First Nations leaders gathered in Gatineau, Quebec, for a summit called by Prime Minister Mark Carney to address concerns over Bill C-5, a major projects legislation that allows cabinet to fast-track projects. While some expressed optimism, many voiced skepticism and cynicism, feeling that consultation was insufficient and their rights were an "afterthought," with some chiefs launching a constitutional challenge and others warning of potential escalated resistance.
First Nations arrive with some optimism — but mostly skepticism — as Carney's C-5 summit begins
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️First Nations leaders gathered in Gatineau, Quebec, for a summit called by Prime Minister Mark Carney to address concerns over Bill C-5, a major projects legislation that allows cabinet to fast-track projects. While some expressed optimism, many voiced skepticism and cynicism, feeling that consultation was insufficient and their rights were an "afterthought," with some chiefs launching a constitutional challenge and others warning of potential escalated resistance.
Trending- 1 2012: The Idle No More grassroots protest movement erupted in response to the Harper government's legislative agenda.
- 2 Last month: Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson gave a speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade about the summit's goal.
- 3 Tuesday: Nine First Nations launched a constitutional challenge against Bill C-5; Na'Moks received a late invitation to the summit; the government's agenda for the meeting was issued late.
- 4 Wednesday: The summit began in Gatineau; closed-door sessions were held; Manitoba chiefs held a news conference; Mikisew Cree Nation issued a news release; AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak held a news conference.
- Constitutional challenge launched against Bill C-5 by nine First Nations
- Potential escalation of Indigenous resistance, drawing comparisons to the Idle No More movement
- Ongoing debate over Indigenous rights, consultation processes, and economic reconciliation
What: First Nations leaders attended a summit called by Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss concerns over Bill C-5, a major projects legislation that empowers cabinet to fast-track projects.
When: Wednesday (summit began); Last month (Hodgson's speech); Tuesday (constitutional challenge launched, Na'Moks invited late, agenda issued late); 2012 (Idle No More movement).
Where: Gatineau, Quebec (summit location); Canadian Museum of History (session location); Ottawa (AFN offices); Northern Ontario (Mississauga First Nation); Northern British Columbia (Wet'suwet'en Nation); Alberta (Mikisew Cree Nation); Manitoba (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation).
Why: To allay First Nations' concerns about Bill C-5's impact on their rights and the fast-tracking of major projects, and to create certainty that catalyzes investment.
How: Prime Minister Carney called three summits; closed-door sessions were held; news conferences were conducted by chiefs; a constitutional challenge against the legislation was launched.