Latest news with #Treaty8
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Some First Nations worry Carney's major projects bill will only lead to more conflict
Some First Nations are raising concerns about the federal government's plan to provide up-front approvals for major projects, with one grand chief calling it a "fool's errand." Through interviews and letters CBC News obtained, First Nations are raising red flags with the Liberal government's plans to fast-track what it calls projects in the national interest. The government is still consulting with Indigenous communities, premiers and industry, but is expected to table "one Canadian economy" legislation as early as next week. "While you can legislate to fast-track regulation, you cannot fast-track the Crown's duties or fast-track Indigenous acceptance," states Savanna McGregor, Grand Chief of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council in a letter to the Privy Council Office (PCO). "Trying to do so is a fool's errand because it would lead to more, not less, potential conflict, including preclusive litigation." CBC News contacted the PCO on Friday evening for a request for comment about McGregor's concerns, but did not receive a response by publication time. McGregor represents seven nations in Quebec and Ontario. The PCO is the lead branch of the civil service providing support to Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet. The office has been sending letters to Indigenous leaders, asking for feedback on proposed legislation that would fast-track major projects, such as ports, nuclear facilities and mines. CBC News obtained a document shared with First Nations that states Carney's government intends to "facilitate the identification of projects" that are in the national interest, "provide certainty through up-front regulatory approvals" and establish a "major projects office." WATCH | Carney on his government's priorities: The letter gave First Nations a week to comment on the briefing note, which spells out how the proposed legislation would work. Friday was the deadline to comment. "Obviously, it is quite concerning," said Treaty 8 Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi in an interview with CBC News. "There's not much time to react and strategize." Treaty 8 is the largest treaty by area and encompasses parts of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia and northwest Saskatchewan. Many of its sovereign nations are in the heart of Canada's oilpatch or live with its direct environmental impacts. Mercredi said that when governments talk about removing the red tape and other barriers that slow down the approval of projects, First Nations like his worry Indigenous rights will be pushed aside. "We're wondering which direction it's going to go," Mercredi said. He said one place this could end up is in court. WATCH | Poilievre's view on the proposed bill: Groups backed by industry, however, are looking favourably at the government's proposal. Although they still need to see the legislation, some believe the Liberal government seems to be moving in the right direction. The head of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, which counts fossil fuel companies as its members, said it would mark a "positive step." "We've heard the same frustration from business leaders across Canada, specifically in Alberta, about how we're falling behind globally on attracting capital, and this legislation could greatly help reverse that trend if it's enacted in a timely manner," said Shauna Feth, CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, in an interview with the CBC's The House. However, liquefied natural gas advocacy group Energy for a Secure Future questions whether Ottawa is picking winners and losers. The group's head suggested that the Liberal government should consider specific sectors it wants to see projects in, such as critical mineral mines, rather than favouring specific projects. "So I think the government in signalling in that way can achieve its similar goals without putting the spotlight on any specific projects, and I think that will attract more projects," said Shannon Joseph, the chair of Energy for a Secure Future.
Ottawa Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
What Indigenous leaders told King Charles in Ottawa
Article content Chief Billy Joel Tuccaro, of Mikisew Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta, was alarmed about what he heard in the speech. He said it's been a rocky relationship with the Crown since his nation signed Treaty 8 in 1899. Article content The fast-tracking of projects is another example of 'lip service' to the treaty, he told the Ottawa Citizen. Article content Tuccaro's First Nation sits downstream from the Alberta oil sands. In a press conference in Ottawa alongside chiefs from across the western provinces on May 27, Tuccaro said that his community has suffered through high cancer rates due to pollution coming from the oil sands. Article content Last year, the federal government announced a $12-million health study into the accumulation of toxins in the region, something the local community has been requesting for years, Tuccaro said. Article content 'I can say this among the chiefs we all have different agendas, but one thing we have in common is the treaty, and we must fight for that for the future generations to come,' he said at the press conference. Article content Article content Tuccaro also spoke about his work fighting Alberta separatism, which he said poses a risk to the treaty relationship between First Nations and Canada. Article content Article content 'They tried this in Quebec and it was the First Nations people that squashed this, and once again, it will be the First Nations people [that] squash this separatist movement,' he said. Article content Chief David Monias, of Pimicikamak Okimawin in Manitoba, who visited Ottawa during wildfire evacuations in his home community, spoke about the importance of including First Nations in decision making and resource development. Article content 'We were sovereign. We still are sovereign. And you have to respect that we enter these treaties to make sure that we share land, we share resources, and therefore Canada, who's the colonial state, must share revenue as well,' he said.
National Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- National Observer
A 'foot in the door': BC First Nations buy into Enbridge pipeline
For decades, a natural gas pipeline has cut through the territories of dozens of First Nations in BC — moving billions of dollars' worth of gas with zero ownership and little return to the communities. Now, 36 First Nations have bought in. 'For decades, the nations have watched resources leave their communities with very minimal benefit,' said Justin Napoleon, from Saulteau First Nation and director of Stonlasec8, a newly formed, Indigenous-owned, limited partnership made up of 36 First Nations in BC, including Treaty 8 members. In a landmark deal announced today, Stonlasec8 revealed its plan to invest approximately $715 million to acquire a 12.5 per cent ownership in Enbridge Inc.'s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system that stretches from BC's remote northeast to the US-Canada border. 'Now, they get to see development in a new light — as something they actually own, a piece that's truly part of theirs," Napoleon said. The deal gives Indigenous communities along the pipeline a direct financial stake in infrastructure on their traditional lands. 'Enbridge brought the opportunity to us,' said David Jimmie, chief of Squiala First Nation and president and chair of Stonlasec8. 'I think it signals through industry, and across the country, that these partnerships can be successful — and they can be done.' 'Enbridge brought the opportunity to us,' said David Jimmie, president and chair of Stonlasec8. 'I think it signals through industry, and across the country, that these partnerships can be successful — and they can be done.' A significant step was securing a $400-million loan guarantee from the federal government through an initiative launched in December 2024. This makes the Stonlasec8 investment the first major project supported by the $10-billion federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The government program 'opens up doors for the nations to access capital and take that step towards economic self-determination,' Napoleon said. The Westcoast pipeline transports up to 3.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily along a 2,900-kilometre route, supplying BC, Alberta, and the US Pacific Northwest. Through this partnership, Indigenous communities shift from stakeholders to shareholders, gaining a role in co-governing infrastructure on their lands, Jimmie said. The financial returns from the Westcoast pipeline are slated to be distributed equally among the First Nations in the Stonlasec8 consortium. Each nation will then decide how those funds will be invested in their communities. 'My hope is it's predictable, long-term, recurring revenue that you can plan around ... You can build that into your community planning as needed, and it's a reliable source of income,' Napoleon said. A step forward, with limits Historically, BC First Nations have faced major financial barriers to resource project ownership. A decade ago, 16 nations in BC were denied a commercial-rate loan for the Pacific Trail Pipeline and settled for a buyout instead of equity. To Indigenous leaders, this new agreement signals progress, but also exposes the complexities of participation in resource development. They acknowledge the tension: financial participation brings opportunity, but also binds nations to the risks and responsibilities of fossil fuel infrastructure. While Stonlasec8's 12.5 per cent stake marks a significant shift from previous exclusion, it does not translate to a controlling voice on how the pipeline is run or how environmental risks are managed. 'We don't have that power. At 12.5 per cent interest, you're not going to be a major decision-maker in this — but it gets your foot in the door, and you're able to have the conversation, which we couldn't do before,' Jimmie said. Jimmie said Enbridge and other companies must still adhere to regulatory processes, engage with First Nations, and share environmental assessment findings. 'We still do wear the other hat as rights- and title-holders in the territory,' he said. John Desjarlais, executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network, an organization that advocates for Indigenous participation and leadership in resource development, said he is thrilled about the partnership. 'There's a lot of good components that could mobilize a good, meaningful development, and shape the policy that we're going to see into the future,' Desjarlais said. But he warns that these are not mere stakeholder roles but business partnerships, separate from government obligations of consent or consultation — which means the legal and financial risks rest heavily on the Indigenous partners. 'It's interesting — we talk about oil spills, but now we'd be talking about a nation spilling oil on its own nation, or other nations … affecting its rights and other rights,' Desjarlais said. He said Indigenous nations will need to prepare for the possibility of managing crises that affect their own lands and neighbouring rights, in addition to ongoing community challenges, including housing, education and mental health crises. Jimmie said discussions around potentially growing Stonlasec8's stake hadn't occurred — but if there's an opportunity, First Nations would be open to it.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Alberta separation ‘not economically' viable, economist says
First Nations leaders say Alberta would lose access to resources on treaty territory should the province choose to break ties with the federation – it's one of several factors one economist said makes the conversation around separation a 'nonstarter.' Smith has been facing questions around a possible separation referendum since the day after the federal election, when her party introduced legislation to make it easier for citizens to trigger one. While the premier has repeatedly said she does not support leaving Canada, she has promised to honour the wishes of Albertans and said she would include a separation question on next year's planned referendum ballot should citizens meet the criteria. Treaty Chiefs held an emergency meeting on Tuesday about the possibility, calling any talk of separation 'insanity' and threatening to curtail any development of resources on their land. 'Why should we allow you guys to continue to explore on our traditional territories if you want to leave?' Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation said. 'If separation does happen it won't be on the terms they would like to see, because the resources belong to us, to our people, that's a fundamental right we have,' added Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Trevor Mercredi. Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Grand Chief of Treaty 8 of Alberta Trevor Mercredi speaks at an emergency meeting of Treaty Chiefs on Alberta separation on May 6, 2025. (CTV News Calgary) Economist Moshe Lander said that would be just one of multiple economic blows to consider as part of the cost of leaving Canada. 'Anything that is currently done by the federal government now would need to be done by the province of Alberta,' Lander said. 'You need your own version of the RCMP, you'd have to have your own border control because you now have international borders.' He adds Alberta would also need to fund its own national parks, passports, currency and central bank – all of which could take billions of dollars and decades to establish. 'The idea that Alberta could go it alone is a complete nonstarter. It cannot be economically viable, it is not going to work,' he said. Nanos Research recently polled 432 Albertans on the best scenario for a strong provincial economy. Most, 64 per cent, believe the province needs to stay part of Canada. Twenty per cent said the economy would be stronger as an independent country and 10 per cent would like to join the U.S. Separation protest People gather in support of Alberta becoming a 51st state during a rally at the Legislature in Edmonton, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson (JASON FRANSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Smith has not answered questions about what separation could look like should Albertans vote to leave Canada, saying it remains a hypothetical situation and one her government does not support. 'That's up to constitutional scholars and lawyers to discuss,' Smith told CTV Power Play's Vassy Kapelos. 'There is no question, there is no petition campaign, there is no vote,' she added. 'All there is is me saying that I support a sovereign Alberta within the united Canada … If citizens garner enough signatures, it will be put on a ballot, but it's certainly not something we're doing as a government.' Smith said she hopes constructive conversations with the federal government can help alleviate some of the dissatisfaction some Albertans are feeling. 'Let's not demonize people. Let's acknowledge that the feelings that they have have a root, and the root is in the way Alberta has been treated for the last 10 years by the Liberals,' Smith said. 'That's genuine, and I'm being very direct with the Prime Minister and saying, 'If we can solve some of these things, I think that will bring the temperature down.' And that's what I'll continue to do.' A referendum vote is planned for 2026. It will include popular proposals discussed at town halls as part of the Alberta Next panel on how the province can protect itself from perceived threats from the Liberal government. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CBC
21-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
First Nation to get in-person meeting with Alberta after cancelling virtual discussion about AI centre
The Alberta government is working to co-ordinate an in-person meeting with a northern Alberta First Nation to discuss an ambitious plan from celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary to build a massive artificial intelligence data centre. Last week, the chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation sent a letter to Premier Danielle Smith and several cabinet ministers, cancelling his participation in a scheduled Feb. 24 meeting with government officials, saying the discussion's format was giving short-shrift to the band's concerns. "We were surprised to learn that this meeting was only scheduled for 30 minutes and would be held virtually. We understood it was in person and for at least an hour," Chief Sheldon Sunshine said in the Feb. 12 letter. "On its face, it seems that this meeting is being set up to provide a tick on the box so that the province can say they've fulfilled their duty to consult," Sunshine wrote. Plans for the $70-billion Wonder Valley project, slated to be built in the Municipal District of Greenview, were announced in December by O'Leary Ventures. Its location near Grande Prairie, Alta., about 455 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, would put it on traditional territory of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Sunshine's letter also questions whether the government was intentionally trying to evade treaty rights and its obligation to consult with First Nations. According to the letter, the First Nation met in January with representatives from O'Leary Ventures, "who at least had the respect to come to our reserve for a couple of hours." That meeting did not answer all the questions or concerns about the project, Sunshine wrote. "When we meet with government, we expect to have a substantive discussion regarding your decisions that will negatively impact our rights, especially in this case. We expect more than introductions. We cannot in good faith attend this meeting as scheduled." A provincial government spokesperson confirmed to CBC on Tuesday that efforts are underway to book an in-person meeting between Sunshine and Rick Wilson, the provincial Indigenous Relations minister. Concerns first raised in January Sunshine first voiced his concerns about the project in January, when he sent an open letter to Smith expressing "grave concern" with the proposal and reminding the province of its obligations under Treaty 8. At the time, a government spokesperson confirmed consultation would be done. In a Feb. 14 letter responding to Sunshine's concerns about the scheduled Feb. 24 meeting, Wilson emphasized that Alberta would be mindful of protecting Treaty rights. "We remain committed to meaningful consultation with First Nations when projects may adversely affect these rights or traditional uses and to accommodate where appropriate," he wrote. "Alberta's government consistently meets its legal and constitutional duty to consult, and the courts have upheld our consultation process." The Municipal District of Greenview has agreed to partner with O'Leary Ventures by building the off-grid natural gas and geothermal power capacity needed to enable the project to work. The M.D. and the company have signed a letter of intent for the purchase and development of thousands of acres of land within the Greenview Industrial Gateway. A spokesperson for Wilson confirmed to CBC News that provincial government money is not involved in the project. In his letter, Wilson said the provincial environment department has issued a preliminary certificate outlining conditions that must be met before a licence under the Water Act is issued. "The preliminary certificate does not, on its own, create any entitlement to water. Issuance of a Water Act licence remains contingent upon meeting all mandatory conditions, including appropriate consultation with First Nations," he said. Wilson's letter goes on to explain the province is committed to balancing economic development with the protection of Treaty rights and traditional uses.
