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Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing mounting criticism over his One Canadian Economy Act, a flagship law aimed at fast-tracking "nation-building" projects to bolster the economy amid a trade war with the United States. The legislation, seen as an early win for Carney, has sparked significant concern among Indigenous First Nations, who argue it threatens their land rights and self-determination.
The law highlights regions like Ontario’s Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich area with an estimated C$90bn in deposits of chromite, nickel, copper, gold, and zinc. However, Indigenous communities, including the Attawapiskat First Nation, are protesting developments like Ontario’s designation of the area as a "special economic zone" for mining. Jeronimo Kataquapit, a 20-year-old from Attawapiskat, is among those camped out in protest, demanding consent, not just consultation, for projects on their land.
Indigenous leaders, such as Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, argue the law bypasses environmental assessments rooted in Indigenous knowledge, which consider air, land, water, medicines, and animals. “Time and time again, we see project development that has not taken Indigenous knowledge into consideration, and the project has essentially failed,” Benedict told the BBC.
Canada’s constitution mandates prior and informed consent for actions affecting Indigenous lands, but debates persist over what this entails. Justice Minister Sean Fraser has stated that consultation does not grant First Nations a complete veto, while Indigenous governance expert Pamela Palmater insists the law requires consent in many cases. Past resistance, such as the 2020 Wet’suwet’en-led railway blockade in British Columbia, cost hundreds of millions daily, underscoring the stakes when talks collapse.
Carney has emphasized Indigenous leadership in economic development, citing initiatives like the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. He is set to meet First Nations leaders on Thursday, followed by discussions with Inuit and Métis groups later this month. Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations, which held a virtual forum to unify chiefs, plans to propose amendments to the law during these talks.
However, some Indigenous leaders remain skeptical. Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski First Nation declared the law inapplicable in their territories and called for the resignation of Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Greg Rickford. Nine Ontario First Nations have launched a constitutional challenge, with legal counsel Kate Kempton criticizing the legislation for granting “unfettered authority” to push through projects despite objections.
Even pro-development Indigenous leaders, like Alberta Treaty Six Nations Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais, expressed disappointment with Ottawa’s approach, stressing the need for consultation, ownership, and revenue sharing. Conversely, John Desjarlais of the Indigenous Resource Network remains optimistic, believing economic development can align with Indigenous stewardship.
Environmental groups also warn that the law shortcuts critical environmental processes, potentially exacerbating tensions. As Carney navigates these challenges, the balance between economic ambition and Indigenous rights remains a contentious issue.
