Indigenous leaders tell Senate major projects bill moving too fast, call for consults

By Canadian Press on June 16, 2025.

OTTAWA — The president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami says “Canada’s weakness” is publicly saying reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is of top priority then acting like it isn’t when it introduces legislation like the major projects bill.

The legislation is being widely criticized by Indigenous leaders and community members across the country.

Bill C-5 would give the federal cabinet the ability to set aside various statutes to push forward approvals for a small number of major industrial products, such as mines, pipelines and ports.

Natan Obed was one of three Indigenous leaders speaking in the Senate chamber today who all said their rights were not properly considered in the legislation.

Obed, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand all want the government to allow more time for Indigenous groups to express their concerns.

Chartrand says he’ll support the legislation, but worries Métis won’t be fully included in the benefits it promises.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press