QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations
Indigenous Consultation
October 6, 2026
Senator Moreau, this is from the southern Chiefs of Manitoba. First Nations have treaty, Aboriginal, constitutional and inherent rights that must be respected along with the Crown’s duty to consult and the principle of the honour of the Crown. As the government advances Bill C-39, it is important that the definition and application of public interest do not result in First Nations rights and meaningful consultation receiving less certainty, clarity or protection than the development interests the legislation is intended to advance. If the government can establish a clear and predictable one-project, one-review, one-year process to provide certainty for major projects and investors, why can it not provide the same certainty, clarity and predictability for First Nations rights and the Crown’s duty to consult?
Thank you for that important question, Senator McCallum. I rose many times in this chamber to underline the fact that the government is taking very seriously its constitutional duty to consult with Indigenous communities. No matter the bill, be it Bill C-39 or any other matters that concern Indigenous communities, the government’s intention is to work in partnership with Indigenous People. As a matter of fact, in the major projects file, the government not only wants to talk and have discussions and consultation with First Nations, but it wants First Nations to be partners in those projects. That’s the reason we had the discussion, for instance, on pipelines with the Government of Alberta to offer 10% ownership for the Indigenous community. We want to work hand in hand with Indigenous Peoples, no matter the question, either a bill or a major project —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Bill C-39 does not address the continued call by First Nations for shared decision-making powers and authority. Recalling that the Government of Canada recognizes that all relationships with First Nations Peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self-determination, including the inherent right of self-government, does the Government of Canada plan to introduce new funding dollars for First Nations?
You are very well aware, Senator McCallum, that I cannot give an answer to what the future funding from the government will be. It is the right day to ask that question because, in a few minutes, we will have Committee of the Whole with three ministers present in this chamber concerning Bill C-39, so you will have time to ask the question to the ministers then. Thank you very much for your concern.
