Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, recently shared his ideas on how to better support First Nations in Canada. He wants to encourage these communities to back natural resource projects. His plan involves letting companies pay a share of federal taxes directly to local First Nations, a proposal he first mentioned last year.
At a rally in Ottawa, Poilievre expressed his vision for First Nations to utilize this revenue for essential services like clean drinking water. He boldly stated, “I want the First Nations people of Canada to be the richest people in the world.” However, he also plans to repeal Bill C-69. This bill currently ensures that resource projects consider their environmental and social impacts as well as respect Indigenous rights.
Part of Poilievre’s agenda includes fast-tracking permits for mining activities in the Ring of Fire, a project that has faced opposition from some local Indigenous communities.
Experts have raised concerns about whether Poilievre’s ideas can truly improve water access and empower Indigenous communities economically. Hayden King, executive director of the Yellowhead Institute, pointed out that Poilievre is repeating old Conservative policies that have previously led to conflict between Indigenous Peoples and the government. He mentioned the Idle No More movement, which protested against similar government actions that threatened Indigenous rights and environmental protections.
Dawn Martin-Hill, a researcher focused on First Nations water issues, likened Poilievre’s approach to a previous administration’s tactics. She believes many Indigenous leaders recognize this pattern and view it critically. “Selling your soul to have what other Canadians have is highly problematic,” she remarked, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for basic necessities like clean water.
On the other hand, Conservative MP Jamie Schmale defended Poilievre’s stances, claiming that the current federal approach to Indigenous issues is ineffective. He promised to reverse policies they view as harmful and to enhance resource development in partnership with First Nations. He highlighted the immense resource wealth beneath Canada’s land, much of which belongs to Indigenous communities.
Billy Morin, a former chief now running as a Conservative candidate, also expressed his support for Poilievre, calling for new leadership to realize resource potential.
Critics warn, however, that a Conservative government under Poilievre might shift responsibility for water access to private companies. The Liberal government had promised to resolve all long-term drinking water advisories by March 2021 but fell short, with 33 advisories still active. While 147 have been lifted since 2015, progress has been slow.
Meanwhile, the Liberals had introduced Bill C-61, aimed at recognizing the inherent right of First Nations to clean drinking water. However, Conservative MPs blocked efforts to advance this bill in Parliament, keeping it stalled.
A spokesperson for Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu criticized Poilievre’s comments, stating they suggest communities would only gain access to clean water by allowing corporate exploitation of their lands. The spokesperson warned that such a return to past practices would be detrimental to all involved.
In this landscape of competing visions for Indigenous prosperity and environmental stewardship, the ongoing dialogues will be crucial in shaping Canada’s future.
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Conservative Party of Canada|federal government
