AFN chief warns Carney against ’abusing’ majority to pass new major projects bill

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says the government should take more time for consultation on the Building Canada Strong Act.

Photo: La Presse canadienne / Darren Calabrese

Alessia Passafiume (new window) · The Canadian Press « abusing »

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is warning Prime Minister Mark Carney against his majority government powers to pass his new major projects bill, which she says could affect First Nations rights.

Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act (new window), shifts the responsibility for reviewing many big projects, such as pipelines and power transmission lines, from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator.

It also proposes changes to the Canada Labour Code.

Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says Carney's government risks dishonouring the Crown if it limits debate and consultations on the bill, as it did when it passed its previous major projects legislation in 2025.

WATCH | AFN national chief on new major projects legislation:

Major Projects Office can't be used to 'side-step' our rights, AFN chief says

Asked how accessible the federal government's major projects office has been to Indigenous leaders, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak said staff with the Alberta-based office 'don't know what they're doing when it comes to First Nations.'

She says Carney must let First Nations leaders bring forward amendments to the legislation and his government must be open to them.

Federal ministers say the legislation will speed up construction of major projects and boost employment as the country grapples with a changing trade relationship with the United States.