A global human rights organization has added to calls condemning federal legislation that many say will impact Indigenous rights in Canada.
In a news release Tuesday, Amnesty International Canada said the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5) a law that will allow projects deemed beneficial to national interest to bypass some federal laws, poses a “troubling threat” to the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“The right to free, prior and informed consent is enshrined in domestic and international law, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” the release said.
“Bill C-5 encourages the fast-tracking of infrastructure projects without safeguarding Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent over development proposals that affect their territories.”
Amnesty International Canada did not respond to a request for an interview.
Bill C-5 became law June 26 with Conservative support, despite opposition from Indigenous leaders across the country.
Twenty-eight senators had backed an amendment proposed by Sen. Paul Prosper to include explicit free, prior, and informed consent by Indigenous Peoples in the language of the law. The amendment was voted down.
Bill C-5 a ‘betrayal’ of reconciliation, says Sen. Prosper in speech
“Too often Indigenous peoples are painted as barriers to progress,” Prosper told the Senate during the debate.
“No one wants our children to grow up in squalor with no access to clean water, no opportunity for good paying jobs and no support for our sick and dying. However we do not want success and progress to come along the backs of Indigenous peoples.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney has framed C-5 as a viable and critical way to combat the urgent economic threat of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the Canadian economy.
The federal government has said that Indigenous Peoples will be consulted during the process of choosing the projects to be designated and the review process for projects chosen will include further consultations with those potentially impacted by them.
The federal government has also announced a series of “summits” that will take place over the summer with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
A statement last month from the Assembly of First Nations said it would be holding a virtual forum with chiefs on July 10 to discuss amendments made to Bill C-5, ahead of the prime minister’s planned meeting with First Nations on July 17.
Woodhouse previously said her office was given one week to review Bill C-5.
“Canadians and Parliamentarians should know that First Nations are united,” said Woodhouse in the statement.
“Our rights are not for sale.”
