The federal government is promising a new era of infrastructure development in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples. At the First Nations Major Projects Summit held in Gatineau, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet presented a national vision centered on Indigenous leadership and shared prosperity.
The Building Canada Act is designed to streamline the approval and development of nation-building projects—such as energy and transportation—while embedding Indigenous consultation, participation, and equity into every stage. The act aligns with both Canadian constitutional law and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
To support these efforts, Ottawa announced $40 million in funding to help Indigenous communities participate in project planning, governance, and long-term decision-making. In addition, the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program has been doubled to $10 billion, helping communities take ownership stakes in major economic projects.
A new Indigenous Advisory Council, with representation from First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and modern treaty groups, will work with the Major Federal Projects Office to ensure Indigenous priorities remain central.
This marks a significant step toward economic reconciliation, as Canada seeks to rebuild infrastructure in a way that reflects shared leadership and long-term prosperity.
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