Prime Minister Carney Announces Indigenous Advisory Council for Major Projects Office
EDMONTON — Prime Minister Mark Carney today announced the membership of the new Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC), which will guide the recently launched Major Projects Office (MPO) in accelerating transformative, nation-building infrastructure across Canada.
The MPO, headquartered in Calgary, was created under the Building Canada Act to fast-track approvals for major projects such as ports, railways, energy corridors, and clean energy initiatives. Its mandate is to streamline federal processes and coordinate financing while ensuring Indigenous Peoples are at the centre of decision-making.
Indigenous Leadership at the Core
The newly appointed IAC consists of eleven representatives from First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government partners. Members include:
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Kluane Adamek (Kluane First Nation, Yukon)
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Chief Darcy Bear (Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatchewan)
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Vanessa Doig (Makivvik, Nunavik, Québec)
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JP Gladu (Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Ontario)
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Victoria LaBillois (Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, Québec)
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Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi (Beaver First Nation, Treaty 8, Alberta)
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Chief Terry Paul (Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia)
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Lorne Pelletier (Manitoba Métis Federation, Manitoba)
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Christy Sinclair (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Nunavut)
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Crystal Smith (Haisla Nation, British Columbia)
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Matt Vermette (Métis Nation-Saskatchewan)
The Council will meet quarterly and provide ongoing input to ensure projects align with Indigenous priorities, constitutional obligations, and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
A New Era of Nation-Building
Carney emphasized that Indigenous participation is central to building “One Canadian Economy.”
“The expertise and advice of the Indigenous Advisory Council will help ensure these projects empower First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and create greater opportunity, security, and prosperity for their communities,” said Carney.
Several ministers also highlighted the importance of Indigenous partnership. Minister Dominic LeBlanc noted the IAC would ensure Indigenous perspectives are integrated “at each stage” of major projects. Minister Rebecca Chartrand described the Council as a “pivotal step” toward reconciliation and sustainable economic growth.
Dawn Farrell, CEO of the MPO, underscored that the Council’s guidance will be critical to getting projects “built fast, built right, and built in a way that creates real opportunity.”
Supporting Indigenous Economic Participation
The government has committed $40 million over two years to support Indigenous communities’ capacity to engage on major projects. In addition, the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program has been doubled to $10 billion, enabling communities to secure equity ownership in projects of national interest.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s new government is preparing to announce the first set of projects to be fast-tracked by the MPO. With the IAC now in place, Indigenous leaders will be at the decision-making table to shape how Canada’s most important infrastructure is built.
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