The True Post (Web News) The new law Bill C-5 introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has come under strong criticism from First Nations leadership.
Which he called “a continuation of colonial thinking in 2025.” During a press conference and summit in Ottawa on Thursday, several heads of Treaty 6 and 8 not only rejected the law but also walked out of the meeting.
What is Bill C-5?
The law empowers the federal cabinet to approve industrial projects deemed in the national interest, bypassing existing environmental and consultation laws**, such as pipelines and other energy megaprojects. The bill was introduced a month ago and quickly passed parliament with the support of the conservative opposition.
Why the opposition to First Nations leadership?
Chief Vernon Watchmaker of the Keheon Cree Nation said in strong terms: “Bill C-5 centralizes power in Ottawa, it is an affront to our treaty and inherent sovereignty. This is not modernity, it is colonialism in 2025.”
“Every day we are given a new bill, and our people are still hungry, poor and suffering,” said Chief Joy Pate of the Sunchild First Nation. “Where is the reconciliation?”
The summit, held in Ottawa, was abandoned mid-session by several First Nations leaders, calling it “outdated and frivolous.” “We were expected to speak directly to the prime minister, but we were just told to speak to each other,” said Cody Diabo**, the grand chief of Kahnawake, at the meeting. “This is not a consultation, this is a political drama. I feel speechless.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s defense
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Bill C-5 is only to “enable legislation,” not to address any specific project. “We want to sit down and have a frank conversation first,” he said. *However, several journalists were not allowed inside the meeting, and by noon, dozens of leaders had left the meeting in frustration.
Carney announced that he would meet with Inuit leadership in the Northwest Territories city of Inuvik within the next 10 days, but his spokeswoman was unable to confirm the date or location.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has not yet taken a clear position on Bill C-5, but sources say she may issue a statement in the coming days.
The province has previously expressed strong concerns about federal intervention in Indigenous rights and natural resources. Bill C-5 is being called anti-democratic, a violation of constitutional sovereignty, and a reflection of colonial thinking by First Nations leadership. The government’s “consultation” is being called showy and limited, while echoes of possible protests or legal challenges from Indigenous communities across the country in the coming days are being heard.
