In response to C-5, IRTC lays out importance of bill being matched by actions and concrete resources
Treaty Two Territory – Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) is laying out a path forward to work with the federal government following the passing of the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), by making sure it is consistent with the government’s commitments to a true nation-to-nation relationship, reconciliation, and the government’s obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
“To date, the government’s actions with Bill C-5 has significantly limited opportunities for First Nations to participate fully in decisions that directly affect their rights and interests,” said IRTC Chair and Chief Cornell McLean of Lake Manitoba First Nation. “The Building Canada Act should not proceed until full, meaningful consultation has taken place directly with First Nations rights-holders. The legislation must go beyond the intent of the legislation and must be matched by actions and concrete resources.”
IRTC’s First Nations communities are willing to work with the federal government on a pathway forward as an equal partner in the construction of any major project, utilizing Saulteaux Tribal Nation LP, a First Nations-owned and operated company and subsidiary of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council Inc. (IRTC), with capacity for construction of pipelines and any major infrastructure.
“With the Building Canada Act and with any major project, our First Nations communities deserve meaningful consultation – not consultation processes where First Nations input was sought too late or without genuine opportunity to influence outcomes or decisions,” added IRTC Executive Director Karl Zadnik. “True reconciliation must go beyond consultation and must give Indigenous communities mechanisms to hold the government accountable for insufficient consultation.”
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About the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
The Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) consists of a partnership of seven Manitoba Interlake communities working together to advance the collective well-being of their members.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karl Zadnik, Executive Director
Interlake Reserves Tribal Council
karlzadnik@irtc.ca
