Canada is at a critical, historic juncture in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As we collectively strive to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience in the face of geopolitical upheaval, two headline issues are being discussed as threats to progress.

One is the interaction between Aboriginal title and urban property rights. The other is the government’s duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples about building major projects. Both can make our country fairer, more functional and more prosperous.

Much of Canada’s wealth exists today because of solemn agreements – binding and legal – forged with First Nations Peoples first by representatives of European monarchs, then later by a newly formed Canadian government.

Across the country, there are hundreds of examples of how rights reconciliation has worked to everyone’s benefit, evidence that good things can happen when rights are respected.

Yet too few Canadians know about them, and that lack of knowledge is harmful. Gaps in awareness have been filled with a divisive narrative: that Canada is a difficult place to do business because of Indigenous rights.

Are consultations with First Nations really the obstacle to fast-tracking national projects?

Are consultations with First Nations really the obstacle to fast-tracking national projects?

The Cowichan ruling isn’t a threat to private property

The Cowichan ruling isn’t a threat to private property

Canada needs to be the partner it keeps claiming to be

Canada needs to be the partner it keeps claiming to be

First Nations need equity to help drive a cleaner Canadian economy

First Nations need equity to help drive a cleaner Canadian economy

Many Canadians see the duty to consult and accommodate as an obstacle rather than an obvious opportunity to create a stable, predictable investment climate by involving Indigenous Peoples in decisions from the outset.

Project delays and uncertainty are the direct result of decisions that ignore this constitutional obligation and circumvent Indigenous rights. It’s a vicious, unfortunate cycle that we are in danger of repeating in our rush to build big and fast.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to take Indigenous obligations seriously as he pursues his nation-building agenda, but a fresh case in point is the Pacific........

© IRPP - Policy Options