The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is urging federal and provincial governments to ensure First Nations rights are respected as Canada moves to speed up approvals for major development projects.
The concerns come as Ottawa advances reforms tied to mining, pipelines, nuclear energy and transportation infrastructure projects. Proposed changes include shorter federal review timelines and streamlined approval processes.
FSIN Vice Chief Craig McCallum says First Nations must be fully informed about how the changes could affect their Treaty and inherent rights.
“First Nations must understand how these federal and provincial strategies, reforms, and approval pathways may impact their inherent and Treaty rights,” McCallum said.
He added that meaningful consultation must remain a priority.
“Any strategy or approval process without meaningful Nation-to-Nation engagement with First Nations is unacceptable,” he said.
FSIN is also calling for Treaty-based funding and resources to ensure First Nations can fully participate in legislative and policy reviews tied to major projects.