AFN delegates draw a line on major projects

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Assembly of First Nations delegates at the group’s three-day annual general meeting say they are opposed to many federal actions related to expediting major projects.

On the second day of their meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, members of the assembly, an advocacy group that represents more than 600 First Nations across Canada, backed a resolution that raises concerns about fast-tracking major infrastructure projects, which are a key policy priority for the federal government.

The resolution opposes any federal reforms that weaken environmental protections, undermine oversight, limit meaningful consultation, compress review timelines or circumvent First Nations free, prior and informed consent [FPIC] in relation to major projects and regulatory streamlining.

It says First Nations are experiencing inadequate consultation and compressed engagement timelines, while provinces such as B.C., Ontario and Quebec have passed or are moving to enact legislative measures intended to streamline development project assessments and approval processes.

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But First Nations say they are conditionally prepared to support major projects.

“First Nations are not opposed to economic development, infrastructure, or energy projects, but affirm that any development occurring within First Nations territories must fully uphold First Nations rights, title, stewardship responsibilities, economic protection mechanisms,” the resolution states.

It also says such efforts must uphold the FPIC standard.

The resolution was discussed a day before several federal ministers are set to appear before the meeting, which is underway at a downtown convention centre.

The Thursday agenda for the gathering has seven ministers speaking to delegates, starting with Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

Other members of cabinet on the agenda are Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Northern and Arctic-Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Buckley Belanger, the Secretary of State for Rural Development.

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Wednesday’s resolution follows AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak’s comments that she’s willing to go to court to ensure the rights of First Nations are protected as the government starts the process to fast-track projects deemed to be of national interest.

“I’m just going to say this, that nothing is off the table, courts included,” Ms. Woodhouse Nepinak said in an interview Tuesday when asked what she would do if First Nations concerns about major projects aren’t addressed.

During the past year, the AFN has raised concerns about the proposed Alberta-B.C. pipeline, clean water and the risks that infrastructure projects could trample on treaty rights.

Also Wednesday, AFN members said, through a resolution, that they hope an October meeting of first ministers – the premiers and territorial leaders as well as the Prime Minister – and the assembly, to be held in Ottawa, will be the first of many. They want it to further First Nations priorities, positions and objectives and establish an ongoing dialogue.

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Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas, the hereditary Chief of Lyackson First Nation in British Columbia, called for a focused approach.

“We have got to go into this meeting very disciplined and recognize that we are there for the collective benefit of all of our people,” she told delegates during the debate on the resolution.

She suggested that relevant issues include shared decision making, the implementation of title, economic issues and moving beyond consultation to being decision makers at the table on issues that affect their communities.

“I think that everything that our people face every single day is important, but the opportunity that we have in front of us with this meeting means that we have to be selective in what we will have the opportunity to raise.”