The new Government of Canada is ready to revive the construction of major projects in our country, and projects built in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples will be at the forefront of this work.
To this end, Prime Minister Mark Carney summoned the First Nations summit on major projects in Gatineau, Quebec, to speak with First Nations groups about the Law aimed at building Canada And in the most effective way to carry out major projects in partnership with Aboriginal peoples. More than 250 managers, regional organizations and other representatives of owners of First Nations rights attended the meeting in person and virtually to present their views, their ideas and their priorities.
The Prime Minister listened to the First Nations and explained how the Law aimed at building Canada was designed to transform the Canadian economy and contribute to increasing the prosperity of Aboriginal communities, by means of equity and resource management projects. For these major projects to be carried out in partnership with Aboriginal peoples, the federal government goes ahead with several new measures, especially the following:
- Establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Council. The Council will work in close collaboration with the new federal office of major projects. Composed of First Nations, Inuit, Métis as well as representatives of modern treaties and autonomous indigenous governments, the Advisory Council will provide an orientation to ensure that the prospects and priorities of Aboriginal people are integrated into all stages.
- Assignment of $ 40 million for the participation of natives. Since the first discussions on projects to be included until continuous governance and capacity building, new financing aspects will promote concrete participation of Aboriginal leaders in the realization of projects of national interest.
- Expanding the Aboriginal loan guarantee guarantee program. The government has doubled the program envelope, which is now $ 10 billion, in order to help unlock capital to allow Aboriginal communities to participate in its own right in large projects of national interest.
The collaboration will continue with First Nations leaders at all levels as part of regional dialogue tables. The Prime Minister will soon meet the partnership committee between the Inuit and the Crown and the Métis leaders separately, in order to further deepen these conversations while respecting the distinctions.
Citations
“It is time to carry out major projects that will transform and connect our economy. At the heart of this mission is the leadership shared with Aboriginal peoples. It is by working in partnership that we can seize this opportunity and build a sustainable prosperity for future generations. »»
“This summit marks a turning point. There Canadian Economy Unit Act is not only a question of inclusion: it recognizes that prosperity comes when the First Nations are full -fledged partners in the development of the future. Together, we build an economy that reflects our common values, responsibilities and potential. »»
“This day marks a historic opportunity. Together, we start the work necessary to build a better future, where the economies and priorities of indigenous peoples will be truly integrated into the national economy. By showing listening, by mobilizing and learning in a spirit of sincere partnership, we take the first steps towards a more promising and equitable future. »»
” The Canadian Economy Unit Act is designed to build a strong Canada, strengthening our economic resilience while ensuring that First Nations and all Canadians benefit from it. To achieve our goals, we will seek – and we must seek – to promote the interests of indigenous communities. It is the only way to a shared success. The First Nations Summit on major projects marks the first step in this process and opens the way to the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for First Nations from one end to the other in Canada. »»
“It is time to start making major projects in the fields of energy and natural resources in Canada, in order to strengthen our economy and ensure our security in the face of threats to us. To achieve this, we must necessarily transform the way we consider our partnership with First Nations. First Nations members are not just simple participants in our economy; They are the first stewards of these lands, holders of rights, governments and builders. By collaborating concretely as partners, they allow us to better build. It is clear: if we really want to redevelop our economy, reconciliation must be at the center of concerns, not only during today’s summit, but also forever. »»
Protruding facts
- The consultation, participation, equity and partnerships of indigenous peoples are at the heart of the Law aimed at building Canada. The law requires the holding of concrete consultations on projects deemed of national interest as well as on the conditions that projects will have to meet.
- The Government of Canada will advance projects of national interest while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples recognized and confirmed by article 35 of the 1982 constitutional lawas well as the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal peoples, including the principle of free, prerequisite and enlightened consent.
- The corporation of loan warranty for Aboriginal people in Canada is responsible for managing the Aboriginal loan guarantee program. Loan guarantees are offered to support the participation of natives in projects of different sizes, reflecting the diversity of economic development possibilities and priorities in Aboriginal communities across Canada.
- By promoting projects of national interest, the Government of Canada undertakes to work in partnership with Aboriginal peoples to support economic prosperity, in compliance with rights protected by the Constitution and obligations under modern treaties.