(June 10, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement today on the tabling of Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy Act.
“The AFN will hold a virtual forum for Chiefs from across the country on June 16 to discuss the proposed legislation,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations want to open new economic development opportunities and address economic threats as much as anyone. We also have rights that cannot be ignored.”
“Unfortunately, the government provided First Nations only seven days to respond to an outline of the bill and did not provide the full text (a consultative draft) in advance. Compounding this, the Parliamentary process is not well suited to the depth of consultation such complex legal matters require,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “An enormous responsibility now rests on the shoulders of each Member of the House of Commons and the Senate to uphold the Honour of the Crown and to protect First Nations rights during their consideration of this bill. The AFN expects the House and Senate Committees to do everything within their power to accommodate First Nations and to meet their concerns.”
Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples requires that governments consult and cooperate in good faith with Indigenous peoples “in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.” Section 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act states in mandatory language, “The Government of Canada must, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration.” One of the stated purposes of C-5 is “respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples.”
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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]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]