AMC Alarmed by Federal Move to Fast-Track Bill C-5 Without First Nations Inclusion

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Acting Grand Chief Gord Bluesky are expressing serious concerns about the federal government’s use of a rare parliamentary tool — a “super-motion” — to drastically expedite the passage of Bill C-5, bypassing meaningful consultation with First Nations.

“This rushed process is deeply concerning,” said Acting Grand Chief Gord Bluesky. “The federal government is invoking extraordinary legislative tools to fast-track a bill that could have sweeping implications for our lands, waters, and Treaty rights — all without the consent or meaningful participation of First Nations. This undermines our rights as First Nations Peoples and disrespects the principles of democratic process and reconciliation.”

The super-motion, introduced in the House of Commons on June 12, would compress the entire legislative review of Bill C-5, including committee study and public input, into just five days. The final vote is expected as early as June 20. Bill C-5 contains provisions allowing the federal Cabinet to unilaterally designate megaprojects such as pipelines, hydro corridors, and other infrastructure as being in the “national interest,” placing them on a fast-tracked two-year path to approval.

“Using a procedural shortcut to push through a bill of this magnitude sets a dangerous precedent,” said Acting Grand Chief Bluesky. “This approach leaves no room for the transparency, partnership, or dialogue that reconciliation demands. It excludes the very Nations who will be most impacted by these decisions, and once again prioritizes federal ambitions over First Nations rights, jurisdiction, and governance.”

The AMC underscores that First Nations have long called for the same expedited legislative pathways that are now being used, but to advance priorities that reflect First Nations rights and interests. These include long-standing requests to fast-track the implementation of Treaty obligations such as the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, legislative recognition of First Nations laws in areas like child welfare and justice, and amendments to the Criminal Code to support First Nations-led gaming and economic development.

“For years, our Nations have waited — and continue to wait — for Canada to work with us on legislative tools that would support our self-determination, recognize our laws, and implement Treaties,” said Acting Grand Chief Bluesky. “Yet when it comes to legislation that advances Crown priorities, the process suddenly moves at lightning speed, without even basic consultation. These are decisions made by elected individuals who often have no connection to — or understanding of — our Nations, our territories, or our laws.”

The AMC reiterates that First Nations are not mere stakeholders in federal infrastructure policy — they are sovereign Nations and rights holders with jurisdiction recognized in Treaties, affirmed in the Constitution, and grounded in international law. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the right to free, prior, and informed consent — a standard that cannot be met through rushed timelines and closed-door processes.

The AMC is calling on the federal government to immediately suspend the use of the super-motion and instead work in full partnership with First Nations to co-develop any legislation that affects their lands, rights, and futures.

“Parliament must not trade speed for justice,” said Acting Grand Chief Bluesky. “If Canada is truly committed to reconciliation, it must listen to the First Peoples of these lands — not legislate around us.”

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.

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