River-Crowfoot byelection, has stopped door knocking in the face of death threats she attributes to her trans rights advocacy. — The NYT looks at how Trump's attacks on the Fed have rippled through the global economy. — 'Our information environment is becoming more chaotic,' TIMOTHY CAULFIELD writes in a piece for The Walrus in which he shares the things that keep him up at night. LOBBY WATCH — McKinsey & Co. has registered to lobby the federal government. Among the subjects in the global consultancy filing: 'Discussions on trends and research on government efficiency, operations and performance measurement, and management in the public sector.' — Consultant SUSAN KING logged a July 3 meeting on behalf of the National Association of Women and the Law with KATHARINE HEUS in the Prime Minister's Office. — As the PM met First Nations leaders on Thursday, several Indigenous organizations popped up in the federal lobbyist registry: → Sandstone is repping Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and First Nations Finance Authority. Crestview registered on behalf of National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. StrategyCorp signed up with the First Nations with Schools Collective. Blackbird is lobbying on behalf of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to former Alberta politician STEPHEN MANDEL (80!), former Bloc Québécois MP DENIS TRUDEL, retired sportscaster BRIAN WILLIAMS, former MP and MPP STEVE MAHONEY, and former MNA GHISLAIN BOLDUC. Saturday: Yorkville Strategies' BROOKE PIGOTT and former Sen. GRANT MITCHELL. Sunday: Sen. MICHÈLE AUDETTE, Orléans MPP STEPHEN BLAIS and KATIE HEELIS of Enterprise Canada. Noted: DEBORAH LYONS is making an early exit from her post as Canada's special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism. Nunavut politician DAVID AKEEAGOK tells Nunatsiaq News, 'in no way did I announce that I am retiring.' SHARAN KAUR posted on LinkedIn that she'd joined Navigator as principal. Media mentions: DAVID MOSCROP is joining The Globe and Mail as a contributing columnist. Send Playbookers tips to canadaplaybook@ PROZONE For Pro subscribers, our latest policy newsletter: Carney seeks common ground with First Nations. In other Pro headlines: — US exporters fear Trump trade war fallout. — Why the megalaw didn't kill Biden's biggest climate program. — EPA nudges out more staff, announces 'next phase' of reorg. — Enviros appeal permit for Musk's xAI turbines. — Newsom floats draft bill language to streamline new drilling in existing oil fields. TRIVIA Thursday's answer: NANCY GREENE was Canada's flag bearer at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France. And ABBY HOFFMAN was the first woman to carry Canada's flag into a Summer Olympics, on July 17, 1976, in Montreal. We accepted either answer. Props to MARCEL MARCOTTE, ALEX WELLSTEAD, DARRYL DAMUDE, JOHN PEPPER, ELIZABETH BURN, DARREN MAJOR, YAROSLAV BARAN, RAY DEL BIANCO, MELISSA FELD, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, MALCOLM MCKAY, CULLY ROBINSON, GANGA WIGNARAJAH, MARC LEBLANC. We'd also like to commend DOUG SMALL, who wrote in with Wednesday's answer, which was … DOUG SMALL. Friday's question: How many premiers have gone on to serve as prime minister? Answer to canadaplaybook@
Edmonton Journal
17-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Carney pitches major project powers to skeptical First Nations as advancing 'Indigenous economic growth'
GATINEAU, Que. — Prime Minister Mark Carney entered a high-stakes meeting with First Nations leaders Thursday, touting his government's new law to fast-track major infrastructure projects as having 'Indigenous economic growth' at its heart, saying he believes consensus can be reached on how to move forward. Article content Whether Carney's pitch lands with the more than 200 chiefs and other First Nations leaders who attended the gathering remains to be seen, given the vocal pushback the law, known as Bill C-5, has received over concerns about its impact on First Nations' territories and the legal obligation the government has to consult communities. Article content Article content 'I don't think … that a lot of people are happy right now in terms of the way that the government has gone about ramming through legislation without respecting the current … protections within the environment, the current protections on our water,' said Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. Article content Article content Chiefs who attended the gathering came armed with concerns and questions about the government's new law, which ushers in a new process for approving major infrastructure projects from ports to pipelines. It aims to bring down the federal approval process necessary for projects to receive the green light to two years, down from the current five. Article content Introducing and passing what Carney coined as his 'One Canadian Economy' bill fulfilled a campaign promise he made during the spring federal election, where he pledged to remove all federal internal trade barriers by Canada Day and get more large infrastructure projects off the ground to bolster Canada's economy against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. Article content Article content Even before it was introduced, the Assembly of First Nations, the main advocacy organization representing more than 600 First Nations across the country, voiced concerns about the lack of involvement of Indigenous-rights holders in developing the bill, which it said directly impacts communities that have a constitutional right to be consulted before projects get approved. Article content Carney, who announced he would meet with chiefs in response to their concerns, has promised that the government would do so, as it decides on which projects would be deemed as benefiting the 'national interest.' Those that Carney's cabinet deems to be would be added to a list and qualify for the faster approvals process, to be coordinated through a yet-to-be-established major projects office. Article content Before Thursday's meeting got underway, Carney told reporters they are not yet at the stage of picking projects, but at the beginning stages of hearing from First Nations leaders about how best to proceed.
