Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant move aimed at reshaping Canada’s economic future, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the official members of the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) that will guide the federal government’s newly established Major Projects Office (MPO). This announcement marks a key step in the government’s push to build transformative national infrastructure while honoring Indigenous rights and participation.
A New Era for Nation-Building Projects
Launched in August and headquartered in Calgary, the MPO is designed to accelerate and coordinate the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects deemed vital to Canada’s future economic competitiveness. The initiative stems from the recently passed Building Canada Act, which streamlines federal approvals and aims to eliminate longstanding bottlenecks that delay key projects.
The MPO will operate with a dual mandate: to fast-track regulatory approvals and to structure financing for transformative projects — all while maintaining strong environmental safeguards and upholding Indigenous rights.
Indigenous Leadership at the Forefront
The Indigenous Advisory Council will play a pivotal role in shaping how these major projects are selected, approved, and implemented. The eleven-member council brings together experienced leaders from across Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and self-governing Indigenous communities. Members include:
- Kluane Adamek, Kluane First Nation, Yukon
- Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatchewan
- Vanessa Doig, Makivvik, Nunavik, Northern Québec
- JP Gladu, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, Ontario
- Victoria LaBillois, Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation, Québec
- Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Beaver First Nation (Treaty 8), Alberta
- Chief Terry Paul, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia
- Lorne Pelletier, Manitoba Métis Federation, Manitoba
- Christy Sinclair, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Nunavut
- Crystal Smith, Haisla Nation, British Columbia
- Matt Vermette, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
These leaders will provide guidance to ensure Indigenous perspectives, rights, and opportunities for equity ownership are woven into the fabric of Canada’s most ambitious infrastructure plans.
A Model Grounded in Partnership
The creation of the IAC reflects the government’s broader commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous economic inclusion. The Building Canada Act includes specific provisions to ensure that meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples is a core part of project development. This includes respecting Section 35 of the Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly the principle of free, prior, and informed consent.
Prime Minister Carney emphasized that this model is not about token consultation, but about shared decision-making and long-term prosperity for Indigenous communities.
“This council ensures that major projects will not only move faster, but will move forward in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples. These projects will help build an economy that is more inclusive, more resilient, and more united,” said Carney.
Listening Before Leading
Over the summer, the federal government hosted three major summits with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders to hear their priorities and shape the foundations of the new law and the MPO. Discussions focused on increasing Indigenous equity participation, enhancing community benefits, and identifying projects that reflect a shared national interest.
The first round of nation-building projects to be evaluated by the MPO is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
