“Our Nations are not stakeholders. We are rights-holders. We must be involved from the outset and not as an afterthought when decisions are already made.”
– Grand Chief Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is reiterating serious concerns following the passage of Bill C‑5 in the Senate on June 26, 2025. The legislation—formally titled An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act (One Canadian Economy Act)—grants sweeping new powers to the federal Cabinet to fast-track large-scale infrastructure and resource projects.
“This is yet another example of decisions being made about our lands, our futures, and our inherent rights without proper inclusion of First Nations,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “While some language was adjusted during the legislative process, words alone do not constitute meaningful participation or uphold the Treaty relationship.”
Bill C‑5 includes two parts: the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, which aims to harmonize internal trade and worker mobility, and the Building Canada Act, which allows the federal government to designate major infrastructure projects—such as highways, pipelines, and energy systems—as being of “national interest.” Designated projects are then fast-tracked, with reduced parliamentary and regulatory oversight.
Although last-minute amendments removed the Indian Act from a list of laws that could be overridden and included language to acknowledge Indigenous consultation, SCO maintains the process has fallen short of the constitutional and international standards set by Section 35 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“Consultation must mean more than rushed appearances at Senate committees or vague promises of inclusion,” stated Grand Chief Daniels. “Our Nations are not stakeholders. We are rights-holders. We must be involved from the outset—not as an afterthought when decisions are already made.”
SCO warns that the five-year designation window for so-called “nation-building projects” under the Act may encourage rushed approvals without adequate environmental assessment or consultation. Furthermore, the requirement for written provincial consent on certain projects does not extend to affected First Nations, nor is there any indication that impacted Nations will receive a share of revenue generated from these developments.
“We continue to call for mandatory consultation and consent clauses for all fast-tracked projects,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “This Act may be a path forward for Canada’s economy, but it cannot come at the cost of our lands, our rights, or our future generations.”
SCO acknowledges the Act’s commitment to annual reviews and improved transparency, but notes the lack of clarity around compensation, participation in project governance, and long-term accountability mechanisms.
“We are prepared to work in partnership—but not under the current model, where federal authorities have final say over projects in our territories,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Nation-building must include the Nations. Anything less is not reconciliation.”
SCO continues to urge the federal government to immediately engage with First Nations leadership to co-develop clear implementation protocols, ensure revenue-sharing mechanisms, and fully respect the spirit and intent of the Treaty relationship.
First Nations hold a sacred and inherent relationship with the land and water, which are not seen as resources, but as living entities with their own spirit, rights, and responsibilities. For generations, First Nations have maintained and protected these relationships through laws, languages, and ways of knowing rooted in stewardship and balance. Environmental impacts must be viewed as central to any development process. First Nations are uniquely positioned to advocate for the health of the environment for today and for future generations because of this deep, intergenerational connection. Protecting the land and water must be a foundational consideration in the implementation of Bill C‑5.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens across what is now called southern Manitoba.
-30-
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca