Summary:
- On June 16, 2025, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held a National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.
- Nearly 300 Chiefs, Proxies, Council Members, Regional Chiefs, and technicians gathered to receive information on the proposed legislation and engage in a national dialogue on Bill C-5 through a technical panel and a political panel.
- A full recording of the AFN National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5 is now available on the AFN YouTube channel.
- The AFN has developed a set of advocacy tools to support First Nations in sharing their positions on Bill C-5 with Members of Parliament and Senators. These resources, including a letter template and background materials, are available on the AFN website.
On June 16, 2025, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held a National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5, Building Canada Act. The event brought together First Nations leadership for an important dialogue on the federal government’s proposed Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act. The full Bill is available to read online here.
Nearly 300 Chiefs, Proxies, Council Members, Regional Chiefs, and technicians took part in the National Virtual Forum to receive information about the proposed legislation and participate in a national dialogue on Bill C-5 through a technical panel and a political panel. A full recording of the AFN National Virtual Forum on Bill C-5 is now available on the AFN YouTube channel.
Technical Panel
Following an opening prayer from Knowledge Keeper Leonard Weasel Traveller and Newfoundland Regional Chief Brendan Mitchell, and opening remarks from National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, attendees received technical presentations focused on Bill C-5. Presenters included Dr. Graeme Reed, AFN Strategic Advisor, Environment, Lands and Water; Drew Lafond, President, Indigenous Bar Association; Merle Alexander, Legal Advisor, British Columbia AFN (BCAFN); and Mark Podlasky, First Nations Major Projects Coalition.
Panelists spoke to the significant procedural and legislative concerns with Bill C-5, including the lack of consultation with First Nations prior to its tabling and its ability to override existing laws, including the Indian Act and key environmental legislation. Legal analysis highlighted how Bill C-5 conflicts with the legal standard of free, prior, and informed consent. The panel also examined parallels with provincial legislation in British Columbia and discussed the need for First Nations to be involved from the outset in decisions related to major projects. Presentations from the technical panel can be found here: https://afn.ca/events/afn-national-virtual-forum-on-the-building-canada-act/.
During the discussion, Chiefs raised strong concerns over the rushed legislative process, lack of meaningful consultation, narrowly defined national interest that excludes First Nations priorities and perspectives, a failure to support First Nations priorities such as closing the infrastructure gap, and the broader implications for rights and jurisdiction.
Political Panel
Following the technical panel, participants heard from a First Nations political panel featuring B.C. Regional Chief Terry Teegee; the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; and former National Chief Ovide Mercredi.
Speakers emphasized that Bill C-5 represents a significant step backward in the Crown–First Nations relationship and questioned the federal rationale to once again sidestep their obligations to First Nations rights holders. They noted that the concept of “national interest” must include the rights of First Nations as original stewards of the land.
Speakers stressed that the Bill stands in contrast to what First Nations have long advocated for, and conflicts with Canada’s own laws, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Speakers also underlined the importance of sovereignty, the right to self-determination, and the need for each region to determine its own position based on community priorities and long-term interests.
During the discussion, Chiefs raised concerns about the potential impact for this legislation on their lands and Treaty rights. Some discussed strategies to delay or amend the bill, as well as ways to respond collectively if it proceeds. Throughout the dialogue, participants emphasized that First Nations are not opposed to development or partnerships on major projects but expect to be full partners in decisions and legislation that affect their lands, waters, and Treaty rights, both now and for future generations.
Advocacy Materials
The AFN has developed a set of advocacy tools to support First Nations in responding to Bill C-5. These tools are available on the AFN website and include a customizable letter template for Members of Parliament and Senators, information on how to submit a written brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN), and background materials. First Nations are encouraged to use these resources to share their views and positions on Bill C-5. Visit the AFN website for the letter template, parliamentary advocacy information, and additional resources.
For more information or questions about Bill C-5, please email [email protected]. For media inquires please contact Genna Benson, AFN Director of Communications, at [email protected].