FSIN CALLS FOR BALANCED APPROACH TO NATIONAL INTEREST PROJECTS UNDER BILL C-5

(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK) – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive is deeply concerned about the speed at which Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government have moved to advance Bill C-5—the One Canadian Economy Act—without any meaningful consultation with First Nations.

“Our primary concern with Bill C-5 is ensuring that First Nations’ Inherent and Treaty rights are not ignored or sidelined in determining which major projects are deemed to be in the national interest,” said Chief Bobby Cameron. “Every major project in Saskatchewan intersects with our Treaty and traditional territories. Regardless of what Bill C-5 proposes, Canadian courts have consistently upheld that governments have a duty to consult with First Nations in a meaningful and respectful way. First Nations demand that the Government of Canada respect, protect and uphold the sovereignty, Inherent and Treaty rights, laws and customs of First Nations to their traditional territories.”

Once passed into law, Bill C-5 will allow the federal government to unilaterally fast-track so-called “national interest” projects. The legislation enables Cabinet to designate a project as nationally significant and issue a single, consolidated federal authorization—streamlining approvals but raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability. Bill C-5 was introduced for First Reading in the House of Commons on June 6th, followed by Second Reading on June 16th, and rushed through Third Reading today—an astonishing pace for legislation with such sweeping implications.

“It’s unprecedented for such far-reaching legislation, with direct impacts on First Nations’ rights and territories, to be adopted with so little time and so few answers,” said Chief Cameron. “First Nations want to benefit from the development of lands and resources within our territories—just like everyone else—but not at the expense of our inherent and Treaty rights. There must be balance, and that balance begins with true Nation-to-Nation dialogue. So far, that’s been missing.”

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan and is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as promoting, protecting, and implementing Treaty promises made more than a century ago—promises that remain legally and morally binding today.

For more information or to coordinate interviews, please contact FSIN Communications at communications@fsin.com

2025-06-20 - FSIN Media Release - Bill C5.pdf

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