The True Post (Web News) (Web News) Nine First Nations groups in Canada have challenged Bill C-5 (federal) and Bill 5 (Ontario) laws in the Ontario Superior Court, arguing that these laws violate their constitutional rights to self-determination and the legal obligation to consult with Cabinet, because according to them, consultations can be bypassed to speed up the approval of major projects of “national interest” (such as oil pipelines, mining and ports).
First Nations chiefs expressed serious concerns about Mark Carney moving forward with Bill C-5 (which allows for expedited approval of major projects) without inviting them .
The federal government required chiefs to submit their questions in advance by July 16 for the meeting scheduled for July 17, 2025, and they could also vote on other chiefs’ questions .
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse stressed that failure to consult with the Chiefs could be a violation of Canadian constitutional and treaty rights .
During a central campaign, First Nations chiefs also expressed their dismay at the bill’s initial rejection .
The bill was quickly passed in the Lok Sabha, while the amendment was rejected in the Senate with the consent of the Chiefs .
The government’s response was that “consultations are legal obligations”, but this standard position, according to the Chiefs, ignores delicate rights .