Latest news with #WoodhouseNepinak
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Justice minister apologizes for comments that 'potentially eroded' trust with Indigenous peoples
OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser apologized Wednesday for recent comments about the federal government's duty to consult First Nations regarding developing projects on their territories, saying his words 'potentially eroded a very precarious trust.' 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. 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. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 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. 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.' However, he said, 'it stops short of a complete veto' when it comes to government decisions 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. '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. The minister said that after he made those remarks he received a call from the national chief, 'expressing her frustration.' Fraser said he apologized to Woodhouse Nepinak and committed to do so publicly. 'This is completely on my own initiative,' Fraser told reporters. 'I've not been asked to do this by anyone. (Woodhouse Nepinak) said that she would appreciate if I would offer some clarity. But this is not coming from anyone within government. This is something I feel compelled to do.' A request for comment from the Assembly of First Nations has yet to be returned. More to come … Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here .
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Indigenous services minister says First Nations support for developments ‘critical'
Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty leaves a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA — The federal minister of Indigenous services says she and the other Indigenous members of cabinet support their party's plan to fast-track infrastructure development — despite significant pushback from First Nations leaders. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says Prime Minister Mark Carney has 'reaffirmed' First Nations will be included in discussions about projects the federal government could fast-track under pending legislation, and that their input is 'critical' to allowing those projects to move forward. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak sent a letter to Carney on Friday about legislation the federal government is developing to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations people and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. Gull-Masty says she's 'supportive' of Woodhouse Nepinak and that she's 'pushing that conversation forward in a critical way.' Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, a member of his party's Indigenous caucus, says his understanding is that all projects being examined now already have 'buy-in' from Indigenous communities and will be the ones that are prioritized. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Indigenous services minister says First Nations support for developments ‘critical'
OTTAWA – The federal minister of Indigenous services says she and the other Indigenous members of cabinet support their party's plan to fast-track infrastructure development — despite significant pushback from First Nations leaders. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says Prime Minister Mark Carney has 'reaffirmed' First Nations will be included in discussions about projects the federal government could fast-track under pending legislation, and that their input is 'critical' to allowing those projects to move forward. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak sent a letter to Carney on Friday about legislation the federal government is developing to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations people and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. Gull-Masty says she's 'supportive' of Woodhouse Nepinak and that she's 'pushing that conversation forward in a critical way.' Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, a member of his party's Indigenous caucus, says his understanding is that all projects being examined now already have 'buy-in' from Indigenous communities and will be the ones that are prioritized. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA — The new Crown-Indigenous relations minister says there's a "critical" need to build up First Nations infrastructure — but that work won't qualify for the federal government's push to fast-track what it calls "nation-building" projects. The federal government is developing legislation to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told The Canadian Press that closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important but it's not considered nation-building work and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation. "It's about looking to make sure that it's not just for one community or one region," Alty said of the legislation. "It's a separate and really important issue that we need to focus on." Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy. In an interview Monday, she said it's "terrible" that the minister doesn't consider those projects nation-building, adding she hasn't met with Alty since she was sworn in last month. "This is the mother of all Canadian infrastructure and reconciliation projects," Woodhouse Nepinak said. She cited a report drafted by the Conference Board of Canada for the AFN that said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $630 billion in economic growth and create more than 330,000 jobs. "I just think that's wrong to even just say right off the bat because there's many children without access to proper schools … We need proper roads and community infrastructure, clean water, quality housing, modern schools," she said. Alty's statement came as premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney were meeting in Saskatoon to discuss a draft list of "national interest" projects. First Nations are organizing opposition to the federal fast-track legislation and to bills at the provincial level that are attempting to do something similar. Woodhouse Nepinak addressed First Nations leaders' concerns in a letter sent to Carney on Friday. