Question Period Note: Role in Supporting Federal Consultation with Indigenous Peoples for Major Projects

N.A.

• Building Canada by advancing major projects will be done with Indigenous peoples as true partners.
• The Government will fulfil its legal obligations in consulting those that could be impacted in a way that is coordinated and effective.
• The Government has identified both funding to support capacity of Indigenous Nations, but also expanded the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to make capital more affordable.
• Our Department will continue to work to support all federal departments in fulfilling their duty to consult. This means providing expert advice, tools, and guidance, including identifying impacted communities.

Crown – Indigenous Relations (CIR) supports federal departments in fulfilling their duty to consult by providing expert advice, guidance, and insights on Indigenous relationships, including assisting in identifying impacted communities and advising consultation approaches for major project reviews.
CIR also provides training and develops tools including consultation protocols, guidelines on consultation and accommodation and the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System to facilitate meaningful and regionally tailored consultation with Indigenous communities

If pressed on Building Canada Act
• Indigenous leaders have been clear that the development of projects of national importance under the Building Canada Act must be done in full consultation and cooperation and be compliant with the Government’s legal obligations.
• Success is best achieved by working with Indigenous Peoples in a way that promotes reconciliation, partnership, and economic prosperity for all.