Ottawa Tells First Nations Chiefs to Pre-Submit Questions for Bill C-5 Summit

The federal government has asked First Nations chiefs to submit questions in advance of a 17 July meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Bill C-5, the recently enacted Building Canada Act. A government note circulated on 11 July says chiefs must file their inquiries by 23:59 ET on 16 July and may endorse or up-vote one another’s submissions so that the most pressing issues are addressed during the session at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. Bill C-5, passed last month, lets cabinet accelerate approvals for large industrial projects such as mines, ports and pipelines by waiving certain existing federal requirements. Indigenous leaders argue the changes risk infringing treaty rights and eroding environmental safeguards. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said chiefs remain united in support of economic development but not at the expense of their rights, noting that a Senate amendment to insert language on free, prior and informed consent failed to pass. The consultation process follows criticism that Ottawa forced the legislation through Parliament with minimal Indigenous input. Meetings with Inuit and Métis representatives are still being planned, according to the Privy Council Office.