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations people and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. "Very clearly, the rights of First Nations under international law and the Constitution of Canada are at stake in this legislation," she wrote. "Presumably, the government has a draft of the proposed legislation and a consultation draft should be provided to all First Nations immediately." The federal government gave First Nations leaders a short briefing document on the legislation last Monday and asked them to report any concerns they had about the plan by the end of that week. A regional chief for Anishinabek Nation told The Canadian Press they were only formally briefed on Ottawa's plans just hours before that deadline. "It would be unfortunate if this opportunity to close the gap on First Nations infrastructure is lost. First Nations' free, prior and informed consent must first be obtained," Woodhouse Nepinak wrote in the letter to Carney. "Otherwise, this legislation, like so many before it, will become marred in conflict and protracted litigation because First Nations rights have once again been ignored." Alty said there will be more engagement when the bill is tabled. Woodhouse Nepinak told Carney consultations through a House of Commons committee process won't be enough. "We note that parliamentary committees that study bills often are not able to accommodate the numbers of First Nations likely wishing to engage on a matter of this magnitude and significance," Woodhouse Nepinak wrote. "In addition, parliamentary process alone is not suitable or conducive to the depth of legal consultation likely required in this case to meet the Crown's consultation and consent obligations." In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford's government attempted to consult with Indigenous Peoples through the committee process on legislation similar to what the federal government is proposing. That led chiefs to accuse Ford's government of breaching of protocol and to threaten blockades and protests. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Toronto Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Star
First Nations infrastructure critical but not nation-building: minister
OTTAWA - The new federal Crown-Indigenous relations minister says there's a 'critical' need to build up First Nations infrastructure — but that work won't qualify for the federal government's push to fast-track what it calls 'nation-building' projects. The federal government is developing legislation to speed up work on certain projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process as a substitute for reviews under the Impact Assessment Act. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told The Canadian Press that closing the First Nations infrastructure gap is important but it's not considered nation-building work and would be pursued outside the proposed legislation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It's about looking to make sure that it's not just for one community or one region,' Alty said of the legislation. 'It's a separate and really important issue that we need to focus on.' Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said last week First Nations infrastructure should be considered nation-building because addressing the shortage of all-season roads and internet connectivity in many communities would boost the economy. In an interview Monday, she said it's 'terrible' that the minister doesn't consider those projects nation-building, adding she hasn't met with Alty since she was sworn in last month. 'This is the mother of all Canadian infrastructure and reconciliation projects,' Woodhouse Nepinak said. She cited a report drafted by the Conference Board of Canada for the AFN that said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $630 billion in economic growth and create more than 330,000 jobs. 'I just think that's wrong to even just say right off the bat because there's many children without access to proper schools … We need proper roads and community infrastructure, clean water, quality housing, modern schools,' she said. Alty's statement came as premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney were meeting in Saskatoon to discuss a draft list of 'national interest' projects. First Nations are organizing opposition to the federal fast-track legislation and to bills at the provincial level that are attempting to do something similar. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Woodhouse Nepinak addressed First Nations leaders' concerns in a letter sent to Carney on Friday. In it, she said she fears the proposed legislation could violate the rights of First Nations peoples and undermine the treaties they signed with the Crown. 'Very clearly, the rights of First Nations under international law and the Constitution of Canada are at stake in this legislation,' she wrote. 'Presumably, the government has a draft of the proposed legislation and a consultation draft should be provided to all First Nations immediately.' The federal government gave First Nations leaders a short briefing document on the legislation last Monday and asked them to report any concerns they had about the plan by the end of that week. A regional chief for Anishinabek Nation told The Canadian Press they were only formally briefed on Ottawa's plans just hours before that deadline. 'It would be unfortunate if this opportunity to close the gap on First Nations infrastructure is lost. First Nations' free, prior and informed consent must first be obtained,' Woodhouse Nepinak wrote in the letter to Carney. 'Otherwise, this legislation, like so many before it, will become marred in conflict and protracted litigation because First Nations rights have once again been ignored.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
