Mark Carney’s first major piece of legislation, the One Canadian Economy Act, is set to bring significant attention to the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario. This area is home to sustainable deposits of chromite, nickel, copper, gold and zinc. Because of this, DC has become the unintended prime target for all of this new potential economic development. Carney stresses the importance of indigenous leadership in creating a more prosperous economy. This is especially clear through bill and initiatives such as the One Canadian Economy Act and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The legislation has recently faced major pushback from both environmental organizations and native communities.
The One Canadian Economy Act would further speed up processes for resource development, a prospect that sent environmental advocates into a tizzy. Critics contend that the new law offers shortcuts that would allow project proponents to sidestep critical environmental safeguards. Kate Kempton, senior legal counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund, has warned about the precedent that would be set by granting such authority.
“Ever since these laws were passed it’s no longer about indigenous consultation, it’s about consent,” – Jeronimo Kataquapit, a member of Ontario’s Attawapiskat First Nation.
While tensions continue over the balance between indigenous rights and government development priorities, Carney is expected to sit down with First Nations leaders later this month. He is required to consult with Inuit and Metis in these conversations. These conversations go a long way toward addressing the real fears of the One Canadian Economy Act. This is particularly significant given that the Act was introduced in the context of a very costly China-U.S. trade war.
Environmental groups have been vocal about their frustration with the administration’s handling of environmentally destructive development projects. The federal government has teased multiple initiatives that have landed on its wish-list. Among them is a controversial pipeline along the British Columbia coast, and a $1.24 billion, carbon-capture project in Alberta’s oil sands. Sean Fraser, Canada’s justice minister, clarified that while First Nations’ consultation is integral to these projects, it does not equate to a complete veto.
Nine First Nations from Ontario have recently filed a constitutional challenge to both provincial and federal legislation. They claim that these laws create a “clear and present danger” to their culture and way of life and their constitutional rights to self-determination.
“The law is a duty to consult, accommodate concerns, and in many cases get consent,” – Pamela Palmater, an indigenous governance expert.
Jeronimo Kataquapit’s padlock protest at the Ring of Fire perfectly illustrates this tension and conflict. He’s camping out there in part to push for the inclusion of First Nations voices in decision-making processes. He staunchly advocates that consultations with indigenous communities should address ownership and revenue sharing, and indigenous communities need to lead these conversations. This is particularly important as Canada heads into 2025 and beyond.
“It is 2025, First Nations need to be included in consultation, ownership and revenue sharing,” – Greg Desjarlais.
Widespread support from tribal leaders Kataquapit’s sentiments are repeated by many indigenous leaders who, like him, often feel ignored by legislation that directly impacts their communities. Critics from all sides—federal, state, and local officials, industry stakeholders and legal scholars—have criticized the proposal for insufficient substantive consultation. They contend that just hearing the voices of indigenous people doesn’t cut it.
John Desjarlais, executive director of the Indigenous Resource Network is optimistic for what’s to come. He envisions enormous opportunities for economic development from collaborations with indigenous communities. He noted that there are models – worldviews or environmental assessments already out there, based on these indigenous teachings.
“We have environmental assessments based on indigenous teachings,” – John Desjarlais.
Debate on the One Canadian Economy Act is already heating up. The spotlight is now on finding a fine balance of promoting economic growth while protecting indigenous peoples’ rights. The Ring of Fire has exciting potential for resource extraction, but the road ahead is dangerous and has tests at every kilometer.