OTTAWA — Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine, has called for an emergency meeting of chiefs to formulate demands for various levels of government in Canada. His appeal comes in light of ongoing efforts by federal, provincial, and territorial authorities to expedite project approvals that he believes undermine First Nations rights and interests. Fontaine criticized the governments for what he sees as a disregard for the voices of the Indigenous Peoples, stating that the current accelerated processes lack any honor towards these groups.
Fontaine expressed his urgency for action while addressing a gathering of hundreds of protesters outside Queen's Park, the legislative building in Ontario, on a recent Monday. The demonstration primarily aimed to oppose legislation proposed by Premier Doug Ford’s government that would empower it to bypass provincial and municipal laws for specific economically significant projects. Such measures are also being considered in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, with the federal government expected to present its fast-track legislation shortly.
The disproportionate focus on economic development has prompted First Nations leaders to declare their readiness to revive the Idle No More movement if their concerns continue to be overlooked. Fontaine urged current National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak to expedite the convening of an emergency meeting across the nation to establish a collective list of demands aimed at government bodies. He emphasized the urgency of this gathering, stating that First Nations are increasingly excluded from significant discussions that pertain to their rights and resources.
Fontaine remarked, "We have to take matters into our own hands. And we will do it in the most kindest way possible, but in a very determined way to express, once again, who we are—the First Peoples, treaty people." His statements coincide with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with provincial leaders in Saskatoon, where they discussed a draft list of "national interest" projects and forthcoming federal initiatives to facilitate development.
The intended legislation aims to streamline the regulatory approval process for certain projects, effectively serving as a substitute for the reviews mandated by the Impact Assessment Act. However, after meeting with the premiers, Carney assured the media that the upcoming legislation would prioritize meaningful consultations with Indigenous Peoples during both the identification of projects and the establishment of associated conditions.
Despite this pledge, First Nations leaders remain wary and have warned against proceeding with the legislation without adequate consultation, highlighting the potential violation of their rights and the undermining of treaties made with the Crown. In a letter addressed to Carney from Woodhouse Nepinak, she pointed out that while supporting measures to protect Canada from geopolitical and economic instability, it is vital to consider First Nations rights under international law and the Constitution.
Woodhouse Nepinak also mentioned that the federal government had provided a brief document regarding the new legislation with a request for feedback by the end of the week. This request arrived at a time when chiefs in the Prairies were managing emergency wildfire evacuations and were also busy opposing provincial legislation.
Highlighting the critical need for consultation, she underscored that First Nations’ free, prior, and informed consent must be procured before any developments proceed. She cautioned that failing to do so would lead to prolonged conflict and litigation, as past instances have demonstrated that First Nations rights have often been disregarded, leading to significant disputes over such issues.
