(June 2, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has responded to a request from the federal government to comment on an outline of federal legislation regarding national interest projects. The AFN released its response in conjunction with the national meeting of First Ministers in Saskatchewan and a rally at the Ontario Legislature in opposition to Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
“While we support efforts to protect Canada from geopolitical and economic uncertainty, First Nations are very concerned that this federal proposal has the potential to violate many collective rights of First Nations respecting lands, water, resources, inherent title, rights, jurisdiction and Treaty,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations will require clarification regarding the design of Crown-First Nations engagement and consultation, timelines, and how rights holders will be invited to respond to the Crown on this matter.”
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the National Chief emphasized the Crown’s obligation to engage directly with First Nations rights holders. While not an exhaustive list, the AFN identified 13 preliminary observations and concerns, including:
- an unacceptably short period of time for First Nations to respond, particularly alongside the Royal Visit and Western Canada wildfire crisis;
- the absence of any consultative draft of the proposed legislation for First Nations to review;
- lack of an established process with First Nations to ensure requirements of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act are met;
- and the inability of Parliamentary process alone to conduct the depth of consultation required to ensure legislation fully meets the Crown’s constitutional and legal obligations.
“The rights of First Nations under international law and the Constitution of Canada are at stake,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “If free, prior and informed consent is not obtained from First Nations, this legislation will be marred and mired in conflict and protracted litigation.”
On a more positive note, the AFN’s response highlights a critical opportunity for substantive discussions to address the First Nations infrastructure gap in Canada. This gap has perpetuated deep-rooted inequality in Canada and led to poorer health outcomes, limited education opportunities, and far less prosperity for First Nations compared to other Canadians.
“If the national vision for First Nations infrastructure is focused exclusively on accessing natural resources, First Ministers need to rethink and broaden their perspective,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Canada needs to start with fast-tracking the basics like clean water, quality housing, modern schools, all-season roads and community infrastructure. Last week, His Majesty King Charles III read the Speech from the Throne and said governments need to honour truth and reconciliation in both word and deed. In a country as rich as Canada, the shameful gap must be closed once and for all. This is the mother of all Canadian infrastructure and reconciliation projects.”
Last week, the AFN and Conference Board of Canada released Benefits for All Canadians (Part 2): Long-term Socio-economic Impacts of Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030, a blueprint for investment that will close the First Nations infrastructure gap. In addition to creating over $630 billion of economic growth and more than 330,000 jobs, closing the gap over the next seven years will deliver significant socio-economic improvements for First Nations, particularly in housing, education, clean water, and public safety.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak and Prime Minister Carney met last week in Ottawa to discuss the First Nations infrastructure gap as a nation-building project, alongside concerns about the federal fast-track proposal. The National Chief also spoke to both issues during her address to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on Friday in Ottawa.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
604-340-3117 (mobile)