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A high-level meeting scheduled for Thursday between Prime Minister Mark Carney and First Nations leaders is drawing cautious attention, as chiefs express concern over the pace and process behind the federal government’s new major projects legislation, Bill C-5.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and other Indigenous representatives have raised questions about the short notice for the summit and the rapid passage of Bill C-5, which became law in less than a month. The legislation, titled The One Canadian Economy Act, empowers the federal cabinet to designate certain infrastructure projects as being of national interest, potentially streamlining approval processes by exempting them from specific legal requirements.
While some leaders, such as AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, remain open to constructive dialogue, others are more reserved.
“I’m a bit more cynical,” said Terry Teegee, the AFN’s British Columbia regional chief, pointing to what he characterised as a last-minute planning process. “Just look at the process with the rushed agendas and the passage of this C-5 legislation.”
Teegee emphasised that a meaningful outcome from Thursday’s meeting would be a clear commitment from the federal government to uphold the principle of free, prior, and informed consent — a cornerstone of Indigenous rights in Canada.
This meeting marks the first formal engagement in over a decade between a sitting prime minister and First Nations chiefs, underscoring its significance. Indigenous communities have voiced concerns not about development itself, but about the need to ensure their treaty rights are respected and that they are involved in shaping projects that affect their lands and communities.
Chiefs speaking at an AFN press conference on Wednesday reiterated their call for equitable participation in Canada’s economic development, including access to revenue from major infrastructure initiatives.
Ms. Woodhouse Nepinak said she hopes the dialogue will prioritise listening to Indigenous leadership. “If we’re going to walk through this together, it means hearing the voices of leadership on the ground,” she said. “Consent is not optional.”
She also highlighted the pressing need for action to address on-reserve infrastructure gaps.
Mr. Carney described Bill C-5 as “enabling legislation” that opens the door to further discussions on nation-building projects. He noted that Thursday’s gathering is intended to foster collaborative engagement and identify shared priorities.
The day’s agenda — shared by the Chiefs of Ontario — includes remarks by Mr. Carney and Ms. Woodhouse Nepinak, followed by four working sessions focused on consultation, economic prosperity, Indigenous advisory mechanisms, and partnership development. A final moderated discussion, titled “Working Together,” will feature direct engagement with the prime minister and cabinet ministers. A spokesperson confirmed Mr. Carney intends to attend as much of the event as his schedule allows.
However, some logistical aspects have drawn criticism. Chiefs noted that the final agenda was only circulated late Tuesday evening, and some support personnel — including legal and technical experts — were removed from the in-person participation list despite being previously registered. The Chiefs of Ontario called this exclusion “unrealistic and unfair,” especially given the technical complexity of the legislation.
Kahnawà:ke Grand Chief Cody Diabo voiced concerns about the short timeframe. “If they’re struggling to organise this meeting, how will they manage billion-dollar projects and the issues we’ve raised?” he asked.
Support staff will be able to join virtually, but some chiefs said that limits effective communication during in-depth policy discussions. In preparation for the meeting, the federal government also asked chiefs to submit and endorse questions through an online portal to help prioritise shared concerns. By Wednesday, 52 questions had been submitted.
Among them: Chief Karen Bell of Garden River First Nation asked whether Canada is willing to co-develop dispute resolution mechanisms that do not require costly legal action. Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation questioned how the government plans to balance economic efficiency with constitutional consultation obligations under Section 35.
Separately, nine Ontario First Nations filed a legal challenge earlier this week seeking to overturn Bill C-5 and related provincial legislation, arguing it undermines Indigenous rights and requires further scrutiny.
As leaders prepare for Thursday’s discussions, they hope the meeting can mark the beginning of a more inclusive and collaborative approach to Canada’s economic future.
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