One Canadian Economy legislation draws questions from some Indigenous leaders

Bill C5 is getting pushback from Indigenous leaders, saying it could infringe on their rights. CTV’s Daniel Halmarson has more.

A bill tabled by the federal government earlier this month is leading to questions from some Indigenous leaders.

The One Canadian Economy Act, also known as Bill C-5, aims to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, ease labour mobility and fast-track major national projects—all amid ongoing trade disputes with the U.S.

Part of the legislation calls for “an accelerated process” to advance projects that are in the national interest, “while protecting the environment and respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples.”

However, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson warns that these projects may still infringe on Indigenous rights and environmental protections.

“First Nations leadership are not necessarily against development. You know, there are many projects that leadership may want to be a part of, but that conversation needs to happen,” she said.

“When we talk about reconciliation, economic reconciliation, when you talk about this partnership, nation to nation, you need to come and talk to First Nations leadership.

“You can’t fast-track anything without there being any sort of consequence,” she said.

The “ultimate objective” of the legislation is to reduce decision timelines on major projects from five years down to two years, according to a federal media release.

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Métis Federation, said that he is supportive of Bill C-5, adding that Canada’s “economic engine must be solid.”

“One major issue will be, are we going to be included in (Bill C-5)? Are they going to truly include us … not just by name, by actual inclusion,” said Chartrand.

Project approvals are expected to go through a new “Major Projects Office,” which will include an Indigenous Advisory Council, per a media release.

-With files from CTV’s Daniel Halmarson