QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Natural Resources
Consultation with Indigenous Peoples
October 9, 2025
Thank you, Minister Hodgson, for appearing before the Senate today.
Minister, both you and the Prime Minister stated that projects of national interest must move forward in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Is your definition of “partnership” incompatible with the affirmation that Aboriginal title can supersede fee simple property rights as outlined in the Cowichan decision? If so, how is your definition of “partnership” specifically incompatible with the Cowichan decision? And if not, why is your government challenging the decision?
I think that’s a question best asked of Minister Alty. I am not familiar with the specifics of the Cowichan decision. What I am familiar with is that whenever we sit with the leaders of First Nations, what I hear over and over again is that if a development benefits the community, they are not anti-development; they are pro-development. Whether it is Chief Clayton, with whom I was yesterday, whether it is Chief Nyce, with whom I was last week, or whether it is Chief Campbell, with whom I was a few weeks ago, they all have the same view, which is if there is real opportunity in projects, which typically means equity ownership, they are pro-development, and they are looking forward to participating in the benefits of Canada.
Thank you.
