QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Indigenous Businesses
April 15, 2026
Senator Moreau, as we all know, Prime Minister Carney has prioritized building a stronger, more resilient and more diversified Canadian economy. I have spoken of the role Indigenous Peoples must play in achieving this. According to reports, the Prime Minister reinforced this sentiment at the convention last week.
How is your government investing in capacity development for Indigenous economic partnerships?
As the government builds one Canadian economy, the government envisions Indigenous Peoples as key players in driving economic growth, both for their communities and for Canada as a whole.
By building capacity for Indigenous Peoples to determine and partner on major projects, the government is building on nearly $2 billion in federal investment in Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, putting money directly into communities across the country.
Moreover, the government signed historic agreements with the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association to put $500 million for strengthening Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.
Since 2015, the Canadian government has provided over $420 million to support Indigenous businesses to build capacity and access capital through their network of over 50 Indigenous financial institutions.
Senator Moreau, since the passage of Bill C-5, I have heard a mix of communities eager to capitalize on opportunities around major projects, while also hearing a lot of concern around the lack of consultation.
How is the government ensuring that economic development for Indigenous economic participation is occurring in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? Thank you.
Bill C-5 established the Major Projects Office, which did not require any specific consultation.
It was clear that major projects would only proceed after meaningful consultation with rights holders. It is a legal and constitutional obligation. We had that discussion when we were working on Bill S-2, under section 35 of the Constitution, which the government takes very seriously.
