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4w ago

First Nations Leaders Threaten Legal Challenges Over Fast-Track Projects Legislation

Leaders say the fast-tracked bill lacked meaningful Indigenous input, contravening Canada’s commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Terry Teegee, the regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, speaks during the Assembly of First Nations' Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa last December. Teegee and other chiefs are speaking out against federal legislation meant to speed up infrastructure projects.

Overview

  • The federal legislation pairs internal trade barrier reforms with expedited approval for major infrastructure and energy projects.
  • It outlines five national interest criteria, including Indigenous advancement, project viability, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
  • First Nations leaders report receiving only one week to review briefing materials, calling the timeline insufficient for meaningful consultation.
  • Regional Chief Terry Teegee and AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak argue that the process bypassed Indigenous voices, violating UNDRIP obligations.
  • They warn that continuing without proper engagement could trigger legal challenges and public protests, delaying critical projects.