Pm Carney consults with 1st Nations rights holders regarding Building Canada

The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, is hosting the First Nations Major Projects Summit in Gatineau, Québec, to engage with Indigenous leaders on the Building Canada Act and foster effective partnerships for major project development.

The summit is a critical step in ensuring Indigenous Peoples are central to the decision-making process regarding infrastructure initiatives that impact their communities. Over 250 representatives from First Nations, regional organizations, and other Rights Holders are participating in the event.

The government's commitment to revitalizing major infrastructure projects with Indigenous collaboration involves several key initiatives:

1. **Indigenous Advisory Council**: The establishment of an Indigenous Advisory Council to work alongside the Major Federal Projects Office to integrate Indigenous perspectives throughout project lifecycles.
2. **Funding Allocation**: A $40 million investment to support Indigenous participation in project governance and capacity building, enabling their active involvement in nation-building efforts.
3. **Expanded Loan Guarantee Program**: Doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to $10 billion to empower Indigenous communities with the financial resources for equity ownership in major projects.
4. **Regional Dialogue Tables**: Ongoing collaboration with First Nations leadership through regional dialogue tables, with plans to extend discussions to the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and Métis leadership.

The summit underscores the importance of Indigenous economic empowerment and the integration of Indigenous priorities into the national economy. The Building Canada Act serves as a foundation for these efforts, emphasizing the need for meaningful consultation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples, particularly concerning projects that affect their lands and communities.

Prime Minister Carney highlights the summit's significance, stating that the One Canadian Economy Act is not just about including Indigenous Peoples but recognizing them as full partners in Canada's future. The government's approach to infrastructure and economic development is aligned with the principles of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights as outlined in the Constitution Act, 1982, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

By focusing on sustainable and equitable partnerships, the Canadian government aims to create economic opportunities that benefit all Canadians while upholding the rights and governance structures of Indigenous communities. The summit is a clear signal that the government is dedicated to a collaborative approach that respects Indigenous knowledge and self-determination in the management of natural resources and infrastructure projects.