OTTAWA – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is cautioning Prime Minister Mark Carney against using the powers of his majority government to push through new legislation on major projects, warning that the bill could have implications for First Nations rights.
The Building Canada Strong Act would transfer responsibility for reviewing a range of major developments, including pipelines and electricity transmission lines, from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator.
The proposed legislation would also introduce changes to the Canada Labour Code.
Woodhouse Nepinak says the government could risk dishonouring the Crown if it restricts parliamentary debate and consultation on the bill, as she says it did when major projects legislation was passed in 2025.
The AFN chief is calling on Carney’s government to give First Nations leaders the opportunity to propose amendments and to remain open to changes during the legislative process.
Federal ministers argue that the legislation is intended to accelerate the construction of major projects and support employment as Canada navigates an evolving trade relationship with the United States.
