The Tŝilhqot’in Nation stands opposed to the federal government’s “One Canadian Economy” legislation, Bill C-5. This Bill puts Canada on a collision course with the inherent rights and title of Indigenous peoples by providing sweeping authority to federal ministers to fast-track approvals without proper regulatory review and bypass meaningful consultation with First Nations.
This approach violates Canada’s obligation under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) which commits to free, prior, and informed consent. This Bill also lacks explicit respect for Indigenous rights, under s 35 of the Constitution Act. After years of hard-fought progress, Bill C-5 risks turning back the clock to a time when battles over natural resources consumed entire decades of relations between Canada and First Nations.
After fighting decades for the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, and to protect Teẑtan Biny against the threat of mining over our objections, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation will not allow any development to occur in the Tŝilhqot’in territory without Tŝilhqot’in consent – no matter what laws are passed by the federal government.
We call on the federal government to reject Bill C-5 and respect Indigenous authority. Canada will only find its true strength when it respects and empowers Indigenous lands, laws, and voices.