Prime Minister Carney Engages First Nations Leaders on Nation-Building Projects

Over 250 Indigenous representatives meet in Gatineau to shape Canada’s new infrastructure future

GATINEAU, QC — Prime Minister Mark Carney is charting a new course for Canada’s infrastructure development—and First Nations are at the centre of it. This week, the federal government hosted the First Nations Major Projects Summit in Gatineau, bringing together more than 250 First Nations leaders and representatives to collaborate on the future of nation-building projects under the new Building Canada Act.

The summit focused on how Indigenous leadership and equity ownership can play a defining role in Canada’s next generation of major infrastructure. Through direct engagement with First Nations groups, the Prime Minister reinforced the government’s commitment to shared prosperity and Indigenous-led development.

Partnership with Indigenous peoples is central to our mission. pic.twitter.com/cieTB7lvYO

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 17, 2025

Key Measures Unveiled

During the summit, the Prime Minister outlined several key initiatives to ensure Indigenous voices shape—and lead—the development of major federal projects:

• Creation of an Indigenous Advisory Council
  A new council, comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty representatives, will advise the newly formed Major Federal Projects Office. This ensures Indigenous perspectives are embedded from day one of each project.

• $40 Million for Indigenous Participation
  Dedicated funding will support Indigenous communities through all stages—from early consultation and governance to long-term capacity building.

• Doubling of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program
  The program now offers $10 billion in loan guarantees to help Indigenous communities achieve equity ownership in large-scale resource and infrastructure projects.

Ongoing Dialogue

The government also announced the continuation of regional dialogue tables and upcoming meetings with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and Métis leadership to ensure inclusive and distinctions-based collaboration across Indigenous communities.

Quote from the Prime Minister

“It’s time to build big projects that will transform and connect our economy. Central to this mission is shared leadership with Indigenous Peoples. Working in partnership, we can seize this opportunity and build lasting prosperity for generations.” — The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Nation-Building Through Equity and Inclusion

The summit marks a significant step in what the Prime Minister has called a “transformational approach” to infrastructure development—one that prioritizes reconciliation, equity, and co-ownership. By empowering First Nations communities with tools, funding, and decision-making roles, the Building Canada Act aims to reshape how major projects are built in this country.

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