(June 6, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak made a statement following her meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Mark Carney in which they touched on Canada’s plan to introduce federal legislation very soon to fast track certain infrastructure projects designated to be in the national interest:
“The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s intent to introduce federal legislation very soon to fast-track federal approvals of certain infrastructure projects designated to be in the national interest. The Assembly of First Nations remains deeply concerned about the lack of time and appropriate process to carry out the Crown’s consultation and consent obligations, especially given the potentially massive impact on the rights of First Nations. We also discussed the devastating impact on many First Nations of the current wildfire crisis in Western Canada. The climate crisis is changing nature and nature is responding with alarm. The wildfires are threatening lives and impacting whole communities. Caring for climate is caring for ourselves and future generations. This means impact assessments more important than ever.”
In the meeting, the AFN again called attention to the massive First Nations infrastructure gap and pointed out it is holding back development for First Nations across the country. Today the National Chief stated, “We encourage the Prime Minister to urgently take action with us to ensure all First Nations have proper schools, clean water, quality housing, internet access, all season roads and vital community infrastructure. Reconciliation and Canada’s international obligations cannot be shoved to the side.”
The AFN soon will schedule a virtual forum with Chiefs across Canada to discuss the implications of the proposed legislation to fast-track designated national infrastructure projects. The AFN National Executive also will be meeting to discuss strategy, potential legal implications and next steps pending the AFN’s July Assembly.
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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)